Maintenance advise

Hey guys,

So I have always have my truck serviced at a local Toyota dealership. This dealership is one of the good ones and they have earned my trust over the years. However, at the last service, the service report says that the truck needs a fuel system service, a power steering fluid exchange, and a brake fluid exchange. To me, this feels like the dealer is trying to get you to pay for services just so that they can make more money. They are not pushing me to do it; they just have mentioned it.

I checked the manual and I could not find any entries for these 3 services; even under the extreme usage section. The truck has 60k miles on it, I have towed twice with it, and I am not experiencing any power, steering, or braking issues.

Is there any point (mileage or years) at which those systems need these preventative services?

Thanks,

 

A lot of times these just “pop up” on the service list regardless of any actual need to do the service based on inspection. I’d follow the owners manual recommendation. Might also ask the dealer why they think it’s needed. If they’re calling it “preventative” ask why they are recommending it contrary to what the maintenance schedule in the manual says.
I stopped taking my cars to dealers. They always want to replace the cabin air filter for like $75 and you can do it in 2 minutes with a $10 filter!

 

From my perspective as a mechanic for many years, it is good to do these services every few years. 50-60K is a good mark for all 3 of those.
1. Fuel system service - cleans throttle body, manifold, and fuel system (specifically injectors) of carbon build up. Also relearns base idle. Excessive carbon buildup can cause poor performance and misfires for various reasons.
2. Power Steering Fluid - Severely degraded fluid can result in loss of steering performance and also degrades seals causing leaks.
3. Brake Fluid - Brake fluid absorbs water and is subject to high temperatures. Fluid with high water content can cause brake fade as well as degrading of seals. Very important to maintain brake fluid when you do a lot of towing and/or haul heavy loads.
Over maintaining your vehicle is not a bad thing. Just make sure to use the proper fluids and follow procedures.

 

Another thing to think about is the fact that there are different environments to take into consideration. Brake fluid for example, absorbs condensation and may deteriorate in some areas faster than others. Different gasoline additives required in some areas may create more fuel system deposits. City driving creates more power steering fluid heat and system wear. I also think 60k is a good point for these services. Never do a transmission flush...ever.......filter and fluid change only at 100k-120k.

 

Can you elaborate on that transmission flush notice?

 

What do you mean by filter and fluid change only on transmission?

 

https://www.tundras.com/threads/tundra-maintenance-guide.315/

 

I don’t know if there is a schedule for those items or not but years ago I had the dealership perform those services on a 6 year old Tacoma. There were zero problems with the trucks brakes, engine, or steering. However after the services everything did feel smoother. So personally I am an advocate of doing those services every five years. All fluids break down and if your into your Tundra for the long haul, I would do it…it’s not dealership BS. Prices now…a whole different discussion.

 

I just took my truck for service last Friday and i got all the same thing also added was a balance and alignment.
I declined the service, for the mean time and my truck has 60k on it.

 

Don't waste your money on the fuel system service or power system fluid service. The fuel system services are big time profit centers for dealers. Our Tundras have port injected engines, and the gasoline we use has additives in place that keep things clean. If you want, buy a couple bottles of Techron Fuel System Cleaner at Walmart or Advance (buy 1, get 1 this month) and add to your next tank of gas.

It probably is a good idea to replace the brake fluid every few years as it absorbs water.

 

For the most part, when using Top Tier detergent gas, you’re right about the fuel system. It does not, however, cover the throttle body, which is still subject to build up via crankcase ventilation. Dirty throttle bodies will increase stress on the internal TB motor, reduce responsiveness, efficiency, and in worse cases, cause sticking, which can trigger CELs for TP sensors.

 

I also do not do ATF flushes on vehicles - I always do a drain and refill. I am careful, particularly for higher mileage vehicles, as I don't want to flush any build-up into the small hydraulic passages that control trans operation. A noted problem with Honda transmissions. For the Tundra, I recently completed this and replaced the filter at 43,000 miles as I tow a heavy travel trailer. I will do this again in another 30,000 miles. Had previously changed the fluid in the front & back differentials and the transfer case at 30,000 miles.