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Transmission Fluid change (135,000 mi.); yes or no and if yes how often please.

Discussion in '2nd Gen Tundras (2007-2013)' started by chickamaw, Jul 4, 2020.

  1. Jul 4, 2020 at 6:28 AM
    #1
    chickamaw

    chickamaw [OP] New Member

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    Just picked up a 2007 Tundra SR5, TRD, 5.7, 135,000 miles. The transmission fluid has probably never been changed. How should I approach changing or not changing the fluid please?
     
    Rex Kramer likes this.
  2. Jul 4, 2020 at 6:54 AM
    #2
    CTB Mike

    CTB Mike It's RED? My rods and cones must be screwed up!

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    Whenever I buy a vehicle with that many miles I immediately change all fluids and oils, and lube everything. I look upon it as cheap insurance, and discovery of possible problems.
     
  3. Jul 4, 2020 at 7:05 AM
    #3
    frichco228

    frichco228 Valued Member

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    Yes, change it. However do a drain and fill, not a "flush".
     
  4. Jul 4, 2020 at 7:06 AM
    #4
    Rex Kramer

    Rex Kramer Vinyl Spinner

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    I do the same... my 2007 was purchased with 270,000 miles and zero service records, all fluids were changed before the odometer read 271,300. The transmission service was a drain & fill performed by the dealer... it's not a good idea to flush them with that many miles and no service history.

    Edit: I am at about 293,000 miles and will perform another drain & fill @ 295,000 +/- miles.
     
    Last edited: Jul 4, 2020
    McYoda, mtndds98, Filthyphil and 3 others like this.
  5. Jul 4, 2020 at 7:49 AM
    #5
    Failure2comply

    Failure2comply Master HVAC Tech

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    On my 2008 (5.7L) with 125k miles I ordered the filter (screen), pan gasket, o-ring, and crush washers. I did a drain and refill with the Transmission Cooler Thermostat held in the open position. Be aware that the bolts at the front corners are liable to snap off so be prepared. I drilled them out with a smaller drill and used an easy out to remove them, I then re-tapped the holes and installed new bolts and washers.I will drain and refill when I hit 150k. My transmission fluid looked like it might have been changed prior, but was still in need of replacement. Also, buy genuine Toyota WS transmission fluid.
     
    neuberas, YardBird and CTB Mike like this.
  6. Jul 4, 2020 at 7:57 AM
    #6
    CTB Mike

    CTB Mike It's RED? My rods and cones must be screwed up!

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    Using genuine Toyota WS fluid is probably the most important step. It will be in there for a long time.
     
  7. Jul 4, 2020 at 8:14 AM
    #7
    snivilous

    snivilous snivspeedshop.com

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    I drain and fill every couple oil changes. At 230k+ now with a blower and tranny seems happy. I have no desire to test the "lifetime fluid" claim.
     
  8. Jul 4, 2020 at 8:22 AM
    #8
    chugs

    chugs New Member

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    I got 188,xxx miles never been changed still going strong like donkey kong.
    [​IMG]
     
  9. Jul 4, 2020 at 8:29 AM
    #9
    CTB Mike

    CTB Mike It's RED? My rods and cones must be screwed up!

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    Keep rolling those dice...
     
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  10. Jul 4, 2020 at 8:44 AM
    #10
    Tileguy

    Tileguy New Member

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    I’m at 417K and never been changed. Running smooth.
     
    WILLINH and chugs[QUOTED] like this.
  11. Jul 4, 2020 at 8:48 AM
    #11
    ekinnee

    ekinnee New Member

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    I’d say it depends on the condition of tha ATF. If it’s just dirty from use, change it. If it isn’t longer pink or reddish and has turned dark or has metal shavings in it.

    I would not change it and especially not flush it, not until you figure out what’s wrong with it to make it dark or have shavings.

    The above is why you hear things like “It was fine until we changed the fluid.” The gunk was keeping it working and you removed the gunk.
     
    FrenchToasty likes this.
  12. Jul 4, 2020 at 8:55 AM
    #12
    Trooper2

    Trooper2 Premium Lone Star Member / SSEM #13

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    Drain and fill; usually 3-4 quarts. Replace the amount that was drained. If fluid drained is really dirty, repeat in a few weeks or next oil change. I used Valvoline Max Life which is synthetic and compatible. Toyota WS is not synthetic.
     
  13. Jul 4, 2020 at 9:31 AM
    #13
    chugs

    chugs New Member

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    Damn, rolling dices towards toyota lifetime standard achievement! I got 229,000+ more miles to go....lol

    [​IMG]
     
    Last edited: Jul 4, 2020
  14. Jul 4, 2020 at 9:39 AM
    #14
    Tileguy

    Tileguy New Member

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    I’ll add a little more info. My tundra has never more than 100 miles from my home. I have a small sub contracting business and I make dozens of short trips and stops everyday. Regularly carry loads of 1500 lbs or more. Best truck I have ever owned and I have been in business 41 years.
     
  15. Jul 5, 2020 at 6:19 AM
    #15
    sourdough44

    sourdough44 New Member

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    I like the ‘drain & fill’ plan, 3-4 quarts or whatever.
     
  16. Jul 5, 2020 at 8:02 AM
    #16
    chugs

    chugs New Member

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    I've driven cross country twice, to the pismo dunes, and on various offroad buzz fishing trips.

    Screenshot_20200605-060458_Chrome.jpg
     
    camillethetoy and bleach like this.
  17. Jul 6, 2020 at 11:19 PM
    #17
    jalam321

    jalam321 New Member

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    I usually like to change to fresh fluids also when I buy a used car with some miles. But I'm on the fence 50/50 with Toyota WS fluid. They claim it supposed to be "lifetime"...and I'm sure for good reason. I changed it in my Tundra at around 150k just for a piece of mind and it still looked good. I think it would be ok if i did not change it. My wife has a Lexus that has 285k miles that also uses WS fluid. We never changed the transmission fluid. Last month I had to change the CV axles on her car and the fluid still looked good and red color (not dark colored like in video above). I was planning to change the fluid also...but like the saying goes "if it ain't broke, don't fix it" I just topped it off because some fluid came out when I pulled the axles. But like some of you guys, I am skeptical about "lifetime" fluid but this proves to be true on our Lexus.
     
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  18. Jul 7, 2020 at 5:39 AM
    #18
    Jeffro22

    Jeffro22 New Member

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    I would definitely do a complete change (not flush)

    Your mileage shouldn’t be an issue

    I used maxlife in mine.
     
  19. Jul 7, 2020 at 5:45 AM
    #19
    Rex Kramer

    Rex Kramer Vinyl Spinner

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    My new maintenance schedule is to change the oil & filter ever 4,000 miles, and perform an AT drain & fill with every 5th oil & filter change.
     
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  20. Jul 9, 2020 at 4:22 AM
    #20
    Rph74

    Rph74 New Member

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    Wow that is VERY impressive for that Tundra given the type of use.

    What components (Starter, alternator, water pump etc) have you had to change on your truck?
     
  21. Jul 11, 2020 at 3:24 PM
    #21
    Tileguy

    Tileguy New Member

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    So far I have replaced fuel pump, two starters and 2 alternators. I average 20 to 30 stops daily so I’m especially hard on starters/alternators. 418k now.
     
  22. Jul 11, 2020 at 3:27 PM
    #22
    Rex Kramer

    Rex Kramer Vinyl Spinner

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    Are there any transmission solenoids that one should consider changing as preventative maintenance when mileage is over 250K or so?
     
  23. Jul 16, 2020 at 8:58 AM
    #23
    Asmith2945

    Asmith2945 New Member

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    Aftermarket rims, added fogs, new headlights, led brake light housings, cargo cover, nerf bars, bilstein shocks and coil overs, k&n drop-in filters, yellow sumo springs, Icon RXT leaf springs, after market 1” shackles, forged upper control arms, 3” spacer lift soon
    Sitting at ~210miles and need to at least drain and fill but am wondering if the AT filter ever needs to be changed?
     
  24. Jul 16, 2020 at 10:05 AM
    #24
    Trooper2

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    Not a terrible idea. The pan has to be dropped, hear that some of the studs are often a pain, may even shear off creating more headaches.
    I would try each bolt/stud to see if they loosen prior to tackling that job.
     
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  25. Jul 16, 2020 at 10:24 AM
    #25
    Sasquatch

    Sasquatch New Member

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    I say do what the owners manual says. Toyota transmissions are one of the best if not the best. Dodge even uses it in the 3500HD. Aisin (pronounced eye shin FYI) is Toyoda, same company. And I like to do the maintenance as prescribed by the company. Discolored fluid does not mean its bad. It is bad when it stinks, and or full of glitter. If you have issues you will probably need a rebuild. Automatic transmissions ware out that is a fact of life. Clutches ware out, seals fail, and parts brake. Flushing fluid, servicing, Drain and fill have never fixed a failed transmission. As long as it has the proper fluid to begin with. I was a Dodge transmission technician for years. They are the worst.
     
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  26. Jul 21, 2020 at 4:52 PM
    #26
    tundrainsc

    tundrainsc Happy Tundra 1st Gen

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    Not much response to this question. Having my Tundra with 162k drained and filled soon at dealer. Still not sure whether to request filter change. Opinions appreciated.
     
  27. Jul 21, 2020 at 5:32 PM
    #27
    timsp8

    timsp8 Former Tundra owner for 13 years

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    It’s not really a filter. It’s more of a screen. Someone dropped theirs after a lot of miles and there was nothing on it. I think they cut it open too and it was clean. There was a thread about it. Most say don’t bother replacing it as you could have more issues like the already mentioned bolts breaking.
     
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  28. Jul 21, 2020 at 5:44 PM
    #28
    YardBird

    YardBird Native San Diegan

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    He's_right_you_know.jpg

    I've heard this same story from another source although I've never had the pan off of my transmission I'll take their word for it.
     
  29. Jul 21, 2020 at 6:53 PM
    #29
    1rooster

    1rooster New Member

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    Here is what the inside of my filter looked like at 125k. Spotless 6656D3A0-E613-409A-9BBC-0B071C02AAE3.jpg
     
  30. Jul 22, 2020 at 11:05 AM
    #30
    drowhawk

    drowhawk New Member

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    It is indeed a strainer, not a filter and you should definitely not change it. By removing the transmission pan you are just increasing the odds that contamination will make its way into the transmission. Contamination includes oxygen. Oxygen is not good for transmissions or ATF. Drain/fill every 30k.
     

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