The manual on my '06 says to replace the transfer case and differential oil at 54 months or 45000 miles, ONLY IF OPERATING UNDER DESERT, DIRT ROADS or TOWING conditions. Should this be done anyway, if driven normally not under those conditions? And if so, when?

 

Also, I notice that there doesn't seem to be a time to replace the engine COOLANT. Did I miss that?

 

In the Canadian owners manual the coolant needs to be flushed at 120k km/70K miles.

The diff and transfer fluid should be changed at 65K km/45k miles. I switched to Royal Purple and using the same intervals. Fluid changes are cheap in comparison to part replacement
Just my thoughts,
Chris

 

Where can I find it in print that the diff and transfer case should be changed at 45K miles?

 

Only thing in print from Lexus is what you found in the Owner's Manual Scheduled Maintenance Guide. Through 90K miles the only listings for transfer case and differential oils comes with the following comment regarding their replacement:

2 Required only if vehicle is operated primarily on dusty roads or towing a trailer or using a camper or car-top carrier

 

For the 2004 RX330 the Scheduled Maintenance Guide lists for the coolant to be replaced at 90K miles. Makes sense as that would be when you had it in for your timing belt and for them to look at the water pump. Do not think they had gone to the long life coolant yet for your 2006. However, look online in that guide to see what is shows for your 2006.

 

Online in WHAT guide? WHERE?

 

So this would indicate that it DOES NOT have to be changed at 45K...RIGHT????

 

In short, yes.

I think what diverchris is getting at is what many here on the forums believe -- these extended fluid/lubricant change intervals should be done more frequent than what Lexus/Toyota requests.

If you take your RX330 to the dealer they are probably not going to ask you to perform these (unless they are trying to run the tab up on you). However, if you plan on holding onto your Lexus for a number of years this may not be bad preventative maintenance. This is especially true if you DIY.

 

Look, I am NOT a DIYer. And I don't baby my cars. But I DO maintain them. I'm just an average Joe wondering when a prudent but not maintenance-crazy guy should do this stuff. ??????????????

 

Here is the link from Lexus Canada website:
http://xws.xtime.com/xmmmenu/?varian...estimate=false

I hope this helps,
Chris

 

Chris, that was very helpful. It clearly says to replace those fluids at about 40,000 miles. I wonder why the USA manuals don't address that?

 

I dont know,but they should.

 

Or maybe not.

 

For those driving conditions other than the Lexus specified "Special Operating Conditions":

Coolant - Replace every 100,000 miles and every 50,000 miles thereafter.
Transfer Case Oil - Inspect for leaks and check level every 15,000 miles.
Rear Differential Oil - Inspect for leaks and check level every 15,000 miles.

The 2006 Lexus maintenance information was provided in an owner's manual supplement, which was placed in each vehicle (along with the owner's manual and other publications).