Just FYI,

Did the brake system flush at the dealer 2 days ago.

Dealer said the whole procedure takes 90 minutes, and they will take off all four wheels to bleed out the old fluid and put in new fluid. Also they use computer to monitor the new fluid when adding them, to make sure the composition is correct, which the car owners can not accomplish during a DIY.

After service, I checked and the brake fluid looks brand new, totally clear.

 

did you notice any difference in the braking performance

 

Do they just measure the color of the brake fluid as it comes out of the bleed nipple, to make sure all of the old stuff is flushed out? I need to get my brakes flushed also (64,000 miles). Do you mind if I ask how much they rushed you for the flush??

 

I asked dealer if there will be noticeable improvements in braking, dealer said no,
My car has relatively low mileage so it has good braking to start with.
and I did not feel any difference in braking performance after the flush.

labor cost is ~$120, fluid cost is ~26, total about $150.

again, i can not feel any difference in braking, this flush is done in the hope that it will benefit the car in the long run.

Wheel alignment check price is ~130, since I did not feel any steering wheel pull, i did not do it. Do you guys do the alignment check often?

 

My dealer charged me 79 dollars inc fluid and used Techstream to do the job. This was a Toyota dealer in Canada. 150 sounds steep to me, especially in the U.S.!

 

Thanks for the information, probably I should do the service in Toyota Dealer next time,

My car went through a annual inspection last year in a local Toyota dealer, and after the inspection, all the nice metal tire stem valve caps are gone and replaced with grey plastic ones. So i started to avoid the Toyota Dealer,

 

Errrr........ well........ Check out the Toyota dealer DISASTER post from this week!

 

That's just an isolated incident though, I wouldn't try to deter people from using a Toyota dealer because of that, just maybe not that specific dealer

 

IMO Brake fluid and Power Steering fluid replacement is one of the most overlooked maintenance jobs and I feel it is important to have both of those done from time to time.

 

lots of cars even don't require brake fluid replacement,
e.g., camry 2007, brake fluid replacement is not in the maint. schedule

thanks for the tip.

 

My 2010 Prius doesn't have brake fluid changes but I understand that's because it is a brake-by-wire system. Don't know if that's why some other newer cars have the same (lack of) requirements (?)

 

Brake fluid is hydroscopic and should be changed out periodically. My BMW required it every 2 years. These are big heavy cars with large braking systems that get a workout. For 75 bucks every two years or so, I'll do it.

As I stated earlier, my Toyota dealer did a great job and took good care of my car. They even washed and vacuumed it after. That and free cappuccinos and newspapers is worth the 75 alone.....

 

good for you, seems you have a nice toyota dealer nearby,

 

Nice, can't beat that price! Free coffee too, I'm totally there, especially if they have donuts

 

LOL. No donuts, but the ladies in reception and parts were very friendly!