Fluids - How old is too old??
08-31-09, 05:40 PM
#1
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Fluids - How old is too old??
My 1999 RX300 is 10 years old but only has 45k miles on it. Now, the tranny fluid has been changed, but what about other fluids, like Antifreeze, Rear and Differential and Transfer Case Oil, Brake fluid???
To the best of my knowledge, the antifreeze was replaced about 7 years ago, and it recently tested "OK" at the dealership, but 7 years? Really? In my '05 RX330, the toyota antifreeze is good for 10 years, but in '99, I don't think they had this durable fluid.
I know the Differential, Xfer case, and brake fluid has NEVER been changed...
Does one go by the age of the car in this case, or by the mileage when determining when to replace such fluids.
I welcome everyones comments!
To the best of my knowledge, the antifreeze was replaced about 7 years ago, and it recently tested "OK" at the dealership, but 7 years? Really? In my '05 RX330, the toyota antifreeze is good for 10 years, but in '99, I don't think they had this durable fluid.
I know the Differential, Xfer case, and brake fluid has NEVER been changed...
Does one go by the age of the car in this case, or by the mileage when determining when to replace such fluids.
I welcome everyones comments!
08-31-09, 06:14 PM
#2
I think a starting point is the manufacturer's recommendations. These recommendations cover mileage and duration (whichever comes first) These are printed in the owner's manual. If you don't have an owner's manual, you can contact Lexus and get one for free (as recently reported on this forum).
My understanding is that the problem with antifreeze is not reduction in antifreezing properties, but corrosiveness and sedimentation over time. So, was the testing to determine freezing point or level of acidity?
Brake fluid absorbs moisture and this can reduce braking performance and can cause internal corrosion in the braking system.
With engine oil, I have read that there are acids formed by combustion. That is probably one reason that Lexus recommends an oil change every 6 months.
I wouldn't be quite as worried about age of the other fluids, but the cost of replacement is so small and the penalties of neglect are potentially large.
My understanding is that the problem with antifreeze is not reduction in antifreezing properties, but corrosiveness and sedimentation over time. So, was the testing to determine freezing point or level of acidity?
Brake fluid absorbs moisture and this can reduce braking performance and can cause internal corrosion in the braking system.
With engine oil, I have read that there are acids formed by combustion. That is probably one reason that Lexus recommends an oil change every 6 months.
I wouldn't be quite as worried about age of the other fluids, but the cost of replacement is so small and the penalties of neglect are potentially large.
08-31-09, 07:12 PM
#3
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^ 
good advice.
Also the milage limit should be adjusted for extremes. 1000 miles in extreme heat and or hauling lots of load can equal 3000 miles of normal usage.
Salim
good advice.Also the milage limit should be adjusted for extremes. 1000 miles in extreme heat and or hauling lots of load can equal 3000 miles of normal usage.
Salim
08-31-09, 09:28 PM
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My 2000 RX300 has over 105,000 miles on it and I change the engine oil frequently, drained and refilled the automatic transmission fluid eight times, change the coolant every 30,000 miles, change the brake fluid with every pad change and recently used a turkey baster to suck out and replace the brake and power steering fluid.
When the odometer was about to hit 90,000 miles, I took it to a local Toyota dealer and had them change the front and rear differential fluids and transfer case fluid. It was an inexpensive preventive maintenance decision which gives me great comfort knowing that all the fluids have been changed at least once with fresh OEM fluid.
When the odometer was about to hit 90,000 miles, I took it to a local Toyota dealer and had them change the front and rear differential fluids and transfer case fluid. It was an inexpensive preventive maintenance decision which gives me great comfort knowing that all the fluids have been changed at least once with fresh OEM fluid.
Last edited by Bobk528; 09-07-09 at 09:47 AM.
09-01-09, 04:03 AM
#6
My 2000 RX300 has over 105,000 miles on it and I change the engine oil frequently, drained and refilled the automatic transmission fluid eight times, change the coolant every 30,000 miles, change the brake fluid with every pad change and recently used a turkey baster to suck out and replace the brake and power steering fluid.
When the odometer was about to hit 90,000 miles, I took it to a local Toyota dealer and had them change the front and rear differential fluids and transfer case fluid. It was an inexpensive preventive maintenance decision which gives me great comfortable knowing that all the fluids have been changed at least once with fresh OEM fluid.
When the odometer was about to hit 90,000 miles, I took it to a local Toyota dealer and had them change the front and rear differential fluids and transfer case fluid. It was an inexpensive preventive maintenance decision which gives me great comfortable knowing that all the fluids have been changed at least once with fresh OEM fluid.
09-01-09, 04:34 AM
#7
Moderator
Just out of humor ,,,
It took millions of years to form the oil, what difference would 10 years make? It really comes down to what is happening to it in the system ... like the engine oil keeps collecting burn bye products and brake fluid absorbs moisture. The differential and transmission oil/fluid are not subjected to this.
On the other hand draining and observing the condition of fluid/oil can shed light to what is happening to the piece of equipment.
Salim
It took millions of years to form the oil, what difference would 10 years make? It really comes down to what is happening to it in the system ... like the engine oil keeps collecting burn bye products and brake fluid absorbs moisture. The differential and transmission oil/fluid are not subjected to this.
On the other hand draining and observing the condition of fluid/oil can shed light to what is happening to the piece of equipment.
Salim
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09-07-09, 07:41 AM
#8
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Wow...I just read my original post and I didn't mention anything about the engine oil. It goes without saying that my engine oil has been changed regularly...I wanted to express this first and foremost as it would be quite silly to have not gotten regular oil changes.
As to the question of whether or not the the test for the antifreeze was for freezing point or acidity - I don't know. The tech merely said that the fluid tested good.
I agree with everyone who said to just change the fluid if it was ten years old, meaning the differential oil, etc. I was curious to see what everyone's opinion was on this. Also, when I ask the dealership the same question, I tend to get a different answer every time. I just don't trust the Lexus dealership I go to...I think I mentioned that I am now taking my RX300 and 330 to a trusted Toyota dealership for the everyday maintenance items included fluid changes, etc.
Thanks for everyone's responses.
JBL
As to the question of whether or not the the test for the antifreeze was for freezing point or acidity - I don't know. The tech merely said that the fluid tested good.
I agree with everyone who said to just change the fluid if it was ten years old, meaning the differential oil, etc. I was curious to see what everyone's opinion was on this. Also, when I ask the dealership the same question, I tend to get a different answer every time. I just don't trust the Lexus dealership I go to...I think I mentioned that I am now taking my RX300 and 330 to a trusted Toyota dealership for the everyday maintenance items included fluid changes, etc.
Thanks for everyone's responses.
JBL
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