350rx

Anyone changed their transmission fluid for a 07 RX350 at the dealer? my dealer does not recommend as they say putting new fluid will cause more damage, They say its lifetime. I have 130000 miles, and does not look like it if it was ever changed. The fluid is pink with brown marks(burnt). But they are willing to change it for $170, does that seem fair for a drain and fill?

RXGS

iTrader: (2)

Thats a bit much considering a quart of WS transmission fluid is like $7-9 and you'll only get out like 4 quarts at most. That being said, these cars have a dipstick, so the fluid level isn't as much a guessing game as truly sealed units. I did a drain and fill at 100k getting out 3 quarts and at 125k, the fluid is still red and clean. With a set of ramps, a socket set, and a drain pan, its a fairly simple DIY

thomas1

The fluid cost around $9 per quart, if they do a fluid exchange they well may use 10 quarts. If they do a drain and fill less.

Lexuswiz

iTrader: (1)

Price is fair IF it is not a drain and fill. I do them myself now but a long time ago I had my old Highlander done at the Toyota dealer, $150 with fluid so $170 at Lexus isn't crazy. It's not a drain and fill at Toyota, dealers should have a fluid exchanger to get as much out as possible. Check to see because it's high for a drain and fill but worth it for a fluid exchanger.

350rx

Ok will have to check with them. I thought a fluid exchange/ transmission fluid flush is generally not recommended?

AVSRacing

Hm.... I should ask my mechanic what he does as I think I need to do this soon. What about the diffs? Is that a drain and fill also or does it need to be exchanged?

nwfsnake

I have done a drain and fill every 20K miles since we got our RX350 used with 70K on it. We are at 150K now and the tranny is still working fine. (Hope I didn't just jinx it!).

thomas1

A fluid exchange when done properly uses the transmission pump to evacuate the fluid. A flush uses the machine to power push the fluid thru the transmission. I and many others are very much against the flush as it pushes particles in places you don't want.

lexsc4

I ask my mechanic to do a drain and refill on my wife's 08 RX every December. $40 fluid (4 quarts) + $60 labor.
Currenlty at 110K miles and still running smooth.

lexsc4

My mechanic does a drain and refill at every December checkup. $40 parts (4 quarts) + $60 labor.
This is on my wife 08 RX with 110K miles and still running smooth.

RX3302004

Not sure of your price but I would definitely have mine changed at that mileage. Have you checked your local Toyota dealer? I don't buy the "lifetime" comment but I'm very proactive with my vehicles' maintenance.

350rx

Got in touch with lexus again, now they are telling me they don't do any type of transmission service for this vehicle. The price they quoted me was a "mistake".
Local Toyota dealer does a drain and fill for $109. Seems fair

lexsc4

$109 for a drain and refill is more than fair. They should be able to drain around 4 quarts of old fluid.
If you are not sure if the fluid has ever been changed, I will do 2-3 drains and refills in the next couple of months.

xf40

So far I've not had any better luck; I will need to drop the pan and inspect the tube/straw as I suspect something's happened to it, and when draining the excess at operating temperature too much is draining out.

These are my results:
Date Temp Initial_Drain Fill excess-drained out at proper temp
7/04 35C 4100 4000 ~1500
7/06 32C 3900 4000 2000
7/07 30C 3800 4000 skipped to match initial drained.

Thanks
Jonathan

lexsc4

I had my mechanic replaced the transmission filter and pan gasket as well at 120K miles. Don't remember the OEM filter/pan gasket cost but it was definitely under $100.