When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
Hi, new UK member here!
I have a 2010 RX450 with just over 60,000 miles on that I am planning on doing as much maintenance work myself as possible.
On my list is; engine oil and filter(done), Air filter (done), Pollen filter (done). Engine coolant renew (to do), Inverter coolant renew (to do) new pads and rotors all round, including park brake shoes (to do)
Are there any other lubricants I should renew (ATF, etc.)?
Welcome to CL. The hybrid has a very different transmission than the RX3350 and it is very very easy to change its fluid. It is actually called a Power Transfer Unit.
It is the same procedure as on a manual transmission. You drain the fluid (after first checking that you can get the fill bolt loose), then fill it back up until fluid comes out of the fill hole. I think it holds about 4 quarts and take Toyota WS ATF. Look at the Hybrid section of this forum for the 3rd gen RX for more details as it has been discussed there but I pasted a few threads below.. There are youtube videos to provide more information.
When doing your brakes be sure to lubricate the caliper slide pins and repeat every few years. It is hybrid so your brake pads may last over 100,000 miles so do not be in such a hurry to replace them or the parking brake shoes (which should last forever). Just inspect, flush the brake fluid and lube the caliper slide pins.
FYI on youtube The Car Care Nut is a Toyota Master Tech with many excellent videos providing maintenance information. Here are his instructions on the best way to change and bleed the coolant on the 3.5 V6 engine. Note that on a hybrid you need to put it into Maintenance Mode to keep the engine running and he shows how to do that too in the video.
Thanks everyone for your replies.
I have already bought the brake parts as the car is now 13 years old and despite the relatively low mileage has the original brake components fitted.
Unfortunately, unlike USA, parts here are not as easy to source and I do not like to start a job and not have the necessary parts to hand - I cannot just pop down to the local shops and pick up parts!.
With regard to the brake fluid flush, I am a bit concerned about doing that, as I have read that Techstream SW is required to do this due to the ABS system? I would have no clue about this and would have to revert to a dealer workshop.
Understood! Thanks, as always, for the summary! I get it! I hope the 109000 without service hasn't shortened the life of the transmission.. I did get into an argument with the Lexus sales guy selling me the RX... though he gave me that life of the vehicle / unknown number of miles BS, he also gave me the impression the clutch pack shavings are keeping the transmission going... and if I changed it, there would be no more friction clutch dust and no more transmission! I sure hope he isn't right on this change... oooof! thanks again!
I also have a high mileage RX350 with 182k miles that I purchased with 172k miles. I changed the transmission fluid(drain and fill) and used Valvoline MaxLife high mileage transmission fluid. The transmission shifts perfectly and better than with the old fluid. However, you only get about 3 quarts of transmission fluid out at a time with a drain and fill; so I will do one every year to keep fresh fluid added to the system and let the old and new fluid mix so the change will help remove more of the old fluid. I will swap out the old transmission filter when I next change the fluid and then change the transmission filter every 100k miles.
Note: I recommend Valvoline Max Life transmission fluid because it has anti-slip additives that help account for worn clutches to prevent slippage when the old fluid with clutch debris is removed. I would not only use fresh OEM transmission fluid in an older transmission since it do not have additional additives for worn clutches.
I also recommend using full synthetic Valvoline high mileage engine oil with seal conditioners that help slow/stop minor rubber/RTV seal related leaks. My RX350 had a very slight seepage on the front timing cover(common issue with the 3.5 V6) when I first bought it. The seepage has been reduced to weeping(or wetness) in the area after about two oil changes with the Valvoline high mileage with no noticeable oil loss on the dipstick. I change my oil about 5k miles or when the maintenance required dash message appears.
WOW! After reading the below, this is a first to see actual wear being a consideration or issue when considering fluid type and frequency of swap... I will consider.. feedback appreciated.. thanks!
quote:
"Note: I recommend Valvoline Max Life transmission fluid because it has anti-slip additives that help account for worn clutches to prevent slippage when the old fluid with clutch debris is removed. I would not only use fresh OEM transmission fluid in an older transmission since it do not have additional additives for worn clutches"...
When you did the three consecutive drain and fills how did you make sure the vehicle was level? I only got out about 2 quarts out each time. I removed the drain plug and overflow tube about 2 quarts came out. I then put in 2.5 quarts used the scanguage2 tool to plug into obd2 port waited for it to heat up to 103-113F then let the excess drain out to a trickle like car care nut. Seems to shift much better I have about 81,400 miles on my 2012 Lexus Rx350
John 7 - Check the car care nut video below on brake bleeding on a hybrid because there are a few differences. You can do it yourself.
I usually take my hybrid Lexus to a local independent shop to have the brakes bled. Almost every indepedent shop will have access to the Toyota Techstream software or its equivelant to activate the ABS etc and properly bleed the brake system. You do not need a dealer. Find a Toyota specialist shop, or a Japanese specialist or a hybrid shop and ask if they have techstream and can bleed toyota/lexus brakes properly.
Understood! Thanks, as always, for the summary! I get it! I hope the 109000 without service hasn't shortened the life of the transmission.. I did get into an argument with the Lexus sales guy selling me the RX... though he gave me that life of the vehicle / unknown number of miles BS, he also gave me the impression the clutch pack shavings are keeping the transmission going... and if I changed it, there would be no more friction clutch dust and no more transmission! I sure hope he isn't right on this change... oooof! thanks again!
Data point: I did the first drain and fill at 104k miles on my 2011 RX 2 summers back when I bought mine from my neighbor. Did 5x drain and fill over 5 weekends on a cold engine with a combination of WS fluid and Maxlife, replacing what I put in. Transmission is just fine. Don’t have expectations of the fluid appearing anywhere close to the new color that goes in, and you will feel just fine!
Just a courtesy follow up.. i
"swapped" my trans fluid.. just a tad over two quarts... Also, my fluid was on the red side.. seems it had been previously replaced.. I see some been there done that signs... I hope that's a good thing . Thanks to all! Will change again at 10k.
06-24-23, 06:18 AM
