 JimCTPremium
join:2006-01-11
Connecticut
kudos:1 | Brake, Power Steering, and Gear Oil Fluids Engine Oil, transmission fluid, and coolant fluid change intervals are more or less spelled out in most owner's manuals (with transmission fluid still carrying the most mystery about how and when to change it).
But brake fluid flushing, power steering fluid flushing, and gear oil changing are typically not even mentioned in an owner's manual. So what do manufacturers say about changing them or leaving them alone? Anyone here change them or leave them? Is it the dealer's or independent mechanic's responsibility to check them for need to change? And if so, what is the criteria to change them?
And if they are good for the "life of the car", what would that be? 250K miles? more/less? Not a lot of consensus info out there on this...  |
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 BK3
join:2001-04-10
Geneva, IL
1 edit | said by JimCT:But brake fluid flushing, power steering fluid flushing, and gear oil changing are typically not even mentioned in an owner's manual. So what do manufacturers say about changing them or leaving them alone? Anyone here change them or leave them? Is it the dealer's or independent mechanic's responsibility to check them for need to change? And if so, what is the criteria to change them?
1) It is ultimately the vehicle owner's responsibility for all maintenance and fluid issues.
2) Of the fluids you listed I have never changed any of them as a matter of maintenance. However, I changed the rear end gear fluid on my '77 Cordoba when I did some needed differential repair. I add brake fluid as needed over time or as needed due to repairs such as caliper replacement or brake line repair / replace. I have never done a flush or complete replacement of brake fluid, and my Dynasty had the original fill (plus added as needed) for almost 20 years without a problem.
I have never had a PS problem, and only added a splash to my Dynasty over the time I owned it. None of the other vehicles I tend to have needed any or have ever had a problem with that.
Edit: Typo.
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There is no worse tyranny than to force a man to pay for what he does not want merely because you think it would be good for him.
Robert A. Heinlein, The Moon is a Harsh Mistress
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JimCTPremium
join:2006-01-11
Connecticut
kudos:1 | Thanks for info & perspective. I am rethinking fluids changes and maintenance and wondering out loud what is appropriate. I've found a few places that say to change brake fluid once every 2 years. Gear oil is all over the board and power steering fluid info is almost nonexistent.
I plan to keep my vehicles until they are as far into the ground as safely possible, so not seeing intervals for all fluids makes it difficult to know when some of the fluids should legitimately be changed (if at all). |
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BK3
join:2001-04-10
Geneva, IL | said by JimCT:Gear oil is all over the board
I can understand this, for it makes a big difference how the vehicle is used as to when a gear oil change may be appropriate.
For example, if you have a 4WD vehicle that you pound on off road, going through streams and mud and whatever, then frequent gear oil changes in the transfer case and differentials is indicated, not because the lube has worn out, but to keep water and crud out of the case and away from the gears.
However, if just common street use, then these issues do not apply.
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There is no worse tyranny than to force a man to pay for what he does not want merely because you think it would be good for him.
Robert A. Heinlein, The Moon is a Harsh Mistress
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BK3
join:2001-04-10
Geneva, IL | reply to JimCT
Just let me add one more thing:
If you wish to change any of the fluids, go ahead and do so. It may not be needed or necessary, but it sure wouldn't hurt anything so long as the work is done correctly, and it may give you a little peace of mind. |
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| reply to JimCT
said by JimCT:Engine Oil, transmission fluid, and coolant fluid change intervals are more or less spelled out in most owner's manuals (with transmission fluid still carrying the most mystery about how and when to change it).
But brake fluid flushing, power steering fluid flushing, and gear oil changing are typically not even mentioned in an owner's manual. So what do manufacturers say about changing them or leaving them alone? Anyone here change them or leave them? Is it the dealer's or independent mechanic's responsibility to check them for need to change? And if so, what is the criteria to change them?
And if they are good for the "life of the car", what would that be? 250K miles? more/less? Not a lot of consensus info out there on this...
For my 2005 Honda Accord, the owner's manual recommends that the brake fluid be replaced every 3 years regardless of mileage. As for the power steering fluid... I don't think my owner's manual gives an interval, but mine's low... gonna have the shop top it off later today when I take it in to replace the oil pan. I've never flushed mine... my steering feels a bit heavy, but that may be due to low fluid level. |
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