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routine maintenance question

My jeep is about to turn 60,000 miles, and there is a bunch of routine service stuff recommended in the manual, such as changing transmission fluid and differential fluid. That much is fine and dandy, and I'm going to hire the local jiffy lube to just change all the fluids and things that need changing.

HOWEVER, IN ADDITION to the stuff recommended in the manual, the fine folks at jiffy lube are also telling me I need (1) a change of the power steering fluid, (2) a change of the brake fluid, and (3) a flush/replace of the radiator fluid. They made an especially big show of displaying a sample of some of the brake fluid to me, telling me how dirty it is and how bad it needs changed.

Just wondering from some of the more knowledgable mechanics around here if this is really stuff that needs doing, or (as I suspect) stuff that can be left alone and the lube folks just want to run up my bill.

Also, as long as I'm asking.... at 30,000 mi I put in synthetic transmission and diff fluid, instead of the regular stuff. Does this extend the interval for which it needs changed, or should I still follow manufacturer recommendations and change at 60,000.

Thanks!

Reply to
txjeep7
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If you haven't changed the brake fluid, I would - it's hydroscopic and sucks in water.

The service manual specifies how often you change the coolant - pretty well every 3 years or 36K which ever comes first.

Powersteering fluid - well I guess I haven't yet either. But it wouldn't hurt if you haven't done it.

Dave Milne, Scotland

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Reply to
Dave Milne

The fine folks at Jiffy Lube are notorious for ripping people off. I wouldn't let them change my oil, much less get near my vehicle for ANY reason.

But then, that is just my opinion. Maybe you have a good relationship with this place ??

...

Reply to
noneofyourbusiness

If your manual says you need to do it, then you need do it. Otherwise, it's your call.

Just make sure they put in the right goo. Even your manual may be wrong so check the TSBs for your particular year & model.

If you live where it's dry, you might not need new brake fluid. If you live in Seattle, get new brake fluid once a year.

Pretty much...

If you want your warrenty to stay valid, make the change...

/herb

Reply to
Herb Leong

Personal preference, I would never use Jiffyscrew er.. lube.. to do anything on my vehicles. Seen far to many wrong fluid, too much/little, and overtorqued bolts. A decent local shop is the way you should go.

Another reason why I don't like that company. All fluids change color with age and it is not a sign they are bad. The older the engine the faster new fluid changes and the only way around that is to fully clean the system. Engine off, and in a tank of solvent. :)

PS fluid you can do yourself.. just with a turkey baster. Drain out all you can from the reservoir and refill with new PS fluid. You could pump it through, but that takes more time and has the potential of being real messy.

Brake fluid... heh.. you could get new fluid and a full system bleed, but you don't need it. Same turkey baster approach will work, just use a clean baster, not one with any other contaminants in it. Then top off with the proper brake fluid for your vehicle. I would have a good shop do the job, and I don't mean Midas as they also reak.

Radiator... well, A flush wouldn't be a bad idea, but you can drain and refill the system yourself and all it costs is a few bucks for new fluid. If you don't want to get at the radiator drain you can use a siphon, it just takes a bit longer.

The lube folks are trying to give you a lube job, that's for sure. ;)

Yes. And in some cases by quite a bit. A few transmissions with full synth in them have no drain or dipstick. It's lifetime. (actually 100k) That's the benefit of a synthetic, they last longer between changes. Your choice though. I run synthetic as oil and still follow a 4000 mile change cycle.

The recommended intervals are just guides. What makes the difference is how you use the vehicle. lots of short trips = more frequent oil changes and probably trans fluid. Towing a lot impacts trans, diff, and PS fluids. Brake fluid is brake fluid. If your mostly highway oil lasts longer because the water that gets trapped in there has a chance to evaporate, as does the lighter weight byproducts that squeeze by the pistons and valves.

Reply to
DougW

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