brake fluid flush camry 2005 Altise Sport

[TCam]

I have been told that ABS systems are best left alone & not to change the brake fluid. The vehicle is being totally overhauled for updated & preventative maintenance purposes. Any suggestions as to a mechanic or automatic transmission service specialist or a tyre shop for new KYB shockers for brake fluid flush & replacement? Camery V6 automatic.

[ZZT86]

I don't think there's anything to worry about but the usual 2 man job unless you have vacuum system & can do one man or you have speedbleeders.

I'm not sure on the 1MZ but with the Aurion there appears to be an ABS reset function, I would need to plug in my scan gauge onto car & confirm though. Anyhow a good mechanic will know what to do.

[Tony Prodigy]

11 hours ago, TCam said:

I have been told that ABS systems are best left alone & not to change the brake fluid.

🤣 Whoever told you that needs an uppercut. Of course you need to change the brake fluid. As the above post mentions, it's relatively easy if you have either a 2nd person to man the foot pedal or simply use a pressure bleeder or a vacuum bleeder. 

I personally have the pressure bleeder and it's great. I fill the pressure tank with 1lt of brake fluid and give it a thorough purge.

[campbeam]

14 hours ago, TCam said:

I have been told that ABS systems are best left alone & not to change the brake fluid.

You will have to be a bit more precise in your wording and grammar to get a correct response to that statement.

I would agree with a general statement that ABS systems are best left alone. However some easy repairs e.g. replacement of a sensor can be safely performed by DIY.

Brake fluid has a service life so should be changed every 2 to 3 years. 

When it comes to changing the brake fluid on vehicles fitted with ABS systems, this can still be performed by DIY using procedures for that vehicle make and model.

However, some specific/specialised vehicle makes and models require specialised procedures and tools to perform a brake fluid change. I am thinking something like a Honda NSX. 

[TCam]

Many thanks for all replies & the reminder to correctly formulate the Question. Am going to get a mechanic to do this essential job. I do not have the expertise for this job. Also, just had the automatic transmission fluid flushed & changed. A sticker inside windscreen states Next service due 10/08/21 or in next 5,000 klms.

That infomation does not appear in manual, along with other infomation sighted suggesting change transmission fluid every 30k to 60k, otherwise adhear to vehicle or manufacturers recomendations.

Thanks all for the very helpfull input.

[Tony Prodigy]

1 hour ago, TCam said:

Next service due 10/08/21 or in next 5,000 klms.

If this is for the Auto transmission, it's way too early. See what service interval your service book says. I would even say too early for the engine oil. Engine oil is really up to you though. It can 5k, 7.5k or 10k. The longer the service interval the better the oil you should be using. Preferably fully synthetic.

[TCam]

Thanks for building my confidence - Engine oil used is Casyrol Magnatech, Stop - Start, part synthetic. 10W - 30. Very good results, changed every 7000 to 10 k depending upon useage, ie, long trips or various short distance trips (always try to aviod short runs, no hauling).

[Tony Prodigy]

42 minutes ago, TCam said:

Engine oil used is Casyrol Magnatech, Stop - Start, part synthetic. 10W - 30. Very good results, changed every 7000 to 10 k depending upon useage

Yes, very good. That oil will be fine. If you can afford a fully synthetic oil then of course you can always upgrade for the extra protection the fully Synth will provide.

Nothing wrong with the Magnatech oil. I used that oil in a '95 Rav 4 I owned many years ago. Had it for 12 years in fact and it ran like clockwork.

[TCam]

Just discovered transmission fluid is leaking from hoses coming out of the engine. The leak is from the two hoses going into base of radiator. Maybe one hose or both. Not happy with this. About 40 mls has oozed out from hose/s since being serviced,10/08/20. I can take it back to where it was serviced, but am not satisfied with where transmission was flushed & changed with new gasket pan (540), Filter (A541R) 1994-ON. Flush & fill  MAXLIFE ATF 14.99 liters. I think the clamps have had it. 

Can i just buy two new hoses from auto shop with new clips & replace them my self or is there more too this?

Getting new brake fluid flush and change next week $66.00.

[Tony Prodigy]

Don't touch it. Take it back for warranty. It's not your problem to fix someone else's mistake. I suspect they may have over tightened the clamps. 

 

[TCam]

Have not nor intend to touch it. Very dissapointing. Just took photos & closer look with torch.. middle photo, underneath drip tray, horrible. All under engine.. 3rd pic, from top looking down between Radiator.. this is the location.

Thanks for your responce and advice - 👍

[TCam]

Needed new hoses and clamps for cooling system. The oil was leaking because the bolts on the pan had not been tightened... All good now, $624.00 later..

[Tony Prodigy]

I'm guessing they tightened the pan bolts for free as this should've been done as part of the transmission service 😞 

$624 for hoses and clamps ?

Doesn't make sense.

[TCam]

Was quoted $337.00 for ATF change fluid and parts. Recieved ph call advising ATF fluid 'putrid' and needed flush. A nieghbour changed ATF for me over 18 months ago, so got flush & service $459.00. Then noticed ATF leaks.. Returned to transmission shop and advised new pipes required going from pan to radiator. Exyra $165.00 - got home still slight leak.. checked bolts on pan. Had not been tightened up..needed at least 1/4 of light turn & nip. (No over tightening). Shall not be returning to that place. Car going very well now. Quite noticeable. Think i was had..

[Tony Prodigy]

5 minutes ago, TCam said:

Was quoted $337.00 for ATF change fluid and parts. Recieved ph call advising ATF fluid 'putrid' and needed flush. A nieghbour changed ATF for me over 18 months ago, so got flush & service $459.00. Then noticed ATF leaks.. Returned to transmission shop and advised new pipes required going from pan to radiator. Exyra $165.00 - got home still slight leak.. checked bolts on pan. Had not been tightened up..needed at least 1/4 of light turn & nip. (No over tightening). Shall not be returning to that place. Car going very well now. Quite noticeable. Think i was had..

It's becoming a very sad reality that now, even more so, garages are starting to gouge their customers because of lost business during this pandemic situation. I think it's wrong to rip your customers off, especially those who don't know any better are more vulnerable.

If I were you, I'd never go back there. Try and find another garage, or you can always learn to do it yourself. It's really not that difficult once you understand the process.

I'm sure the Camry guys here will assist.

I wish you all the best. 

[KAA]

I agree with Tony, a lot of those service centres are doing all they can to recoup lost income by ripping off wherever they can, and your post Chris certainly shows that well.

I would never ever return there..and I would also write them an email stating clearly what happened and keep a copy of it, if you have a local newsletter I would send them a copy of the email and any reply you receive..alert others about what they are doing, wont help what you have had to fork out but at least will get the word out about their practise

Keep Safe

KAA