I have a 1998 Toyoto Camry, 200,000 miles. I was told by a transmission repair shop that if service has not been kept up that a flush and/or replacement of fluids would probably result in the transmission going out. Is that true? I was told I needed the rear main seal replaced and the trans pan resealed about 10,000 miles ago. I had trans flush done at a quick lube place at about 150,000. That is the only trans service this car has ever had as far as I know. I bought the car with 33K miles. My concern is if I can't change the fluid that the transmission will fail soon. Any suggestions?
98 Toyoto Transmission Flush
- Thread starter charliman
- Start date
- Status
If the transmission works fine now, then changing the fluid will not cause any transmission problems. You can either flush it or drain fluid/drop the pan (a few times).
What color & smell is the fluid now? If its black and burned then waste no time in changing the fluid. If its red with no burned smell then you are better off.
Personally I would not have a flush done by someone who says a flush may cause a transmission problem. They either do not know what they are doing or have some other motive.
I'd avoid the quick oil change places for a flush. Ask around for the best transmission place and have them do the flush.
You might consider going with synthetic ATF during the flush.
What color & smell is the fluid now? If its black and burned then waste no time in changing the fluid. If its red with no burned smell then you are better off.
Personally I would not have a flush done by someone who says a flush may cause a transmission problem. They either do not know what they are doing or have some other motive.
I'd avoid the quick oil change places for a flush. Ask around for the best transmission place and have them do the flush.
You might consider going with synthetic ATF during the flush.
A flush won't cause any harm as long as the transmission is working fine and the filter is replaced (if applicable). I would just recommend doing a drain and fill first. If everything stays running fine, then doing a flush would be next.
The rear seal only needs replacing if you are losing excess fluid and can't keep up with the top-offs. Exercise the dipstick.
The pan doesn't get re-sealed. All you do is replace the gasket which comes with all filter kits.
A transmission will fail when it fails. You can extend its life with maintenance.
Since you have high mileage, skip the flush and perform a drain/refill. If everything feels normal, then install a filter kit(pan gasket+filter).
Since you have leaks, and you require good ol' Dexron, I'd recommend that you use one of the high mileage ATFs. Valvoline, Supertech, Pennzoil, QuakerState are several that I would recommend. Pick one and stick with it.
Since the vehicle has a drainplug, skip the flu$h and perform a drain/refill every couple oil changes or at least once a year.
A drain/refill only takes ~
Maintenance doesn't mean that you get a license to abuse. Treat the transmission well and it will last a long time. Abuse it with a lead foot and it will die regardless of fluid used and intervals practiced. 200k is a good life for a transmission. But, with the right driving habits, and fresh fluid, there is no reason that it couldn't last twice as long.
The pan doesn't get re-sealed. All you do is replace the gasket which comes with all filter kits.
A transmission will fail when it fails. You can extend its life with maintenance.
Since you have high mileage, skip the flush and perform a drain/refill. If everything feels normal, then install a filter kit(pan gasket+filter).
Since you have leaks, and you require good ol' Dexron, I'd recommend that you use one of the high mileage ATFs. Valvoline, Supertech, Pennzoil, QuakerState are several that I would recommend. Pick one and stick with it.
Since the vehicle has a drainplug, skip the flu$h and perform a drain/refill every couple oil changes or at least once a year.
A drain/refill only takes ~
Maintenance doesn't mean that you get a license to abuse. Treat the transmission well and it will last a long time. Abuse it with a lead foot and it will die regardless of fluid used and intervals practiced. 200k is a good life for a transmission. But, with the right driving habits, and fresh fluid, there is no reason that it couldn't last twice as long.
- Status