When to change transmission fluid?
08-13-2018, 05:09 PM
#1
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When to change transmission fluid?
I'm getting all of the drivetrain fluids changed on my '13 G37x in a few weeks. I am at 50,000 miles and they have never been done. Aside from the differentials and transfer case, should I really need the transmission fluid done as well? I have the 7AT. I know according to the manual it is a "lifetime" fluid, but I personally wouldn't be comfortable going past 100,000 miles on the factory fluid. Any input is greatly appreciated. Also, my dealer is willing to do all of these fluids, including the tranny fluid, for $285 before tax. Does that sound reasonable?
08-13-2018, 08:06 PM
#3
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This is a very controversial topic. I don’t want to get into a fight with anyone, but I will share my personal
experiences.
In general, I have an issue with the concept of “lifetime fluids”. I understand the motivation of Manufacturer’s to promote that, and I understand that fluids and mechanicals have become dramatically better in the last 20-30 years. So it comes down to your definition of “lifetime”.
At one point a couple of years ago I bought into the “lifetime” transmission fluid idea. But not anymore. My daughter drives a 2005 Camry with 150k Miles. It developed a torque converter shudder. I added some aftermarket
”shudder fix”. It worked for a year and then the shudder returned. I took it to a Toyota dealer
for a complete fluid change. The shudder is gone.
IMO transmission fluid wears out and needs to be replaced. Maybe it doesn’t need 30k changes like in the old
days, but it won’t last forever like Infiniti says.
experiences.
In general, I have an issue with the concept of “lifetime fluids”. I understand the motivation of Manufacturer’s to promote that, and I understand that fluids and mechanicals have become dramatically better in the last 20-30 years. So it comes down to your definition of “lifetime”.
At one point a couple of years ago I bought into the “lifetime” transmission fluid idea. But not anymore. My daughter drives a 2005 Camry with 150k Miles. It developed a torque converter shudder. I added some aftermarket
”shudder fix”. It worked for a year and then the shudder returned. I took it to a Toyota dealer
for a complete fluid change. The shudder is gone.
IMO transmission fluid wears out and needs to be replaced. Maybe it doesn’t need 30k changes like in the old
days, but it won’t last forever like Infiniti says.
08-13-2018, 08:10 PM
#4
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This is a very controversial topic. I don’t want to get into a fight with anyone, but I will share my personal
experiences.
In general, I have an issue with the concept of “lifetime fluids”. I understand the motivation of Manufacturer’s to promote that, and I understand that fluids and mechanicals have become dramatically better in the last 20-30 years. So it comes down to your definition of “lifetime”.
At one point a couple of years ago I bought into the “lifetime” transmission fluid idea. But not anymore. My daughter drives a 2005 Camry with 150k Miles. It developed a torque converter shudder. I added some aftermarket
”shudder fix”. It worked for a year and then the shudder returned. I took it to a Toyota dealer
for a complete fluid change. The shudder is gone.
IMO transmission fluid wears out and needs to be replaced. Maybe it doesn’t need 30k changes like in the old
days, but it won’t last forever like Infiniti says.
experiences.
In general, I have an issue with the concept of “lifetime fluids”. I understand the motivation of Manufacturer’s to promote that, and I understand that fluids and mechanicals have become dramatically better in the last 20-30 years. So it comes down to your definition of “lifetime”.
At one point a couple of years ago I bought into the “lifetime” transmission fluid idea. But not anymore. My daughter drives a 2005 Camry with 150k Miles. It developed a torque converter shudder. I added some aftermarket
”shudder fix”. It worked for a year and then the shudder returned. I took it to a Toyota dealer
for a complete fluid change. The shudder is gone.
IMO transmission fluid wears out and needs to be replaced. Maybe it doesn’t need 30k changes like in the old
days, but it won’t last forever like Infiniti says.
08-13-2018, 08:41 PM
#5
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I thought it was supposed to be done every 30k. I had mine done for $215 for just the tranmsission. I got the cars records from Infiniti, which told me it had been done before. What I didn't realize that it already had a new rear subframe, so the rear diff didn't need to be serviced. Didn't know and got the Z1 poly diff bushings and subframe sleeves. In hindsight overkill at this time. Would have rather put the money into new Coilovers.
08-13-2018, 08:44 PM
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I thought it was supposed to be done every 30k. I had mine done for $215 for just the tranmsission. I got the cars records from Infiniti, which told me it had been done before. What I didn't realize that it already had a new rear subframe, so the rear diff didn't need to be serviced. Didn't know and got the Z1 poly diff bushings and subframe sleeves. In hindsight overkill at this time. Would have rather put the money into new Coilovers.
EDIT: I see you are in the LA area, so $215 for just the tranny fluid might not be unheard of out there. I do know my dealer is very good with pricing, an oil/filter change is like $37.
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08-13-2018, 10:32 PM
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What "people" are you referring to? Are you honestly saying that it is a waste of money to EVER change your drivetrain fluids? I understand that the topic of changing transmission fluid is highly debatable, but changing things like differential fluids should really be a no-brainer, at some point in the life of the car. I also own a '15 VW GTI and the owner's manual/dealership says that 10k mile oil change intervals are fine and dandy. Some manufactures say 15k miles. Also highly debatable, but I stick to 5k mile oil change intervals.
08-13-2018, 11:36 PM
#9
You could do a 1 or 2x drain & fill now and then in another 30k miles drop the pan for a cleaning and another service, or just wait until you get 75k miles and do a 3x D&F and a pan cleaning. I did the latter a couple years ago and still performing well, I DIYd the service and there was pretty good buildup in the pan & magnets and the shifting wan't as crisp as it was after the service so IME it's a worthwhile service.
08-28-2018, 06:21 PM
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UPDATE: I decided to go ahead with the entire drivetrain service (tranny fluid, transfer case, both differentials). In addition, also did the brake fluid since it had never been done. All of this stuff, along with an oil change, came to just over $400 before tax. Not bad at all for a dealership in my opinion. I swear the car feels and sounds quieter now.
08-28-2018, 06:41 PM
#11
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UPDATE: I decided to go ahead with the entire drivetrain service (tranny fluid, transfer case, both differentials). In addition, also did the brake fluid since it had never been done. All of this stuff, along with an oil change, came to just over $400 before tax. Not bad at all for a dealership in my opinion. I swear the car feels and sounds quieter now.
But honestly that is ok. That service was reasonable,appropriate, and fair. If you think it improved performance, that is a bonus. Enjoy your car.
08-28-2018, 07:27 PM
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I think that was a wise decision. And I think the dealer price for all of those services was very fair. I also think that your perception that the car is now running better is probably in your head. OMG!
But honestly that is ok. That service was reasonable,appropriate, and fair. If you think it improved performance, that is a bonus. Enjoy your car.
08-28-2018, 07:40 PM
#13
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You are probably right about it running better lol. I have felt that way before. Now, onto the brakes and tires. Dealer quoted me almost $1300 for the front and back brakes, not unheard of for a dealer I suppose. I can get the factory parts online for $500 with free shipping and have a local shop do the labor, would probably save $500 that way, unless the dealer includes something else with that like hardware. Can't I reuse everything normally?
than that on average from my brakes, but my driving style is different than many. $1300 for brakes sounds to me like new pads and rotors at all corners, at dealership prices. If that is what you need, and if you want to have the work done at a dealership, then that is probably reasonable.
Personally i I don’t buy the current standard of replacing rotors at every pad change. I think it is often a make money scam for the shop. And these G cars are well known to wear out rear brakes faster
than fronts. It seems unlikely to me that you need new pads and rotors on all four corners after 50k miles. Unless you are a very aggressive driver. I would get a second opinion on your brakes.
08-28-2018, 07:42 PM
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OK, so new brakes at 50k miles. That’s not unreasonable or abnormal. Personally I get more miles
than that on average from my brakes, but my driving style is different than many. $1300 for brakes sounds to me like new pads and rotors at all corners, at dealership prices. If that is what you need, and if you want to have the work done at a dealership, then that is probably reasonable.
Personally i I don’t buy the current standard of replacing rotors at every pad change. I think it is often a make money scam for the shop. And these G cars are well known to wear out rear brakes faster
than fronts. It seems unlikely to me that you need new pads and rotors on all four corners after 50k miles. Unless you are a very aggressive driver. I would get a second opinion on your brakes.
08-28-2018, 07:47 PM
#15
im a fan of changing rotors with brakes but i dont change brakes often at all. i dont drive much and only change brakes once during my ownership. but i jus like changing both for that peace of mind plus parts are not THAT expensive. i go with centric and stoptech pad. very reasonable and i dont like doing things twice