My solara has an 117,000 miles!

[joeman]

i was wondering my solara has an 117,000 miles on it and i was wondering what i should change or have done to it? All i have done to it is the normal oil change! I would take an advice!!

[Turbosolara]

timing belt, water pump, spark plugs, coolant flush, tranny flush, cabin filter, air filter, brake fluid flush if necessary

[onefiend]

I dont think his car has a cabin air filter.

Change all your hoses, sparkplug wires, check your springs & struts, and check the brake pads/rotors.

[rec]

i was reading around about transmission flush's and i came upon this


"Never, ever flush a transmission. There is no "safe" way to flush a tranny unless you own the flush machine and control it yourself. Flushing a tranny has several pitfalls.

The most obviuos is that the last vehicle hooked up to that flushing machine probably was on it's last leg and was generating tons of debris. Most owners, when the tranny starts to act up, rush to get a "flush" in the fervent hope that it will cure the problem. So flush machines, by definition, see the worst of the worst. If the lines aren't cleaned, hooked up improperly, oil is reused or recycled, etcetera - then you are screwed as your tranny gets the dose of debris from the last job. No matter how good the intentions of the shop, one simple mistake and your tranny gets the debris. "


is this true ? should i worry about doing a transmission flush to my solara at 100k ? I also kept on reading and this guy was talking about the trans flush machine would spread contaminints through the tranny.

[steve-o]

Axles / CV joints. My camry needed these at about 180k. Maybe a good idea to check the boots. You're doin' good. you should get another 117k
congrats!.

[Jai_Jai_Binks]

is this true ? should i worry about doing a transmission flush to my solara at 100k ? I also kept on reading and this guy was talking about the trans flush machine would spread contaminints through the tranny.

The prime questions i always ask is where would you take your car to do the flush. Obviously, we all don't have the mullah to buy a tranny-flushing machine at home.

If you say your local mechanic...then i'd ask..what fluid does he/she use? please note our solara's have a strict diatery requirements. If you still opt to choose your local mechanic at this point, thats when i would recommend a drain and fill (and fill it with a fluid that you buy - can be what toyota suggests or synthetic).

I get my solara's tranny flushed every 30K miles (or annually) which ever comes first. Been doing it since it was new. Toyota uses the proper tranny fluids in their flushing machines which gives me a piece of mind.

joeman: this is what all i would suggest
1. Sparks + Ignition wires
2. replace your air-filter
3. coolant flush
4. get your waterpump replaced
5. get a new thermostat
6. Get your timing belt service done (get the drive belts done too...if you do this while getting your timing belt service..there is no labor for these..you only pay cost on the belts..this additional service should run your close to 40-50 for p/steering belt, a/c fan belt and alternator belt).
7. Since you have not really flushed your tranny at all..I WOULD NOT RECOMMEND IT ANYMORE! I'd suggest a drain and fill instead.
8. Depending on how much more motivated you are at this point, i'd get the following flushes (brake flush, powersteering flush).

GL!

[steve-o]

I drive a manaul transmission. My mechanic is just frekin adamant about changing what he calls "gear oil" i.e. transmission fluid, every 30,000 miles or so. I don't argue with him its only 20 bucks or so. Drain and fill, no flushing. Since flushing a tranny is ubuquitous, google it and see what the "pundits" say.

[steve-o]

Quick thought.. why not pour some transmission fluid through, get it clean and then fill it.

[2kSoulara]

my solara has 150K and still kickin!!!

[Jai_Jai_Binks]

google it and see what the "pundits" say.

We already know pundits are against flushing it. i don't think i've ever missed a 30K flush ever. FYI: the dealerships/shops at times advise against it too. Toyota was ok with flushing our ES till it was 150K miles, thereafter..they don't....There is no thumb of rule.
If you don't frequently flush it, then DONT FLUSH IT. But if your on a schedule like i indicated (again, i was referring to a/t and not m/t) then do it...

[rec]

so i guess this weekend ill only drain the transmission oil and replace the filter. And also do the oil while im at it.

PS: what brand of transmission oil does everyone reccomend for solara's