Transmission Flush and Power Steering Flush

Tiny
GYAFFE
  • MEMBER
  • ACURA TL
I have a 1999 Acura TL 3.2 with 45,000 miles.

The dealer says it needs a transmission flush because the fluid is dirty. The cost will be $189. He's also recomending changing the Power Steering fluid and brake fluid.

In May of 2004, I had 30,000 mile service which included a transmission fluid drain and refill. The svc rep tells me this is different than a flush and not as good. The cost was not broken out but had to have been much less than $189 because the whole bill was $311. The maintenance book says to go 90,000 miles (72 mos.) Between transmission drains. It doesn't mention flushes.

I've never heard of flushing before now, though I'm really not knowledgeable about cars. I'm wondering if this is really necessary, or a new marketing program--especially since my Nissan dealer for the first time is recommending a flush. This of the power steering fluid in my 1993 Nissan Maxima.

What do you think of doing these flushes?
Sunday, October 28th, 2007 AT 12:10 PM

4 Replies

Tiny
BRUCE HUNT
  • MECHANIC
  • 3,753 POSTS
Power steering and brake flushes are something I would not have done, but that is me personally. I have never done either, never had problems and believe that is often an overkill and money maker for the dealership. BUT it is your call.

The tranny flush is quite different. It is different from a drain in that the fluid from the radiator, lines and transmission are pushed out and the entire system is rid of the old fluid, cleaned and replaced. Worth it.
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Monday, October 29th, 2007 AT 12:59 PM
Tiny
LOSTINMARS
  • MECHANIC
  • 222 POSTS
For what its worth honda has sent a bulletin around that recommends not flushing transaxles anymore.

Bruce i'm confused.

You say that trans flushes are good but not p/s flushes although they are based on the same type of fluid? I'm not saying they need to be done on all cars but some cars they are needed.

As for brake fluid flushes.

You don't change brake fluid? A hygroscopic fluid (attracts and retains moisture)? Do you know another way of removing this moisture as the fluid ages and the boiling temp drops? I'm curious, as i'm open to any news idea that make sense.
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Monday, October 29th, 2007 AT 1:20 PM
Tiny
GYAFFE
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
Bruce,

Just to be clear the only flush the Acura dealer is recommending is the Transmission. He wants, I think, only to drain the brake and power steering fluids. I may have confused things by throwing in that the Nissan dealer recommended a Power Steering flush on my Maxima.

I appreciate your help on this. I'll go ahead with the transmission flush on the Acura and the draining of its brake fluid and power steering fluid. I think I'll hold off on the power steering flush on the Maxima.
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Monday, October 29th, 2007 AT 6:28 PM
Tiny
DINSOLINS
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