98 camry trans fluid suggestions

[olderthandirt]

Hi all,

My thanks to the many knowlegeable individuals who take the time to help out those of us that need the help.

I have a 1998 camry LE with the 6 cylinder engine (1MZ...). I have owned it since 65K miles, it now has 240,000.

I recently realized that I have NEVER had the trans fluid changed or flushed. I know most of you will not recommend a flush on a high mileage vehicle, but should I just drain and change the fluid, do a pan drop and change (the dealer says it's just a metal screen in there).

Should I stick with Dexron III or go to the newer version.

I'm having the timing belt replaced in a couple of weeks, are there any other areas that you would recommend I look at? This car has been pretty good to me with only a few minor issues (water pump went out last year), it gets driven mostly highway miles.

Oil wise, I've changed it approximately every 5k, using synthetic oil.

[quick69gto]

Have the trans flushed. Draining it only removes 40% of the fluid.
With as many miles that's on it, a tranny flush is highly recommended.
The only other recommendation I have is to make sure the idler/tension pulleys are changed along with the timing belt. A new water pump is also recommended when changing the timing belt but I see it's been changed already.

[Mike Gerber]

If a new water pump was installed last year, did they put on a new timing belt then? Many times professionals will recommend that, with good reason, since the timing belt must be removed to get to the water pump. I would check your records to see if a new timing belt was installed at that time. If that was the case, you may not need a new belt now. If you do need to have the timing belt installed now, have them check (or even replace) the cam and crank seals, since they are also reachable now with the timing belt off. Also consider replacing the accessory belts while the timing belt is off. They too must be removed and reinstalled to get to the timing belt. How old are they?

As far as the transmission, I would not do a flush with a machine at this mileage, if you really are on the original trans fluid. I would do several (maybe 3) drain and refills a few thousand miles apart. This way you will get most of the fluid exchanged, with minimal risk of damaging anything.

Mike

[olderthandirt]

The timing belt was done a couple of years ago, and the water pump went out about a week later (which is why I remember it so well).

Timing belt is up again due to mileage. 240K now, was last done at 152K.

[jdmccright]

I think it ought to be made clear that the method described by Mike Gerber is preferred over those machine-run jobs offered by dealerships and quick lube shops. Because the torque converter retains so much of the old fluid, a single drain & fill will only change out about 2/3 the total fluid volume. A gradual replacement of the fluid (2-3 drain & fills) over a few thousand miles will help redissolve any varnish and buildup while preventing any larger particles of buildup from being dislodged and redeposited in a critical component causing failure. It's the high pressures that those machines use to force the old fluid out that causes the particles to dislodge. Besides, at $4 a quart you're saving about half on the cost they charge when you drain & refill 3x. Don't forget to change out the fluid filter, too.

[olderthandirt]

Is the filter on this car on the bottom above the trans pan, like most other vehicles?

Also, what do you think about using Dexron VI instead of the older Dexron III?