1994 Nissan Maxima: New Owner help!

[nissan_gal]

Hi guys, I recently bought my first car, a 1994 Nissan Maxima with 187K on it. I did a wheel alignment last week and was told by the mechanic (NTB) to do a bunch of stuff. I do not know if I need to do these; I am listing them, can you please give your opinion?

1) Do a transmission flush

- I did my own research online and there's a lot of debate over it. I read in several websites that its best not to do that with cars with a lot of mileage - ours has 187K miles on it. I am also not sure if the previous owner did a flush. Should I go for it?

2) Serpentine belt change

3) Fuel system cleaning

4) Brake fluid flush

5) Change struts

Any advice will be helpful. Thank you very much.

[The Siath]

Hi guys, I recently bought my first car, a 1994 Nissan Maxima with 187K on it. I did a wheel alignment last week and was told by the mechanic (NTB) to do a bunch of stuff. I do not know if I need to do these; I am listing them, can you please give your opinion?

1) Do a transmission flush

- I did my own research online and there's a lot of debate over it. I read in several websites that its best not to do that with cars with a lot of mileage - ours has 187K miles on it. I am also not sure if the previous owner did a flush. Should I go for it?

This is just a normal maintainence item, so doing it it can't hurt, also gives you a chance to see the filter.

2) Serpentine belt change

Check condition - if in good shape just buy one and have it handy

3) Fuel system cleaning

Filters and such should always be changed (unless you have a service record showing it was done)

4) Brake fluid flush

Was the car sitting? if not I wouldn't worry about it. IF it was you should do a full brake system check for brittle rubber and such - ALSO check the pads/rotors -[i/]

5) Change struts

Are they bad, does the car bounce after a minor bump...??

Any advice will be helpful. Thank you very much.

Overall you just want to make sure all of the basic stuff is done, and make sure the car is 'road safe' - from there clear codes (if you have any - replacing as needed to keep them cleared).

Good Luck with your ride

Edit to fix italics in quote.

[nissan_gal]

Thank you very much. A website advised to be a bit wary of the flush as it can break loose accumulated crud that would clog the trans and force expensive work. I am confused.

Yes, the car does bounce after a bump. So I should change struts.

[MaximA32]

The fluids are all maintenance while the struts should be replaced especially if you have some ride comfort issues. If the transmission has never been flushed, I wouldn't recommend it as it can do more harm than good.

[loystock]

If there is no record of flush in the last 80K miles, most shops will not even do it due to liability issue. You might as well do a series of drain and refill - 3 to 4 times to get most of the fluid replaced. Ensure the engine is warm and the transmission fluid is at the correct level before doing drain and refill. Then run the engine for @ 100 seconds while changing gears (must apply brake), stop engine and drain immediately. Add ATF to match the amount drained. Repeat 2-3 times.

It would be better if you could do a pan drop, clean the pan and magnets, inspect the filter and replace as required. Transmission service kit can be bought from IoS-infinitiparts USA.com.

Preferred fluid is Nissan Matic-D but Dexron III or the latest Dexron VI should do the job. You need a minimum of 12 quarts for multiple drain and refill, more if you drop the pan. Add a bottle of LubeGard Red ATF Protecttant (@ $14 from Napa) after transmission service.

For optimum brake performance, brake fluid should be flushed every 2 years. A good fluid has champagne color. Brake fluid is hygroscopic so water tends to get absorbed over time which could compromise braking efficiency.

A worn out belt must be replaced immediately. Struts are typically replaced every 60-90K miles.

As for the fuel service, you can buy a bottle or two of Redline SI-1 Fuel System Cleaner (@ $8 from Napa) or BG44K (@ $18 on line). Add a bottle for each full tank of gas.