$200 to change transmission fluid?

[MattB]

I called a couple of Infiniti dealers near me to find out what it would cost to have my '01 I30's transmission fluid changed (car is approaching 70K and I have nothing in the records to indicate the fluid was changed at 60K per Infiniti's maintenance guide). They all want to do some kind of flush of the system for $200 or a power flush (apparently a bad idea) for $250. Why so expensive?

[Q45tech]

We charge $139 includes the 14 quarts for the transfer machine of course Nissan ATF is more expensive so are labor rates.

Try shopping a few Nissan dealers or Nissan specialty shops.

[maxnix]

http://www.bgfindashop.com

Get the filter screen, O ring, gasket, and one time use bolts from Joe, presuming it is like the big one on the V8.

[MattB]

http://www.bgfindashop.com

Get the filter screen, O ring, gasket, and one time use bolts from Joe, presuming it is like the big one on the V8.

So I take it the BG Flush is not going to damage my transmission like some of the power flushes? That's the one my local dealer uses.

Also, my car is approaching 70K and I can't find anything in the service records to indicate that it has ever had its transmission fluid changed. Infiniti recommends the fluid be changed at 60K, so I take it I shouldn't have to worry about leaks after having the system flushed?

[Q45tech]

Flushed is just a too aggressive word..........................a transmission pumped [powered ] 95% total fluid exchange sound mild and is more truthful............................the BG flush concentrate is nothing more than solvents to try to force loose material into solution so it can be better removed.

11 ounces of detergents and solvents in 330 + ounces of ATF ~~<3% can not be though of as aggressive.

[MattB]

Flushed is just a too aggressive word..........................a transmission pumped [powered ] 95% total fluid exchange sound mild and is more truthful............................the BG flush concentrate is nothing more than solvents to try to force loose material into solution so it can be better removed.

11 ounces of detergents and solvents in 330 + ounces of ATF ~~<3% can not be though of as aggressive.

Fair enough. So I shouldn't be concerned about leaks caused by a fluid exchange with 70K on the original transmission fluid? When the car was gone over by Infiniti techs before I bought it the fluid checked out fine.

The other concern I've heard raised is that some of the exchange machines overpressurize the system and cause damage. Any truth to that?

[Q45tech]

Careful of the externally powered ATF exchange machine vs BG which uses the normal AT pump.................the heat exchanger lines have a natural normal pressure of 10-30 psi at idle and 2,000 rpm.

The flow into BG [internal floppy rubber bladder divides an empty and full of new section] forces an equal amount of new ATF out...................not more not less: a pint in is a pint out. Like the machine is invisable to the AT.

[MattB]

Careful of the externally powered ATF exchange machine vs BG which uses the normal AT pump.................the heat exchanger lines have a natural normal pressure of 10-30 psi at idle and 2,000 rpm.

The flow into BG [internal floppy rubber bladder divides an empty and full of new section] forces an equal amount of new ATF out...................not more not less: a pint in is a pint out. Like the machine is invisable to the AT.

Yeah I'll make sure whatever dealer I take it to uses the BG machines. Since you know these cars inside and out, would you recommend having this service done on my 70K car (which checked out fine before I bought it last August though I can't find any evidence of the fluid being changed before)?

[Skibane]

MattB, do these prices include replacing the in-sump ATF filter? Ideally, you'd probably want to include that task as part of the ATF replacement.

I have no experience with the I30 transmission, but would presume that using a premium (synthetic) fluid also wouldn't be a bad idea...Save a few bucks by buying it yourself, bring it to the dealer, and have them use it during the flush.

[dodiho]

Skibane....just found your input on I30....I have a '96 model with 154,000 miles that my wife drives...she doesn't even want to trade it in yet cause she loves the way it drives and handles...also...we have the same political likes...Fred is my choice,too!

[maxnix]

... would you recommend having this service done on my 70K car (which checked out fine before I bought it last August though I can't find any evidence of the fluid being changed before)?

Yes! Even if it passes the white paper towel test, fresh fluid is the best.

You just can't see the junk in the fluid without a microscope. Color change, no matter how slight, is deterioration. You want to exchange ATF fluid before the color changes. Consider an auxiliary ATF cooler from B&M like most Q45 owners run.

[mikeatx]

So is this really necessary?

I have a G35 (6Spd) and an '03 Maxima Auto.

When I changed my G35 MTF to Redline, Both Nissan and Infiniti dealerships up here said, we don't replace the washer on the drain and fill plug.

Asked them about the Maxima Auto flush, and they looked at me funny... Said, we just drain the fluid and fill it back up... Why would you flush it?

Do dealerships down here just have no clue? or is this just not necessary?

Thanks