J30 Maintenance Help

[noetic1]

Hi All I'm a newbie to this site and just wanted to thank everyone for all the great info. I just bought a mint 1994 J30 with 36K miles and would like to do some general maintenance on the car.

Everything seems to be in great working condition but i don't have the service records. So I don't know if the fluids (AT, PS, Brakes) have ever been changed. Since the car was probably originally purchased sometime in 1993-1994 the fluids have got to be close to 10 years old. Can someone tell me how to changed PS fluid. I also want to change the brake fluid to the synthetic kind. What is the procedure for changing the brake fluid from DOT3 to the synthetic kind?

The trans fluid looks fine but does smell a little burnt and was overfilled. So I've already drained the trans fluid (thanks to the trans drain plug) and filled it up with Mobil synthetic ATF. Unfortunately, I was only able to replace about 3 quarts. How much is a trans kit for the J30? How much more fluid can I change if I drop the pan?

I love my J30 and definitely want to keep her. Does anyone know of a reputable shop that performs transmission fluid flushing (I read it in one of the threads) in the western Chicago suburbs. Please send me an email if you know of one ([email protected]).

Could someone please explain to me how this transmission flushing operates?

Well, other than changing the fluids, what else should I consider doing?

Sorry for the long post but Thanks All for the help.

[Eswift]

transmission flush.

look in the manual in your trunk, and find the number of quarts nissan specifies.

With this number in mind, travel to your nearest Jiffy Lube, and ask them how much it is. Last time I checked it was around 90 dollars. Make sure they put at least the number of quarts nissan specifies into the machine.

Make sure you do a pan drop afterwards and replace the strainer.

The flusher simply is connected in series with the transmission cooling line, dirty fluid is collected in the machine and an equal flowrate of new fluid is supplied to the low pressure fluid line to the transmission.

wow, amazingly low miles. i am envious.

[cweberj30t]

I have a 93 with 80k on it. Post some pics when you get a chance. I go to Carey Brothers for any transmission maintenance. Not sure how far you are willing to go, but they are in Waukegan North of Chicago. I personally wouldn't let Jiffy Lube touch my transmission. I'd check out Cottmans or Aamco before JL (Probably wouldn't take it there either). Hope you enjoy your new ride.

[VimyJ]

I'd say get the transmission filter changed first and then do the flush. Make sure you get a new filter as it has been redesigned. Don't let anyone talk you into just cleaning out the old one. Check for the amount of "filth" in the pan and metal around the magnet.

Changing filter before or after a flush has been a constant source of debate around here.

[Eswift]

I went to a nissan dealer down herea few months back and they tried to convince me there was no trans/ filter, as they flipped through the electronic parts catalogue...

I knew what it looked like, so i pointed it out and they checked on what it was : sure enough, it said something to the effect of "strainer."

then they tried to convince me "well that thing'll last ya longer than the rest of the car, those trannys are bulletproof..."

sure they are....

in any case, just another reason I am getting a big list ready for Joe.

[Q451990]

Check out Carlos' site at http://www.fuzzycats.com/j30.htm!

Heath

[Eswift]

I have a 93 with 80k on it. Post some pics when you get a chance. I go to Carey Brothers for any transmission maintenance. Not sure how far you are willing to go, but they are in Waukegan North of Chicago. I personally wouldn't let Jiffy Lube touch my transmission. I'd check out Cottmans or Aamco before JL (Probably wouldn't take it there either). Hope you enjoy your new ride.

Jiffy Lube is fine if you watch everything that they do, and is and excellent labor deal if you supply your own fluids.

A transmission flush is pretty idiot-proof, and the machine that jiffy Lube uses is suprisingly good.

Notice I did not recommend Jiffy Lube for a pan drop or filter change. that WILL ruin your transmission. ( all their rags are old and recycled, when they try to clean the pan and swipe around to remove any metal from the pan they will be introducing fibers that have a strong chance of fouling up your valve body)

[Eswift]

Changing filter before or after a flush has been a constant source of debate around here.

best to flush before and after, in my opinion.

[VimyJ]

flush, pan drop filter exchange, flush, pan drop filter exchange would be the best of all possible worlds.

[noetic1]

Thanks for all the input. I called about 10 auto shops by me and all of them told me that they couldn't do a synthetic ATF trans flush.

So I decided to just get a regular trans flush. While I was there I also had the coolant flushed. The manger's special was $155 for both but it ended up costing me $175 with tax and hazardous waste fees. I didn't think it was going to be that expensive. Especially when I watched the mechanic perform the trans flush and the 'output' oil looked just as clean and clear as the 'new' oil. Well, I do feel better knowing that I at least have fresh ATF in my J30.

I now plan on contacting Joe at InfinityPartsUsa to get the trans kit, fuel filter and the NGK plugs.

[maxnix]

Thanks for all the input. I called about 10 auto shops by me and all of them told me that they couldn't do a synthetic ATF trans flush.

Go to the BG Products find a shop site and call the dealers who indicate they service transmissions.

One of them should be able to flush and replace with Mobil 1 ATF.