Transmission fluid drain vs. flush

[Skiff Fisher]

Does any body have a handle on the real time frame to change transmission fliud? The manual indicates possibly around 30,000 miles, but the freaking fluid is almost $15 a quart. I'm at 79,000 and fluid still looks (smells) good. I do alot of towing (camper and boat), but don't want to waste money on something the truck doesn't need.

Also, is it OK to flush these transmissions or drained only??

Thanks....

[dc_909]

If you're asking for our opinions, I am sure most of us, if not all, will tell you to fork up the bucks to get it done.

Seems you are a bit weary about it anyways, and how much do you value peace of mind?

Here is an analogy.

I own a 2006 Crf450, and I've used Motul 300v since break in.

Motul 300v is 57 bucks a gallon, and I change the oil every time i ride, the oil still looks primo, still smells primo, still has the thick texture, but i change it anyway, why? ( takes 2 quarts per change )

peace of mind.

call me paranoid or what not, but i didn't spend thousands to loose it over trivial preventive maintenance.

[TallTexan]

Since you are over the warranty mileage, you might want to look at MaxLife transmission fluid. It states it is reccomended for vehicles requiring Nissan J fluid. I did my first change with Nissan J because under warranty but my next will be MaxLife. MaxLife is about $3. 50 a quart. I sent a email to MaxLife to make sure their oil was compatible and the sent me a reply that said it was compatible with my Titan and there was no warranty issues. I noticed that maxLife is also compatible with most new trannies from Honda, Acura, Toyota and others. Do your own research but I will be using it next time. My truck has 74k now. MaxLife is made by Valvoline.

[Skiff Fisher]

Originally Posted by TallTexan

Since you are over the warranty mileage, you might want to look at MaxLife transmission fluid. It states it is reccomended for vehicles requiring Nissan J fluid. I did my first change with Nissan J because under warranty but my next will be MaxLife. MaxLife is about $3. 50 a quart. I sent a email to MaxLife to make sure their oil was compatible and the sent me a reply that said it was compatible with my Titan and there was no warranty issues. I noticed that maxLife is also compatible with most new trannies from Honda, Acura, Toyota and others. Do your own research but I will be using it next time. My truck has 74k now. MaxLife is made by Valvoline.

Thanks for the info. Every other vehicle I have had, as best I can remember, stated to drain every 60,000 to 70,000 miles. Guess I'm over due even at that rate. I'll check out the MaxLife. Thanks for the tip. I realize the whole ounce of prevention thing, but don't want to be wasteful just to pad a dealers wallet for a unnessary change.

[bestatchess]

draining at the pan will change about 1/3 of the tranny fluid.

[TallTexan]

Originally Posted by Skiff Fisher

Thanks for the info. Every other vehicle I have had, as best I can remember, stated to drain every 60,000 to 70,000 miles. Guess I'm over due even at that rate. I'll check out the MaxLife. Thanks for the tip. I realize the whole ounce of prevention thing, but don't want to be wasteful just to pad a dealers wallet for a unnessary change.

Remember, if you use MaxLife you must flush out the NissanJ so you do not mix. Just draining the pan will not work.

[Skiff Fisher]

Originally Posted by TallTexan

Remember, if you use MaxLife you must flush out the NissanJ so you do not mix. Just draining the pan will not work.

Thanks, will do.

[Clint]

If you drain and fill the pan at three motor oil changes you'd in effect be changing just about all the trans fluid. I did that on my truck starting at 51,000 miles for three motor oil changes and was done by 60,000 miles.

Clint

[PRJ]

Nissan does not recommend flushing.

A drain and re-fill as outlined in the service manual needs to be done.

See attached document and read this thread. Brown dude posted the correct procedure from the service manual.

http://www.titantalk.com/forums/tita...n+fluid+change

Dealer did it for me for $160

Someone should post this as a sticky.

[boya544]

Originally Posted by Clint

If you drain and fill the pan at three motor oil changes you'd in effect be changing just about all the trans fluid. I did that on my truck starting at 51,000 miles for three motor oil changes and was done by 60,000 miles.

Clint

That is what Royal Purple told me to do with their trans fluid that is J-matic compatible.Do a pan fluid change 3x 3k-5k apart. They said mixing the two would be ok since they are compatible.