I went in for a routine oil change and tire rotation about a weeks ago and the guy tells me that my fluids are pretty dirty (need flushed I guess)? Brake fluid power steering and complaint are the ones I think he was sugessting, the estimate was over 250$ though!!!! I was wondering if this was just another way they try and get your money or if even needs done? If it does need done is there cheaper alternatives?


On a side note I'm not sure if this has anything to do with it but I'm not a Motörhead. My jeep used to get 210 miles out of a full tank, but here recently I'm only getting about 180 , I was wondering if the fluids being dirty effected this somehow? I haven't changed anything on the jeep or traveled different routes?

 

I went in for an oil change as well and they told me the rear differential oil was dirty, he actually showed me himself. I couldn't believe it since my rig only had 15k but sure enough it was, when we looked at the front it was super clean..odd.. Well anyway i was quoted $70 each so $140 to do the front and back " the dealer wanted over 2bills". Everyone here said it was easy to do myself so I bought the oil myself "$45" looked up a good writeup on projectjk.com and the rest was easy.. So I'd do a little more research if i were you, not to mention did you or can you see/tell with your own eyes that the fluids are dirty? Who is telling you its dirty?
Augi

 

Check the owners manual for fluid change intervals. You got hosed.

 

Yeah the owners Manuel is great, but depending on how you drive, and the climate you drive in, can change everything. I say spend the money on preventive maintenance, so huge repairs and failures are few and far between. Now a good way to keep up on this stuff for a fair price, is learn how to do it your self.

 

x2 on the owners manual. Every time I go in for an oil change they want to do other stuff. They'll have you in changing your oil twice as often as needed if you let them.

 

Even doing the diffs yourself is expensive. I have LSD's front and rear so it takes Mopar synthetic diff fluid with friction enhancer. $27 a bottle.
You'll need 6 if you don't spill a drop, plan on buying 7. About $200 with tax. If you use non- Mopar fluids your warranty is void. Save the reciept.

 

I know its hard out there to know who is honest and who is taking advantage, but I yell you what most of the time people are actually trying to do the right thing.

 

Not true. You can use diff fluids from other companys as long as it meets the mopar requirements which most if not all synthetic diff fluids from reputible companys do just check the back of the bottle if you have doubts. You can get mobil 1 ls1 75 / 90 gear oil for like 15$ a bottle even royal purple isint 27 $ a bottle. If all elese fails just get a good synthetic gear lube then buy a bottle of LS additive like 8 $ at oreilly's.

 

Check your manual again. I don't think this applies to "Brake Fluid, "Power stearing Fluid".

 

There is truth in what your guy said, brake fluid gets contaminated by moisture over time and it could cause a low pedal or spongy brakes.
The water takes place of some of the fluid and then boils off from the heat generated when using your brakes.
Also. it can lead to rust inside your brake system....How often do you change it, some say every two years, but I honestly couldn't answer that.
I have had cars that I never flushed brake fluid, and never had a problem. And the flip side to that is, having had to change out all the hard lines on a used car because the fluid wouldn't pass through.

Power steering fluid will normally get darker as it ages (clear to start). If you have pump whine, a stiff wheel or a jerky type of feeling you need to change the fluid.

And like what was said already, learn to do this stuff yourself. Grab a repair manual or search youtube and have at it.