What fluids to service in used RV?
After buying a used 2008 gas RV with the Ford E450 v10 with less than 10k miles, we want to do some preventive maintenance. What fluids should we change? Brake Oil and filter Coolant Transmissi...
Forum Discussion
When I can, I'll try to find the 2008 Owner's Manual. In the meanwhile, remember that the Owner Manual doesn't "Morph" into the latest recommendations. Simple example is that engine oil with a service index printed in your model year might not even be for sale any longer. The example I'm thinking of is Rear Axle Lube. Our manual says Dino Oil for the rear but the current thinking is Full Synthetic. And, Dino had a service interval, while Full Syn is "permanent" unless the axle gets submerged in water. WalMart has SuperTech Full Syn for about $11 a bottle, a very good price for that. Just be sure it's not the Dino or Blend they also sell.
Brake Fluid is a Must Change, with the premium DOT3 (I think it's stil 3, not 4 which is different).
Power Steering Fluid...? Two points:
1. It's starting to come into view because a company called "BG" has come up with ways to Flush Everything Automotive. They sell mechanics and the mechanics sell us. That said, We run vehicles longer than we used to, and the fluid DOES get contaminated. Especially on Rack and Pinion systems. Aluminum parts instead of Steel. I replaced the Rack in a Buick with 120,000 and later the Pump. The Pump was FULL of Grit and Grime, not good lubrication for itself or the Rack. The Rack wasn't leaking but it'd jam in a turn and not want to return to Center.
2. E450's (and others) use HydroBoost braking. Instead of Vacuum, HB uses hydraulic pressure from the Power Steering Pump as its power source. This produces Several Times more brake apply pressure than vacuum brakes. This means there is a Steering Fluid-to-Brake Fluid intersection in the HB unit. We need to do everything we can to keep sour brake fluid OR sour steering fluid from damaging the seals!!! If those fluids get to mixing, it's an unholy mess.
Brake Fluid is a Must Change, with the premium DOT3 (I think it's stil 3, not 4 which is different).
Power Steering Fluid...? Two points:
1. It's starting to come into view because a company called "BG" has come up with ways to Flush Everything Automotive. They sell mechanics and the mechanics sell us. That said, We run vehicles longer than we used to, and the fluid DOES get contaminated. Especially on Rack and Pinion systems. Aluminum parts instead of Steel. I replaced the Rack in a Buick with 120,000 and later the Pump. The Pump was FULL of Grit and Grime, not good lubrication for itself or the Rack. The Rack wasn't leaking but it'd jam in a turn and not want to return to Center.
2. E450's (and others) use HydroBoost braking. Instead of Vacuum, HB uses hydraulic pressure from the Power Steering Pump as its power source. This produces Several Times more brake apply pressure than vacuum brakes. This means there is a Steering Fluid-to-Brake Fluid intersection in the HB unit. We need to do everything we can to keep sour brake fluid OR sour steering fluid from damaging the seals!!! If those fluids get to mixing, it's an unholy mess.
