Recommended service?
Hubby took the 2010 Chevy in to get the oil and fuel filters changed today. He also is having the transmission flushed. Anyway the service tech started going through a list of stuff we needed to chec...
Forum Discussion
jrs1871 wrote:
T.......If we had done all the flushes they were pushing, brake fluid, power steering, fuel system and engine coolant, it would have come to nearly $1,000. Personally, I have never heard of flushing brake fluid or power steering unless you have had some incident that caused a break in that system.
Honestly this was sound advice from the dealer. I know it sounds like a money grab. I do all my own work so I'd only be out about $50 in supplies. You might be able to find a shop that would do all this cheaper, but the takeaway is that the dealer was trying to help you properly maintain your truck for longer life of the components.
Coolant
Dexcool has a rated lifetime of 5 years or 100,000 miles....WHICHEVER COMES FIRST. If the organic acids in your coolant become oxidized they will create a sludge that can cause blockages in coolant passages. That's really bad and causes major problems, right? Since your truck is 8 years old you are past due if this has never been done
Brake Fluid
Brake fluid is hydroscopic, meaning it will draw moisture. Over time the collection of moisture and contaminants in your brake fluid degrades the compressibility of the oil and decreases your braking capacity. This has nothing to do with a 'break in the system'. Siphon some fluid out of your master cylinder then compare it to fresh fluid. You'll see the difference quickly. In my opinion a brake system should be flushed every 2-3 years.
Power Steering Fluid
In your truck it not only does the job of turning the tires on your truck that weighs more than 3.5 tons, but it also your only means of powering the booster on your brake master cylinder. There is no vacuum on a diesel engine, thus they rely on 'hydroboost' to create power brakes. So, if the power steering fluid/pump fails you also lose power brakes. Doesn't sound too fun to me towing a large RV.
Power steering fluid is cheap. Also, old contaminated fluid has less lubricity and therefore can allow more wear on pump parts. To me it's cheap insurance and preventative maintenance to flush the fluid every couple of years.
KJ
