I'm fortunate that my local Ford dealer services large Class A's. They say they have at least 2-3 every single day. We bought our coach used this past fall. Looking to change out all fluids for peace of mind. It is 7 years old with 9k miles. I do a good bit of basic maintenance at home, so I'd like to do it myself if I can. However, some of these items I've never done before.I want to know two things. First, does the price seem in line and two, do you think I can tackle it myself. My abilities in the past have been, oil change, filter change, brake pad change.Local dealer list:Engine oil: $150 (I've already done myself)Transmission flush (100% pressurized) $239Brake fluid: $99Coolant flush: $139 (think I can do)Differential gear oil: $190Power Steering fluid: $99Fuel injection and induction cleaning: $139Everything looks in line to me. What do you think? Is there anything I should add that is overlooked?Thanks.

Those prices are outrageous. Do the work yourself. But if you must, don't make the dealer any richer than he already is. Plenty of guys out there to do the work for a lot less.You can drain the differential just like an oil change and refill for a few bucks.

Those prices are in-line with customary shop rates. If you choose to have them do the work, your not being cheated.You will however, save hundreds by doing the work yourself.

I'm willing. I can't seem to find good video tutorials on most of it though. Do you know of any?I know I can't do 100% flush on the tranny. I suppose the vast majority just drop the pan anyway.

azdryheat wrote:Those prices are outrageous. Do the work yourself. But if you must, don't make the dealer any richer than he already is. Plenty of guys out there to do the work for a lot less.You can drain the differential just like an oil change and refill for a few bucks.The differential in the F53 varies depending on weight ratings, minimum 7 quarts of synthetic axle lube. Some a lot more. Price 75W-140 and it's not as cheap as you seem to think.Of course you can always find someone willing to do it cheaper. They'll probably fill it with store brand 80W-90 and send you on your way.

tragusa3 wrote:I'm willing. I can't seem to find good video tutorials on most of it though. Do you know of any?I know I can't do 100% flush on the tranny. I suppose the vast majority just drop the pan anyway.I wouldn't drop the pan or flush it. Open the lines to the transmission cooler and pump it out with the transmission pump. Refill and repeat until you've exchanged all the fluid. That gets all the fluid exchanged including the torque converter.

F53 Full Fluids Service Price Check | Good Sam Community

25 Replies

theoldwizard1
Explorer II
Dec 31, 2018
Fuzzy Knight wrote:
From a Ford service rep - The new AODs really put the fluid through the ringer. If it is changed every 20 thou or so the tranny will last forever.

I would be 99% certain that person does not work for Ford Motor Company. Likely they work for the dealership where they sell replacement parts, lubricants and the service to install them !

As the old saying goes, "We SELL oil here !"
Chum_lee
Explorer
Dec 24, 2018
tragusa3 wrote:

Anyone have comments on my pictures? I assume we all agree it looks like new fluid?

Here's an old trick from Noria. (Professional oil analysis and educational training) Instead of using a paper towel, put a drop of oil (off the dipstick) on the back of a white business card. The whiter the card stock the better. Make sure the paper is NOT glossy finish but flat (color) and clean as possible. Let the oil drop diffuse into the paper until it is fully absorbed. This may take 3 to 4 hours. Then look at the oil spot. Look for an even gradation in color from the center to the outer edge of oil penetration. If you see any sharp lines or splotches, your fluid is contaminated with particulate. Not a guarantee, but, a cheap way to do fluid chromatography when you don't know the fluid history and want a relatively quick way to make an educated guess about it's suitability for continued use.

Chum lee
theoldwizard1
Explorer II
Dec 21, 2018
Fuzzy Knight wrote:
From a Ford service rep - The new AODs really put the fluid through the ringer. If it is changed every 20 thou or so the tranny will last forever. If not - 30/40 K and the tranny is gone.

I actually worked in transmission engineering for a few years about 30 years ago. Even then transmission fluid was good for 100K+, assuming it was not overheated and there were no other internal transmission issues. Pretty much ALL modern transmission fluid is either a blend or 100% pure synthetic and much more tolerant of high operating temperatures.

Fuzzy Knight wrote:
With todays fuel cleaning is a must because the fuel degrades so fast.

All gasoline has some cleaning additives, even the cheapest generic brand (Costco gas is actually pretty good). The best thing you can do is to consume the gas in the tank in a "reasonable" amount of time. ALL GAS, even with additives, will leave "varnish" if left for long (12 months ?) periods of time. Having said that, it is amazing how many cars start an run fine with fuel that has been left in the tank for 5+ years !
theoldwizard1
Explorer II
Dec 21, 2018
I am a retired automotive engineer. I worked for on of the Detroit 3 for over30 years

tragusa3 wrote:
Does transmission fluid absorb moisture like brake fluid?

No ! Follow the owner's manual, even if you follow the "severe duty" schedule.

tragusa3 wrote:
Same with Fuel injection cleaning? The dealer said that the induction cleaning will remove water that has built up and sat in the exhaust? I do get a little water from the exhaust, but it stops after I'm up to temperature.

Pure BS. Water vapor is a normal by-product of combustion and a small amount dripping out the exhaust is normal.

tragusa3 wrote:
I check transmission and power steering this morning. Here are pics.

Both look fine.

I have bee driving cars for over 50 years, most of them older vehicles (current 2nd car is 21 years old). I have NEVER changed power steering fluid (additional added during repairs), brake fluid (additional added during repairs), differential fluid. The one time I did change the transmission fluid, it had no affect.
Fuzzy_Knight
Explorer
Dec 21, 2018
tragusa3 wrote:
Fuzzy Knight, can you support why you feel the transmission is important at such low miles but others aren't? Does transmission fluid absorb moisture like brake fluid?

Same with Fuel injection cleaning? The dealer said that the induction cleaning will remove water that has built up and sat in the exhaust? I do get a little water from the exhaust, but it stops after I'm up to temperature.

I check transmission and power steering this morning. Here are pics. The transmission is the marks on the left, PS on the right. Both were cleaner in person than they look in the pictures. If I was told they were just changed, I'd believe it. What do you think?

From a Ford service rep - The new AODs really put the fluid through the ringer. If it is changed every 20 thou or so the tranny will last forever. If not - 30/40 K and the tranny is gone. My Pace Arrow had a new tranny installed at 23K just before I got it.
As far as fuel injector cleaning - With todays fuel cleaning is a must because the fuel degrades so fast. You have no idea what the previous owner did to keep it clean sooo an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.
tragusa3
Explorer
Dec 21, 2018
Thanks Chum lee! I understand and agree with everything you've said.

Anyone have comments on my pictures? I assume we all agree it looks like new fluid?
Chum_lee
Explorer
Dec 21, 2018
tragusa3 wrote: "Same with Fuel injection cleaning? The dealer said that the induction cleaning will remove water that has built up and sat in the exhaust? I do get a little water from the exhaust, but it stops after I'm up to temperature."

Unless you have specific issues which you can directly attribute to the fuel injection system, (contaminated fuel, blocked injectors/pcv, dirty MAF, etc.) the fuel injection system does not need regular cleaning other than changing the fuel filter. . . . . . period. Water in the exhaust is normal and it is a byproduct of the combustion process. Exhaust heat will remove any moisture on its own without an unnecessary cash injection. IMO, keep your money and ignore this dealer "expert."

Chum lee
tragusa3
Explorer
Dec 20, 2018
Fuzzy Knight, can you support why you feel the transmission is important at such low miles but others aren't? Does transmission fluid absorb moisture like brake fluid?

Same with Fuel injection cleaning? The dealer said that the induction cleaning will remove water that has built up and sat in the exhaust? I do get a little water from the exhaust, but it stops after I'm up to temperature.

I check transmission and power steering this morning. Here are pics. The transmission is the marks on the left, PS on the right. Both were cleaner in person than they look in the pictures. If I was told they were just changed, I'd believe it. What do you think?
Fuzzy_Knight
Explorer
Dec 20, 2018
Engine oil: $150 (I've already done myself)
Transmission flush (100% pressurized) $239 This is important, make sure they change the filter!!!
Brake fluid: $99 At 9k miles this does not need to be done.
Coolant flush: $139 (think I can do) At 9K miles this does not need to be done
Differential gear oil: $190 At 9K miles this does not need to be done.
Power Steering fluid: $99 At 9K miles this does not need to be done.
Fuel injection and induction cleaning: $139 This is important.
One of the best things about having the Ford dealership do it is that at any time you need warranty work done, assuming you purchased an extended warranty, is you have a record of items that were done.
dodge_guy
Explorer II
Dec 20, 2018
The trans should have a drain plug. At 7k miles I would just drain and fill it. No need for a filter change.
Brake fluid flush is reasonable, as long as they are going to do the complete system and not just drain and fill the reservoir.
Coolant I would drain and fill.
Rear diff is probably OK. I would leave it.
Same with PS
No need for a fuel system service at such low miles!

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F53 Full Fluids Service Price Check

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