Forum Discussion

goufgators's avatar
goufgators
Explorer
Jul 17, 2015

Question for Ford chassis folks...

This is in regard to an '05 Ford F-53 w/ 30,000 miles. I've regularly had it serviced (oil & lube) but lately been wondering if it's time for some other types of 'preventative' maintenance servicing. For example: at what time (or mileage) should I have (1) brake fluid changed, (2) transmission serviced, (3) belts and hoses replaced, (4) timing belt replaced, (5) new air put in tires (just kidding)? Would appreciate your thoughts about these questions...well except #5! / Larry
  • We have an '06 model and I have had all those ( except the hoses and #5 ) done. Am going next week to have the brake calipers cleaned and lubed plus checking the front wheel bearings. New tires in 2013. Don't know about a timing belt.
  • The owners manual does not outline those required maintenance items? Also don't neglect radiator coolant, transmission oil, differential, etc
  • At ten years, clearly changing coolant and brake fluid would be a good idea. I would do transmission fluid, rear axle fluid as well.
  • We took ours to the Ford dealer at 25000 miles and had them do a 100K service including a belt change. Covered almost everything that way.

    Dave
  • I've heard three years for brake fluid. That may be a bit excessive. After ten years, flushing and replacing the fluid would be a very good idea.

    The main problem with brake fluid is that it is quite hydroscopic: it readily absorbs moisture from the air. This is bad because the moisture can then cause rusting/corrosion of metal brake system parts, and because the boiling point of water is much lower than that of brake fluid, so it will overheat and boil as a solution at a lower temperature, which can lead to (temporary) loss of brakes when you need them most (i.e. at the end of a long steep hill).

    Belts and hoses are, like brake pads, usually done based on inspection rather than a fixed schedule.

    The Ford V10 has a timing chain, not a belt, and this only needs service if it is getting noisy or otherwise obviously not working properly. With a decent oil change regimen, this will only be in many many more miles.

    The chassis manual should give service intervals for the transmission. Fluid change at around 30K miles sounds reasonable, if a bit conservative, but the manual knows better than I do. Also check and top off the fluid in the driveshaft parking brake reservoir (if applicable--I think it is); IIRC it doesn't have a drain and replace schedule, but you don't want it to run dry. The differential/axle lubrication should also be checked and possibly replaced (again the chassis manual should give the details).

    If the headlight lenses are fogged or yellowed, consider replacing or at least refurbishing them. It makes a significant difference when driving at night.
  • Its time for brake fluid Hoses and belts inspect Trans wouldn't hurt to change fluid and filter. V10 has a timing chain not a belt you don't have to do anything with that