Fluid Changes

[Toniok]

I recently received a coupon and decided to take my car to the dealer to have the oil changed and to check the fluids. My 05 Accord has 40,000 miles on it. The service tech came out with this tray that had "samples" from my brake and power steering fluids that looked like tobacco chew and recommended I had both changed and quoted me over $200 for both. Of course he said he could take me to show me my car but it would be a pain to get to it. Should I change the fluids or is the dealer just trying to make some $$. Is this something to do on my own at home or leave it to the pro's? Is the quoted price on target or high?

[ezshift5]

My 05 Accord has 40,000 miles on it. The service tech came out with this tray that had "samples" from my brake and power steering fluids that looked like tobacco chew and recommended I had both changed and quoted me over $200 for both. Is the quoted price on target or high?

FWIWdepartment: My 2005 owner's manual calls for 3-year brake fluid repl.

My dealer charged me about $50 recently for this service (in conjunction with a $27.95 oil/filter change coupon).

I hope you like your 2005 as much as I like my fuel efficient and swift 6M.

best, ez....

[Accordlover]

I paid 99.99 for a brake system flush at my dealer. The fluid was brown and now it is clear like is should be. If your brake fluid isn't clear and clean then you need to change it.

I change my power steering fluid at 60k mile intervals, though many people never change it at all. It's not part of honda's recommendations.

I say get your brake fluid changed and leave the p/s alone for now. Make sure you tell them that you expect them to clean the filter in the master cylinder and that you expect the fluid to look clean and new. My dealer ripped me and it was brown, needless to say I marched back in there and got what I paid for.

The fluid you should have changed is the transmission fluid. It's very important that it get changed every 30k miles.

[reaquino]

I have always felt that this tray which I assume looks like a painter's tray and is colored white is a bit of a scam to try to push you into unnecessary service. One time I had the dealer do a tranny change on the schedule. The next service out they pulled out the tray again and just sent them packing. Ditto with the brake fluid. Knowing I was due for a four wheel pad/drum pad change I waited until the next service and had the fluid replacement done then.

I do beleive on changing in the schedule and just listening to the Maintenance Minder.

[Toniok]

Thanks for the info, I'm going to call a local mechanic I've used and ask how much for the tranny and brake fluid change.

[cajun]

My dealer charges $40 for a brake fluid flush. I try to get it done every 2 years. I recently changed my PS fluid with a turkey baster - easy DIY.

Shops must make a fortune with the tray. The local dealer for my previous vehicle (S10) used it. I had my rear diff fluid changed when my pinion seal was replaced under warranty. A month later I went in for an oil change and the write-up guy showed me the tray and recommended several fluid changes - including the rear diff.