Routine Fluid Changes

[rich42550]

Hi Guys & Girls,
I just got back from my local Chevrolet Dealer after having my oil changed on my 2011 Camaro with 15,127 miles on it. My service writer suggested that after 5 years ( even with low miles ) I should start replacing some of the fluids. I do nothing mechanical, so I pay to have everything done. This is what she suggested. (1) Transmission Flush $260.00. (2) Coolant Flush $180.00. (3) Rear Differential Fluid Change $165.00. (4) Power Steering Fluid Change $125.95. (5) Have the injectors Cleaned $199.95. My question is that do you agree with her, and if you do, in what order would you do them? Thank you for your help.

Rich

[Ryanbabz71]

$165 for the rear diff??? Holy smokes. Took me like 20 mins and the fluid (forget the total cost but it was less than $50).


Ryan

[ChibiBlackSheep]

I agree with all but the power steering and injector cleaning. If you don't have a catch-can on the car, then doing an upper valve cleaning would be worth it over injectors being cleaned.

Diff fluid is one of the easiest to do yourself, if you were going to try to save some money. I honestly am doing my diff and trans fluid every spring BECAUSE it's so easy to do that it is worth it for the peace of mind.

I'm also surprised that brake fluid isn't on there. That stuff collects moisture through the air and should also be swapped roughly every 3 years.

[Rock-It Man]

No, I don't agree.

Transmission: No
Coolant: No
Power Steering Fluid: No (probably never)
Differential: No (probably never for an open diff)
Injector Cleaning: No (never, unless you have a performance problem)

I would take a look at the maintenance schedule in your owner's manual. Unless you race or drive a lot in very high heat (and I see you in CT not Texas) you can safely follow the normal maintenance schedule.

With your low miles, I bet the first thing you will need to replace is the battery.

[Rahjeir]

I agree with all but the power steering and Injector cleaning.

[snarky]

coolant flush and rear diff but at half those prices posted. the others, nah. yes to a brake fluid flush.

[frankwjr]

Originally Posted by Rock-It Man

No, I don't agree.

Transmission: No
Coolant: No
Power Steering Fluid: No (probably never)
Differential: No (probably never for an open diff)
Injector Cleaning: No (never, unless you have a performance problem)

I would take a look at the maintenance schedule in your owner's manual. Unless you race or drive a lot in very high heat (and I see you in CT not Texas) you can safely follow the normal maintenance schedule.

With your low miles, I bet the first thing you will need to replace is the battery.

Lol...dealerships that employee female service writers solely due to looks should be shunned, avoided and or burned to the ground. Seriously, lack of mechanical ability aside do yerself a favor and read these forums since you joined...are you afraid to learn? For me 50% of the enjoyment of owning a car like this is workin on it myself!

So grab some tools, hand cleaner and have sum fun!

lol....F. Weller

[Dizzy82]

Originally Posted by frankwjr

Lol...dealerships that employee female service writers solely due to looks should be shunned, avoided and or burned to the ground. Seriously, lack of mechanical ability aside do yerself a favor and read these forums since you joined...are you afraid to learn? For me 50% of the enjoyment of owning a car like this is workin on it myself!

So grab some tools, hand cleaner and have sum fun!

lol....F. Weller

Assume much? Perhaps OP has reasons not to do work on his car. Not everyone who owns 'performance' vehicles are hands on mechanics.

[LCPLPunk]

Coolant flush definitely. Differential fluid costs $11.79 for the one quart you'll need. Spend another 5 or so for the friction modifier and you are at $17 out the door. If you are okay on spending $165 for that, by all means knock your socks off. :P

[JusticePete]

Originally Posted by rich42550

Hi Guys & Girls,
I just got back from my local Chevrolet Dealer after having my oil changed on my 2011 Camaro with 15,127 miles on it. My service writer suggested that after 5 years ( even with low miles ) I should start replacing some of the fluids. I do nothing mechanical, so I pay to have everything done. This is what she suggested. (1) Transmission Flush $260.00. (2) Coolant Flush $180.00. (3) Rear Differential Fluid Change $165.00. (4) Power Steering Fluid Change $125.95. (5) Have the injectors Cleaned $199.95. My question is that do you agree with her, and if you do, in what order would you do them? Thank you for your help.

Rich

(1) Transmission Flush $260.00. Pass
(2) Coolant Flush $180.00. Do it.
(3) Rear Differential Fluid Change $165.00. Pass
(4) Power Steering Fluid Change $125.95. I have seen some issues with the seals in the rack and pumps on the V8s. I would change the fluid and ask them to use the current version of Dexron ATF.
(5) Have the injectors Cleaned $199.95. Pass
(6) Flush the brake fluid and replace with stock fluid.

[frankwjr]

Originally Posted by Dizzy82

Assume much? Perhaps OP has reasons not to do work on his car. Not everyone who owns 'performance' vehicles are hands on mechanics.

Dude,

lighten up! seriously EVERYBODY has a view and RESPECT is being ADULT enough to accept that fact...

guess you don't have any hand cleaner either huh? (sarcasm in case you missed that...lol)

F. Weller

P.S. And I SIGN my comments...

[TommyTheCat]

Honestly I don't change coolant unless I'm doing a service that requires draining it, or if it became contaminated. I'm sure you'll be fine without pretty much any of the services

[TommyTheCat]

Originally Posted by Rock-It Man

No, I don't agree.

Transmission: No
Coolant: No
Power Steering Fluid: No (probably never)
Differential: No (probably never for an open diff)
Injector Cleaning: No (never, unless you have a performance problem)

I would take a look at the maintenance schedule in your owner's manual. Unless you race or drive a lot in very high heat (and I see you in CT not Texas) you can safely follow the normal maintenance schedule.

With your low miles, I bet the first thing you will need to replace is the battery.

This, with the possible exception of injector service. But at your mileage? No. At 60,000? Maybe. 100,000 yeah

And only because it's DI


I work and have worked at other shops, any good tech would laugh at the recommendations they are making. They just want some dough

[Rock-It Man]

Originally Posted by snarky

coolant flush and rear diff but at half those prices posted. the others, nah. yes to a brake fluid flush.

Good point. The only fluids that may need to be changed based on age, not mileage, are the brake fluid and coolant.

So maybe get those done after seven years or so.

As for the diff, I think the OP has an open diff. I can tell you from experience that the oil in an open diff looks and smells like new after even 100,000 miles.