Fluid Change
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Joined: Oct 2009
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Fluid Change
I brought my 06 vert to my local chevy dealer today for my roof replacement. Like many of you, last saturday I received my roof recall notice. The dealer ordered the new roof panel. They will paint it when it comes in and install it next week.
While I was there, the service advisor asked me if I have ever had my brake fluid and power steering fluid changed. The answer was no. He told me they should be changed every 25k miles. Checking my owners manual I don't see anything about changing either fluid. The dealer wants $175.00 to change the fluids.
My question is, is this just a way for the dealer to make some money or is this a recommended service?
Responses invited!
RJ
While I was there, the service advisor asked me if I have ever had my brake fluid and power steering fluid changed. The answer was no. He told me they should be changed every 25k miles. Checking my owners manual I don't see anything about changing either fluid. The dealer wants $175.00 to change the fluids.
My question is, is this just a way for the dealer to make some money or is this a recommended service?
Responses invited!
RJ
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 25,009
Likes: 2,707
From: Far NW 'burbs of Chicago
St. Jude Donor '13
Welcome Aboard!
Flushing the brake fluid about every 2 years is a good idea, because the fluid absorbs mositure from the air, that can cause fluid boiling if you are really using the brakes hard, or eventual corrosion inside the system. OTOH, many tin cars never get the fluid flushed until the brake system needs major work.
P/S fluid change is not common, I'm darned near the only person on earth who does it at less than 100k miles. 25k miles is really early, they're after your wallet.
Neither service is recommended at any time in the Owner manual or service manual, but I'd seriously consider getting the brake fluid done at an honest dealer.
Flushing the brake fluid about every 2 years is a good idea, because the fluid absorbs mositure from the air, that can cause fluid boiling if you are really using the brakes hard, or eventual corrosion inside the system. OTOH, many tin cars never get the fluid flushed until the brake system needs major work.
P/S fluid change is not common, I'm darned near the only person on earth who does it at less than 100k miles. 25k miles is really early, they're after your wallet.
Neither service is recommended at any time in the Owner manual or service manual, but I'd seriously consider getting the brake fluid done at an honest dealer.
Last edited by Gearhead Jim; Apr 29, 2010 at 10:54 PM.
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 21,502
Likes: 461
From: Southern Utah
The power steering not so much, but at that mileage, flushing the brakes is a good idea.
I would like to change my power steering fluid but I really don't know how to get the old fluid out....
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 25,009
Likes: 2,707
From: Far NW 'burbs of Chicago
St. Jude Donor '13
There is a flushing procedure in the Service Manual. Basically:
Lift front so wheels can turn
Hold bottom of ign switch for 10 secs until car goes On, if you have a column lock
Put big container under P/S reservoir
Remove return hose from reservoir
Plug return hose hole in reservoir
Have one guy pour in fresh P/S fluid while other guy slowly turns steering lock to lock. Can take 4 qts or more for a good flush.
Reconnect everything.
I had a local shop do mine, they said it was difficult to reach the return hose for disconnecting.
Good luck!
Lift front so wheels can turn
Hold bottom of ign switch for 10 secs until car goes On, if you have a column lock
Put big container under P/S reservoir
Remove return hose from reservoir
Plug return hose hole in reservoir
Have one guy pour in fresh P/S fluid while other guy slowly turns steering lock to lock. Can take 4 qts or more for a good flush.
Reconnect everything.
I had a local shop do mine, they said it was difficult to reach the return hose for disconnecting.
Good luck!
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 21,502
Likes: 461
From: Southern Utah
There is a flushing procedure in the Service Manual. Basically:
Lift front so wheels can turn
Hold bottom of ign switch for 10 secs until car goes On, if you have a column lock
Put big container under P/S reservoir
Remove return hose from reservoir
Plug return hose hole in reservoir
Have one guy pour in fresh P/S fluid while other guy slowly turns steering lock to lock. Can take 4 qts or more for a good flush.
Reconnect everything.
I had a local shop do mine, they said it was difficult to reach the return hose for disconnecting.
Good luck!
Lift front so wheels can turn
Hold bottom of ign switch for 10 secs until car goes On, if you have a column lock
Put big container under P/S reservoir
Remove return hose from reservoir
Plug return hose hole in reservoir
Have one guy pour in fresh P/S fluid while other guy slowly turns steering lock to lock. Can take 4 qts or more for a good flush.
Reconnect everything.
I had a local shop do mine, they said it was difficult to reach the return hose for disconnecting.
Good luck!
