The owner's manual for my 2008 (LT1, 57K miles) says it is not necessary to check the following fluids regularly and says nothing about changing them:
Brake fluid
Manual transmission fluid
Rear axle fluid

Clutch fluid
Power steering fluid

The dealership suggests changing each at various mileage points from 25K to 50K.
Any best-practices experience here to share?

 

I am surprised to hear the manual does not say anything about that.
I think you need to change those fluids when you get a chance. I do not let mine go anywhere near as long.
You did not mention antifreeze. I would change all fluids and belts while u r at it.

Robin

 

Coolant is supposed to be changed every 5 years, it's in the Manual.

Brake fluid, never mentioned by GM, based on best practice experiences of gearheads over the years, should be changed every 2 years.

Clutch fluid, based on lots of bad experience here, should be changed OFTEN, based on driving. If it's black it needs to be changed. Lots of good info and DIY here:

http://www.rangeracceleration.com/Clutch_Care.html

Trans, rear end, power steering, not necessary but some do change them just because. And there is evidence that changing trans fluid can make it shift better.

 

That's a great link on the clutch fluid. My dealer did not have it on their recommended services but should be adding it shortly. Others fluids are recommended at 25K or 50K miles.

I can now say that changing the rear end fluid had a noticeable effect each time I changed it (the rear end had a TSB about 2008 and that continues to be the fluid used now).

Thanks to each of you for your comments.

 

I just got my 2008 and have been accessing the forum for multiple problems and trying to track down the car's history. I looked at the clutch fluid yesterday and although I am not having clutch problems, there was no fluid in the reservoir to speak of and there was a black residue on the rubber inside cap. I hate to do something to a car that is working but having no fluid in the reservoir concerns me so I will try the Ranger method today. The clutch was replaced at 5876 miles at which time, the car was owned by GM. At 40,474 miles the clutch system was bled. Are clutch systems a big problem with the C6's? I have had 5 C5's with no problems and a C4 that I put 75,000 miles on with no clutch problems?

I went and picked up some DOT 4 and a big syringe at a pet store. I pulled the liquid out of the clutch reservoir and refilled. I pumped the clutch pedal about 20 times then syringed out the dirty fluid. It only took 3 times to get clear fluid! A simple process, I hope that it extends the clutch life. Time will tell?

 

I'm not aware of ANY GM vehicle where brake fluid flushes are recommended but if you look at most of the upscale German cars - all recommend brake fluid flushes every 2 - 3 years. Last time I checked - brake fluid doesn't know if it's poured into a GM or a BMW.

The fact is that brake fluid is hydroscopic and WILL absorb moisture. No way to get that moisture out without a good flushing.

As for trans and diff fluid - hey all the metal particles that wear off bearings and synchros couldn't possibly do any harm - right....

Change the diff and trans fluid every 3 - 5 years / 25K - 50K miles depending on use, and consider it money well spent.

 

I heard many time on the Gearhead programs I watch on TV that you should change out the brake fluid every 2 years if it is a DD and you live in a high Dew point area.

 

Maybe that I live in the dry desert is why I've had no problems and the factory fill brake fluid has remained fairly clear on both my '04 80K mile Silverado and the wife's '08 90K mile Caddy. I've changed it on my '08 139K mile Vette twice, due to other stuff that required line removal.

Both the truck and the Caddy still have the OEM anti-freeze, hoses, belts, trans fluid, spark plugs, etc.

I do check this stuff on a regular basis, but I'm not replacing things that appear to be in good condition, simply due to a calendar, or odometer.

 

When I had my new clutch installed at "RKT Performance" I had him change out my Trans and Rear end fluids..I didn't notice any difference with the rear end , but the trans shifted 100 times better and smoother with the fluid change, especially the 1st to 2nd shift got much better.. I also had him install a remote bleeder for the clutch fluid, in my opinion everyone should have one of these installed..... ...WW
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with everything.

Brake fluid is one about which I am religious and change approx every 2 years, even in dry climates. The color change is an indication the fluid has absorbed moisture. Brake fluid is hygroscopic (NOT hydroscopic). I have come from 25 years exp with Euro cars and they're pretty clear about 2 yr changes, especially BMW.

Long life coolant which is typically an HOAT formula is known to have a 5 year life in any brand. HOAT, BTW, mixes with NOTHING. Not good to try different formulas, and better to stick with Dexcool.

Diffs and trans - Manufacturers have been "pressured" by EPA to reduce change intervals in all fluids. So, you see in new cars no mention of changes or "filled for life" requirements. Diffs are basic and sealed well enough, and many examples of them going 600/700 thousand miles with the original fluid. Corvettes get more aggressive driving, of course, but if someone did nothing with the fluid, assuming the RIGHT fluid is in, will probably be fine.

I am a stickler for the CORRECT fluids in trans and diff. I think there is more harm from those who change the fluid and go aftermarket with fluids that are incompatible with the sintered bronze clutch materials used in diffs and trans. I'd opt to leave the factory fill alone rather than gamble on an aftermarket brand with unknown formula.

 

Where you live.Very,very low due point there. Does your tires dry rot?

 

One of the fallacies of the desert. In Monsoon season which is a 1/3 of the year, dewpoints reach well into the 60s. Try humidity and 108*..