30K maintenance service

[Gizmos_fj]

I hit 32k on my FJ and called the dealer for a price check on the 30K servicing and its like $1,000 bucks I will do some shopping around for better deals fisrt. I was looking for some feedback: like is it worth it, is it a waste of money, what is really needed to be serviced on the FJ, is it best to go to the dealer since its still under warranty? Any feedback will be appreciated.

Gizmo

 

[1911]

$1,000 is ridiculous, they're trying to break it off in you.

easy to do yourself, if you have even basic tools:

1. Change oil and filter (FJC is the easiest car I've ever seen to do this).

2. Grease your drive shaft u-joints and slip yokes, check flange bolts for torque while you're down there.

3. Replace spark plugs (a minor nuisance on the driver's side but not difficult at all).

4. Replace air filter.

5. Rotate tires.

6. Replace cabin air filter (super easy).

That's what Toyota says to do. Wouldn't hurt to change your diff and transfer case gear lube (and tranny if you have an M6) if you haven't already.

This will cost you about $100 in supplies (maybe more if you use synthetic fluids). Even if you have to buy a torque wrench or a grease gun, etc. to do it you are still way ahead of the game. Use your money saved to buy a steel bumper. Revel in the satisfaction of doing your own work on your own truck.

 

[BMThiker]

I would add:

Retorque bolts on the diffs too. A-trac has a habit of shaking things loose...its all that asymmetrical vibrating that occurs when A-trac fires, especially on the front clamshell.

Retorquing all linkage bolts too. Upper and lower control arms, shock mount bolts, etc...

 

[WyoCruiser]

On the Toyota website, Toyota recommends what 1911 said.

To do what 1911 suggests, plus fuel injector cleaning and changing steering fluid, dealer in WY and dealer in CA(while I was in the Bay Area this summer) quoted $500. I thought THAT was alot, but twice that is beyond consideration. If you decide to do it yourself, keep all receipts that should clearly state what you bought. If you decide to have someone else do it, shop around, try another dealer, etc..

 

[Southeast Overland]

IIRC I did mine for about $130-150 including new fluids in the diffs and transfer, Mobil 1 synthetic, and I even bought a few tools too.

It was easy as pie. I took my time b/c I had never done any real maintenance work on my FJC. The work took me about 4 hours but I was checking EVERYTHING out. If I was to do it again I could easily cut that in half and I'm nowhere near being a pro mechanic.

 

[DEWFPO]

If your using decent fuels, or a bottle of Techron once in a while you don't need a fuel injector cleaning. I've never seen PS fluid that needed to be changed at 30K miles.

Maintaining the FJ is fairly simple and one of the easiest vehicles I have maintained.

DEWFPO

 

[Gumby]

It sounds like your dealer has a boat payment due.

The plugs should be done if only because some FJC have two different kinds of plugs and they are sometimes not too tight.

 

[WyoCruiser]

Dewfro, I agree.

Of course, the FJ doesn't need FI cleaning or Power Steering fluid replacement at 30K, but the dealer wants to increase their profit at my/our expense.

Similar to the dealer pushing the addition of BG oil treatment additive to every 3,000 mile oil change.

Too many people don't read their Owner's manual and don't consult the manufacturer's website regarding service requirements. Thus, they are duped by the dealership into purchasing unnecessary services.

Gumby, The plugs on my '7 FJC should also be inspected/changed at 30K because they are standard, not long life(platinum, etc.), plugs. I had to tell the 'service manager' this and he didn't believe me and said they should be changed at 60K. He checked with the part's manager, as the tech didn't know off hand, and the pm confirmed what I told him. Considering this would have been a legitimate way of increasing the cost of the 30K service, and he is required to generate a certain amount of revenue each month, you'd think he would have known about it.