Brake, diff, xfer case fluid service: how important are they?

[Grumvee]

Hi Mudders!

I'm looking at 2009 - 2013 LC 200s. Many of them are 100k - 150k mileage, and neither the current owners nor the available documentation show any service history for the brake fluid or diff/xfer case fluid changes.

When I buy one, I will of course perform those services (likely myself, as I've done on my current 4Runner).

But here's my question... assuming those services were never done on vehicles with 100k - 150k mileage, how concerning is that?

Thanks!

 

[grinchy]

It's a data point. Probably it indicates that there is a lot of deferred maintenance, and this is not good in general.
It could be that the car was owned by a backyard mechanic who did these items themselves.
You have to glean what you can from the service history and then make peace with it. I bought private market, talked with the previous owner, and learned what I could about the previous previous owner. That combined with service records helped me be very comfortable with where the car was at re: maintenance and service. There have been even with this history some surprises and gotchas.

A diff rebuild, including all the parts, front and back, is around $3k, more if you decide to add in lockers while you're at it.

 

[hickuptruck]

There's vehicles out there with 200-300k and still on original xcase and diff fluids. You could feel and see it though if brake fluid is old.

 

[Armed in Utah]

Syn gear oil is cheap compared to gear boxes

for me its peace of mind knowing its clean oil

Bought the '11 GX w/95K on it...all gear box & transmission changed

Sucked out what PS & brake fluid I could & refilled...

Coolant next.....getting ready to roll over to 100K

 

[coleAK]

My thought is if they didn’t do those things then they probably didn’t take good care of the vehicle Overall. In my experience some people who don’t do the PM look at the vehicle as disposable and overall don’t care for it much.

But then also could be that it was done by the owner. My ‘13 LX has only one dealer record (for a recall) after the warranty expired, since I’ve done all my own work since then.

 

[Supra88]

I wouldn't worry about it. Worry about previous accidents, rust, cam tower oil leaks, timing chain tensioners, and rear timing cover leaks. These things are tanks.