Hi All,
I know we have a special thread on do it yourself fluid changes but I just wanted to see what everyone paid when they took the car elsewhere. As a higher mileage RL owner, I am going to have to do some of these soon. I was quoted the following and just wanted to see if I was being taken advantage of.

$90 Trans
$90 Diff *I was told this was a standard Honda Fluid. Is it true?

Thanks,
Rob

 

I recently ruptured my achilles and was unable to do the fluid changes myself. I had the diff done for $60 and the transmission done for $60. $30 for the transfer case/front diff (takes hypoid gear oil. many use mobile 1 75w-90 i believe). The rear diff takes Honda ATF-Z1 or Honda/Acura DPSF

 

For the transmission fluid change - you have to ask for the 3 times change with 3 quarts each time. It will cost anywhere from $100 to $200. To do it the best - I would have them drive the car in all gears for a few miles and then change again.

 

The fluids are $6-8/qt. The trans takes 3.8 without the transfer case and the diff takes 3. Let's say $25 in materials for each. Either can be done in 20 min if you have the right tools. IMO, $90 is too much, and honestly, both are an easy DIY job.

To expound on Frank's suggestion, if you are going to do a 3x3 flush, you must drive the car through all gears and lock the torque converter between fill and drain. Otherwise, you are just pouring 8 qts of fluid through a straw and down the drain.

The best practice is to change the tranny fluid every other oil change. However, if you aren't doing this yourself, you will waste some money on labor.