balancesheet

I have a 2013 RDX AWD with about 21,000 miles. I recently went to the dealership for an oil change and tire rotation. While I was waiting, the service rep came out and told me that I need to do a "rear differential service" and "brake flush". I didn't know anything about these services so I told the rep that I will come back after I do some research. I have a feeling they will cost me hundreds of dollars so want to make sure they are necessary. Any thoughts would be appreciated. Thanks.

Brown13

Maintenance info says replace brake fluid every 3 years.Your vehicle has to be close to being out of warranty,so time to do it Yourself.If Your are handy and have ever bled brakes,then replacing brake fluid is a snap.Rear differential ,check out RDX DIY FAQ.If not, ask Dealer "How Much?".Any servicer can flush brake fluid.Some have had Honda Dealers offer the same service for less.Your reseach has begun.

Skidoor

The rear diff fluid change (subsymbol 6 on the Maintenance Minder) is going to pop up on your display soon, so you can do it now, or wait and do it soon. You can tell the dealer you will wait until it pops up on your MM. The brake fluid change is not included in any MM messages.

balancesheet

$100 to $150 for each service at Acura sound about right?

justnspace

iTrader: (1)

yeah, sounds about right at the "STEALERship"
those services are EASY and take less than 30 mins. Dont pay 100-150 for a 30 min service!
unless you value your time and dont intend to take it anywhere else...
then, that is fine

Skidoor

I agree with justnspace.. but not because he may otherwise pinch my bum with those evil pincers.....buy 2 litres of the DPSF fluid for the differential and have your local garage put it in...I also think doing the brake fluid is a reasonable idea at this point but its certainly not a big priority, esp. considering your low mileage. I personally would do that as well as change the coolant every 40-50,000 miles.

CanTex

I found an import service place in the DFW area that specializes in Hondas/Acuras, with most of the techs coming from Honda dealerships. No BS but terrible coffee (versus BS and great coffee at the dealer). My son found a BMW specialist that saved him a ton of $$, but now he has our old '13 RDX and is seeking a Honda/Acura shop. Yes, research, lots of it.

chickdr

Brake fluid is one fluid which is more dependent on time since it accumulates water over time. I would say 3yrs max.

jim_c

This requirement to flush brake fluid is pretty much a scam. I have never changed brake fluid on any of my vehicles and have had several for over 200,000 km.
I religiously service the pads and rotors but the fluid is basically good forever unless you are racing or operating in some very extreme climate.
Yeah, I know it is hygroscopic. Our TL is 7 years old now (120,000 km) and on the original brake fluid which is still a nice pale yellow colour.
Change oil and ATF frequently, yes for sure, but not brake fluid. And we are still on the original coolant also.
Car runs perfect and does not burn a drop of oil, trans shifts perfectly also.
Car runs all day at 120 - 130 Klicks (75 mph). No issues.

chickdr

Interesting theory. I am glad you have had good luck. I have pretty much done the 2-3yr flushes on my cars. Not sure I can complain either but how would I know it it helps unless I could wind back the clock and try it without changes? I know with my 2011 Tacoma I have taken it to the local indie twice to see if it needed coolant and brake fluid flushing. Both times they have checked the fluids and told me they didn't need changing yet. The truck is now 6yrs old and has 56k miles. Still the original coolant and brake fluids.With the RDX I will see what happens over the 4yr warranty period. Not sure what they will recommend at the dealer. I have already had a transmission flush at 25k per the maintenance minder.

CanTex

Transmission flush: Dealer recommended? Or in the manual? I thought it was more like 100K miles.

chickdr

On the RDX the interval is very short as they have found the car is very hard on its fluid. 30k intervals are recommended.

andysinnh

It's amazing how much a fluid drain-and-fill can change the transmission behavior - but after 25K or so both the TL and the RDX really benefited from having it done. It's pretty easy to do (just like changing oil). Not sure if the new transmission designs are more sensitive than older designs, but the fluid change has noticeable benefits.

andy

thoiboi

Drain and Fill =/= "flush"


Drain and Fill is the approved method, do NOT flush. Flushing is defined by using a machine to forcibly push out the fluid from the trans case a la Jiffy Lubes and the like.

Skidoor

i recently did the tranny drain/refill...the fluid was noticeably darker coming out than the new fluid, so I did a 2nd drain and re-fill a week later and can now sleep well. Also drained/refilled the transfer case and the gear oil came out almost black..the new oil is a clear yellowish color....the oil and tranny fluid was supposedly changed 28000 miles ago by the dealer....ya right....