g0bl0k

OK, before you me, i did the search from other threads and most of you recommended to DIY and save money on labor. but my situation is different. my 07 tl has 30k miles, and since i bought her, i only did oil & oil filter change, rotate tires by myself (well, with some help from a friend), never went to dealership. i don't remember whether i got the B1 reminder before so i've never done B service before. now, i'm just worried if i should at least for this one time bring her to dealership and let her get a service she deserves. got several quotes from several dealership around the city, the lowest is $330+tax. one of them will charge around $615. can you believe that? so, what do you think i should do? bring it to the dealer and pay that $330?because i've never done B service that inspects tie rod, gearbox, suspension, driveshaft, brake hose, fuel lines, exhaust system, etc. yes, i have read the manual on page 278.

Bearcat94

Inspection = Glance at while performing other services.


My dealerships offer an Oil, Filter, Tire Rotation *with* a "24 point" inspection for ~$60. The "24 Point" inspection covers the majority of the "B" stuff and is free/included.

*And* why can't you check those things yourself? You're looking for leaking/torn boots, leaky shocks, broken/bent/worn suspension parts, etc. It's not rocket science.

At 30k miles you should be more concerned with a 3x3 tranny drain and fill and Brake Fluid flush and replacement, as well as the recommended filter (cabin and engine air) replacements - IMHO.

g0bl0k

i was planning on doing these with help from a friend without going to dealership. because i know these are more important than those inspections. but again, i'm not an expert in automotive so i don't know if i just take a glance look at suspension, tie rod, exhaust, etc. i can tell whether there's something with it or not. so i wasn't sure whether i should go to dealership or not. thanks for your input tho.

phossotronic

Correct me if I'm wrong but I don't think tranny drain or brake flush is recommended at the first 30k miles. For the tranny drain I believe it is at the first 60k maybe and then every 30k after. Brake fluid I don't remember?

Bearcat94

I guess what I am trying to say is *if* you go the dealer for Oil Change/Tire Rotation, the "inspection" should be included.

For the B12, they are overcharging on the filter replacement - esp cabin air filter; Approx $160 for that alone.

Here's an alternative:

- Go to Walmart and buy a 5 qt Mobil 1 oil (or whatever you prefer);
- Go to Autozone and buy a Mobil1 M-104 Oil Filter.
- Take the Oil, Filter and car to the dealership. Tell them "Oil and Filter Change with these materials and tire rotation". Make sure they include a "12/24/36" Point "inspection".

Total dealer charge should be ~$30 - $45 (With their filter and Synthetic oil, they'd charge you ~$60+ for the oil/filter change alone).

- Do the rest DIY.

Now you've got all you need for B12, including an Acura "inspection" and save $200 - $250 after all the materials.

Bearcat94

True.

But TL trannys have historically been a trouble spot. Conventional wisdom is approx every 30k miles. Some do, some don't, some follow the MID.

Brakes fluid says every 3 years. Used to be 1st time at 3 years, then every year thereafter. Again, if you're doing it DIY, the extra "cost" to have fresh Brake Fluid (plus flushing the gunk out) every year is minimal.

g0bl0k

how many quarts of tranny fluid & brake fluid do i need to drain? the brake fluid that i need is the that exceed dot3 or dot4 specs, right? the castrol one should be good enough, right?

Bearcat94

~ 9 qts of tranny fluid to do the 3x3 drain/refill. Each drain should be about 3 qts. for the AT.

Brake fluid for a full flush not sure. Couple of containers, maybe 3. If you go DOT3, I'd buy the Honda fluid (around here it's cheaper at the Honda dealership than the Acura dealership).

If you go high temp, check with Excelerate or Mr HeelToe for, I *think*, Motul DOT 5.1.

aquariussuperman

DOT 4 has higher boiling points and will be compatible with DOT 3 systems. I've used the Prestone with 311/500F boiling points.

g0bl0k

what do you mean by 3x3 drain/refill? i'm assuming drain then fill for 3 times with 3qts. each time?

i noticed on tl manual, there's no instruction when to replace your power steering fluid. when i had 01 cl, i was told to have this replace every 30k miles. dunno if this is right or not. thus, i have several bottles of honda power steering fluid in my garage. dunno if i can use it for tl. what do u think?

im gonna go with your suggestions, DIY everything i/o going to dealership thanks!!!

Bearcat94

Yes, drain/refill 3 qts 3 times. A short drive using all gears between each refill/drain. 3x3 is the Honda/Acura spec for a "flush". They also spec a "change" which is one 3 qt drain/refill. I don't understand that personally, it'll only replace about 35% of the used fluid.

Here are some links on the subject:


C-012: DIY: 5AT tranny fluid change and fluid level check procedure
https://acurazine.com/forums/ramblings-12/anybody-good-xp-89064/

http://www.in.honda.com/Rjanisis/pubs/SN/B080100.PDF

https://acurazine.com/forums/showthr...ee+drain+times

https://acurazine.com/forums/showthr...ee+drain+times

https://acurazine.com/forums/showthr...ee+drain+times

g0bl0k

wow...thanks...more reading to do

btw, what do you think about the power steering fluid?

i noticed on tl manual, there's no instruction when to replace your power steering fluid. when i had 01 cl, i was told to have this replace every 30k miles. dunno if this is right or not. thus, i have several bottles of honda power steering fluid in my garage. dunno if i can use it for tl. what do u think?

Will Y.

PS fluid is the one fluid you need NOT change unless the steering pump has been replaced or if you know there was some contamination.