Hoping someone can shed some light on the Ford maintenance intervals. Had the oil changed this morning (30k) and the dealer comes back with the following:

- the coolant is a little discolored and should be changed ($189)
- Brake fluid should be flushed as well. ($99)

Ford recommends these are done at 100k. Anyone have thoughts on this? Should I go ahead and have both done or is the service department attempting to force early maintenance?

 

I would believe the brake fluid needs replaced...I do mine every 30K...but the coolant should be good @ 30k...and I would not pay somebody to flush my coolant $200...you can do this in your driveway in 30-45 mins for $50...I suck out my brake fluid with a turkey basted and fill it up with new...then bleed all 4 starting at the far rear...and then top off the fluid...cost $ 25... even less if you have a turkey baster already that your wife will give up for the garage...

 

Total scam! Don't walk but run away from that STEALERship! That is a joke and is overkill on both items. Both of your fluids are fine. Stick with Ford's time/mileage suggestions. Service writers are encouraged to try to sell customers additional maintenance items such as flushes. They get commissions on these. So they said your coolant is discolored- I'm curious, what was their reasoning for needing your brake fluid flushed?

 

One reason to do the brake fluid is that it is hygroscopic. The piston will eventually form rust and down the road could get stuck and not retract. It happened once to me albeit it was with an older car. To be **** about it, most recommend a flush every two years. That being said, I have gone alot longer with no problems on other vehicles. It is cheap preventative maintenance and is stupid easy to do.

 

Well I did my brake fluid flush at 59000 miles. It was starting to turn color and break down. It wasn't hard at all just put it on the lift and go to work. It also helps if you have a power bleeder that works off compressed air. Made it go real quick for me. As far as the coolant goes I want to do mine but have had the time or the money. But I will do that my self to. Has anyone changed their transmission fluid and filter on their truck yet? I know ford says its good till 100,000 k but I don't know if I would wait that long. I would also like to add a inline filter for the transmission to. I think the super duties have them.

 

Unfortunately I live in an apartment now for the next couple of years because I have no plans of staying here when I'm done with this gig, so changing the fluids is a no-no in this community. I'm going to shop around to see if I can get both done cheaper. Think I paid like $75 bucks for coolant change at a quick lube with my last vehicle (2 years ago). Got a 31' travel trailer I pull so it probably is worth the piece of mind.

Service guy said both fluids were discolored. I don't trust these guys so it's time to find a better Ford service dealer locally. thanks for the info/recommendations

 

Your very welcome. I hope you figure it all out and get it done how you want to.

 

I would check it myself but given your situation I would take it to another dealer. In extreme climates you might need to change it early, what kind of weather do you see and do you do extreme driving?

 

The guy comes up with two scheduled maintenance items that need to be done way way early? Give me a break.

I can kinda see some value in this for something like the transmission with its aggressive 100K service interval. Some here say its a good idea to replace the brake fluid once in a while. But if I did that, no way would I go back to a crook like your dealer. Could you even trust them to really do the work? I wouldn't.

You know you can get the extended "basic" warranty "Extended Service Plan" or "ESP" over the 'net for about $750 bucks for 7 Yr and 100K that would cover most of that stuff and much more. That would be more cost-effective than dealing with those jackals.

 

The truck is in Fayetteville, NC and it is the typical southeast weather which is probably why the shudder issue arose so quickly with my truck. Other than everyday normal driving I have pulled my camper (5,800lbs) over to the Smokies several times this year with no issues in the mountains. Actually this truck handles it pretty well although personally I wouldn't dare pull anything close to the max.

As for the dealer well the previous time I went to this dealer they recommended the transmission service which I did but another dealer in town said not to do it until 100k. Figured with the new vehicles it was better to be safe. I will agree the coolant is a bit discolored and probably could use a flush. Brake flush though? I've owned cars & trucks for 10 years and have never had it done with no issues. Been looking at the ESP but am on the fence whether to upgrade to a 250 or 350 in a year or so due to the shudder thing that hasn't gone away.