power steering fluid and brake fluid

Asked by strazz Apr 18, 2013 at 01:25 AM about the 2001 Toyota Avalon XLS

Question type: Maintenance & Repair

The dealer is recommending that the brake fluid and power steering fluid be flushed on my 2001 Avalon with 105000 miles. Is this service necessary?

7 Answers

take a look at your reservoir, is it nice and transparent yellow? if it's black and filled with black seal crumbles, yes---have it changed, please do not risk our safety (those that share the road with you) and take unnecessary chances with your brakes, the world does not need any more chaos~

6 people found this helpful.

...also your power steering utilizes rubber hoses that can and will degrade with time, see how supple they are, whether or not are covered with oil and give 'em a squeeze with pliers to see how fragile they are~

2 people found this helpful.
177,415

The fluids should be changed but the dealer may not be the most economical place to have it done.

2 people found this helpful.
18,835

Absolutely, YES for the brake fluid. Your owner's manual likely says every two years. Brake fluid is anhydrous. It absorbs water. As it does, the boiling point lowers. If your fluid boils, you will find yourself with no brakes at all. Also, the water can damage the accumulator and pump for the ABS, and that is EXPENSIVE! The power steering fluid also lubricates the pump and steering rack. Much cheaper to maintain the fluids than change a rack needlessly.

8 people found this helpful.
40

take a turkey baster and remove fluid from the top will not get all fluid out the first time but will allow a change of new fluid to start to circulate in the pump

4 people found this helpful.

I got a 2006 Avalon a couple of years ago with 101000, I did all the fluids. As someone mentioned, braking and steering are you 2 most important safety functions on a car. Do it.

Your Answer:

Avalon

Looking for a Used Avalon in your area?

CarGurus has 24 nationwide Avalon listings starting at $5,388.

Postal Code:

CarGurus Experts

  • #1
    Farmboy93
    Reputation
    2,410
  • #2
    MsAngie1968
    Reputation
    1,340
  • #3
    GuruDCW7P
    Reputation
    1,130
View All

Find great deals from top-rated dealers

Search

Related Models For Sale

Used Toyota Camry
51 Great Deals out of 944 listings starting at $2,212
Used Lexus ES
6 Great Deals out of 197 listings starting at $4,500
Used Honda Accord
43 Great Deals out of 914 listings starting at $2,799
Used Lexus LS
25 listings starting at $11,888
Used Toyota Highlander
24 Great Deals out of 719 listings starting at $6,495
Used Toyota RAV4
88 Great Deals out of 2,026 listings starting at $3,499
Used Toyota Corolla
110 Great Deals out of 1,961 listings starting at $1,995
Used Toyota 4Runner
15 Great Deals out of 341 listings starting at $9,900
Used Lexus GS
21 listings starting at $6,995
Used Toyota Tacoma
53 Great Deals out of 1,029 listings starting at $8,708
Used Lexus IS
24 Great Deals out of 342 listings starting at $5,800
Used Honda Civic
162 Great Deals out of 3,375 listings starting at $2,230
Used Toyota Tundra
46 Great Deals out of 1,128 listings starting at $5,999

Content submitted by Users is not endorsed by CarGurus, does not express the opinions of CarGurus, and should not be considered reviewed, screened, or approved by CarGurus. Please refer to CarGurus Terms of Use. Content will be removed if CarGurus becomes aware that it violates our policies.