Scotty, I do my own maintenance and repairs on my vehicles but am not familiar with Toyotas. My girlfriend has a 2008 Avalon with the U660E trans. She has 85k miles and from what I can find, Toyota says not to ever change the WS fluid, but this is contrary to what I was taught and what my other vehicles manuals call for. She needs the car to last another 5-6 years minimum. What is your recommendation? Thanks!
As long as the fluid is not burned and gritty, and usually on a Toyota it wouldn't be, go ahead and change it now. Do not flush, just drain and fill. Be sure to use the manufacturer-specified fluid. Three drain and fill cycles, driving 30 minutes or more in between, will replace about 90% of the fluid.
I agree with MMJ and Chuck, and recommend changing the transmission fluid (drain and fill, with filter change if applicable) every 40,000-50,000 miles from this point onward. Personally, I like to go more aggressive at every 40,000 miles.
