Hi Scotty,
I watched the recent video on changing Trans fluid and filters. It got me wondering what to do in my personal situation. So, I bought a 2011 Toyota RAV4 V6 sport with 118,000 miles from a private party in early April for my Son. I used one of those pre purchase vehicle inspection services to check out the vehicle because I lived an hour and a half away. The inspector noted on his report "that a whining noise could be heard when accelerating starting at 20 mph." He also noted on the report that "the transmission shifted perfectly with no harsh engagement. " He also reported no codes. To be honest, my Son and I have yet to hear this whining noise to this day. Everything else on the report checked out for a vehicle of this age and mileage and it was manufactured in Japan which led me to feel secure in buying the vehicle. I drove the vehicle home and the following day, I had a local mechanic look into the whining issue. As you know, there is a Tech Service Bulletin put out by Toyota about the noise coming from a known transmission failure. The mechanic says it's the top gear. He advised me to not spend money rebuilding or replacing the transmission as he has not seen them fail generally. I can live with a whining noise if I start to hear it myself but I am trying to do anything necessary to prevent a replacement/ rebuild of the transmission. What are your thoughts on the best way for me to proceed? How often should I have transmission fluid and filter replaced? I have only put new tires on the vehicle and changed the oil thus far and the vehicle drives and runs great. The transmission shifts like our newer 2019 RAV 4. Thank you Scotty.
*Edit Scotty,
After rewatching your Transmission fluid and filter change video again just now, I wanted to add that I am unsure what intervals the prior two owners replaced the fluid and filters. I have service records from both and cannot find anything related to the transmission. I assume the original owner did not know about the TSB from Toyota if the whining issue is occuring and had it taken care of while still under warranty. At 118,000 miles I am between 60k and 180k. Your advice would be much appreciated.
Your choices are replace the transmission, or don't. I would live with it.
How to look after it:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yUfOdsZLoCs
Thank you
change the fluid. Have peace of mind.
I responded to my original post. So I am unsure if you read that. I watched Scotty's video again. My concern is I don't have an idea if the trans fluid and filter was ever replaced. I have a lot of the prior two owner's service records and cannot find anything related to transmission service. As I said in my 2nd comment, at 120,000 miles, I am between Scotty's suggested 60 k and his comment that 180 k you are better off living with it and not replacing it. I am just concerned that if there is internal damage to the top gear because of the known failure, I could be gambling changing the fluid since that ever being done is an unknown. Thank you for your help though
I'm going to go ahead and do it. Thank you guys
Yes I read it and you are far away from 180k.
Scotty says it could slip if you change fluid at high mileage. You said it shifts fine, so that doesn't apply to you.
As for your whining bearings or gears: Clean fluid is better for that.
That's great to hear. I feel even better. Yeah, no slippage. Just the whining noise that I must be deaf to hear. But my Son can't hear it either. I have drove the vehicle with him and we don't hear it. He knows to listen out for it. It's shifting great so I will certainly go ahead and put new fluid in
BTW, which service company did you use for the PPI?
Lemon Squad. Mobile mechanic.
You live and learn. The report looked great but I understand the limitations of a Mobile ppi service now. I think that it is a great vehicle. Hopefully, it works out for the best