03 Expedition

Ok, not a mustang but a Ford product. My parents are in Colorado. Mom took her Expedition in and is having some service done. The rear pinion seal is bad, which I have had personal experience with and can relate to. They are also wanting to do the following services: Brake fluid Flush, transfer case flush, and Radiator flush. I dont have a problem with the radiator flush. They told here that the Brake fluid is badly contaminated and needs to be changed, acid test came back purple. Has anyone ever heard of this and know the validity of it??

They also said the tranfer case fluid was brown and needed changed, is this reccomended??

It is a 2003 Expedition, EB, 4x4, 56,000 miles. Independant rear sus, and 4 wheel air ride.

Thoughts and suggestions appreciated.

Thanks

Hmmm... fluid flushes are always suspect to me, mainly because they're never a "bad idea". Whether they're needed is sometimes subjectable.

They're probably using a strip test of sorts for the brake fluid. It's a common test that shops use to look at the metal and acid levels in the fluid. It's mainly to test for corrosive properties in the fluid that while doesn't always change the braking ability or performance (noticeable levels anyways) it can be harming the internal of the brake system (lines, seals, sensors, etc). I normally flush mine when doing a brake pad install.

Transfer case... and same with manual trannys... try to change it around 50k -75k miles.

Bottom line... I'm pretty anal when changing a vehicles fluid, is it always needed? Most of the time probably no. But it's cheap insurance.

It basically depends on how old the car is, miles, and how it's used / abused. Example... my Cobra only had 5k on it when I bought it, but it sat for many years. So while changing brakes, we flushed the brake system. It did have a wee bit little moisture in it. So I'm glad i did.

So does you're parents Expedition need all of this, probably not, is it a good idea to go ahead and have it done? Ya, probably. But I'd do mine myself. ;)

I would look at the cost they are going to incur. If the shop is raping them than I would just wait and have it done at a more economical shop.

DBLDARE wrote:I would look at the cost they are going to incur. If the shop is raping them than I would just wait and have it done at a more economical shop.

Nothings cheap in Denver. She spent $50 for an oil change. Most of the added cost is because of the Liberal thinking tree huggers and all of the pollution and disposal controls they put on everything. They have vehicles that sit on the side of the road with lasers that calculate the emissions that your vehicle puts out as you drive by. If you fail, the camera takes a picture of your plate and you get notified. WACKY in my opinion.

Thanks for the help guys, I agree. $100 for brake flush is cheaper than a 4-500 full system replacement.

Im with david. If it needs to be done, fine do it but i would find someone cheaper to do it.