I bought a used '99 Accord LX some time ago and it currently has 130 000 km. I'm suspecting that the brake fluid and transmission fluid has never been changed. Would it be wise to change them at this pont.

 

The reason why I am asking is that many people have told me that you should not change any of your vehicle's fluids if they have not been changed for a long time. Doing so may actually ruin the system (example: transmission, brake system ...)?

 

I don't think that applies to th brake fluid, BUT i've heard the same for the transmission fluid from many people including my mechanic. It would make sense seeing how the old fluids dirt is probaly sealing certain places that when you change the fluid would not be. My mech has seen transmissions break after he was asked to change the fluid after high mileage. My father has a 92 cavalier with 260 000 kms and has never once changed the fluid, yet the tranny runs like a beauty with never any probs. Although IT ISN'T GOOD !after a certain point i think you taking a risk if you do decide to change. So if you do i'd add some lucas trans fluid treatment to be sure it continues to run smooth.

 

break fluid, bleed your system (not completely) then add some in to where the level was before the breaks were bled.

transmission fluid i believe should be changed, if you dont you will be changing the transmission in a while ^_^ you just dont want to flush the transmission. Not changing the fluid is a bad thing, thinking you shouldnt change it is worse.

 

amen marbro. If you don't change the tranny fluid, you're asking for it.

 

I had the same concerns with 98 Accord EX sedan (basically some model as your 99 LX). It has 143k miles on it. I got laxed with the maintenance because it was my wife's car. When it became my daily commuter, I needed to make sure that it will run with no problems.

Check this thread for details on the transmission fluid:
https://www.hondaaccordforum.com/Cha...m_10291/tm.htm

The other thing you should also check out is if the timing belt has been done. I got mine done for $650 at Sussex Honda in Newton,NJ. The timing belt service included changing: timing belt, balancer belt, a/c belt, ps belt, seals, water pump, and complete fluid flush.

Along with that service, I also got a full brake flush and a transmission drain and refill.

I did a ton of research on trans fluid changes before I got mine done at this high mileage. DO NOT let anyone talk you into a complete trans flush. Depending on how the trans flush is done and if they use chemicals, your trans could really get screwed up. Honda doesn't recommend it and that says alot.

Your trans fluid color is:
RED - if it's brand new.
RED BROWN - dirty but OK.
BLACK - dirty, burned smelling, and most likely your trans is on its way out.

A much safer way and what I'll be doing is getting your trans fluid drained and filled at each oil change for two consecutive oil changes. Then switch to every other or every third oil change.

 

flush the brake system every 30k miles. if you don't you will replace the brake master due to contamination in the fluid,, As for tranny fluid replace it evry 30k as well , If it is auto tranny and you do a lot of highway driving , replace it every 15k miles use only Honda ATF Z1 for auto tranny fluid,, if it is a manual tranny replace every 30k ,, use Honda MT fluid