2004 Dodge Dakota 4.7.
Bought truck at 180,000 miles, now has 220,000. Recently had power steering and brake fluid flushed, they were really dark.
One of my coolant hoses looks like it’s bulging. I have no idea if the coolant has ever been changed, it’s hard to tell with the dark reservoir.
Should I get it flushed and is there anything I should know? Can getting it flushed cause leaks? Should I have them put in a new thermostat even though I don’t have problems with this one?
I’m worried something will go wrong when I’m just trying to do basic maintenance. Doing it myself isn’t an option.
U know jiffy lubes and corporate places to flush ur coolant any more right… they just suck out what they can from radiator and holding tank.
I found an Express Oil Change that does good work. Actually tightens things to spec etc, years with no problem, otherwise I wouldn’t risk going to a chain location. I know it’s not advised but I can’t do it myself.
I called independent shops and they said they don’t have the equipment to do a proper flush.
The reason I want a flush is because if the fluid currently in there since I got it isn’t the same, I read it can react with other types of coolants and gel up and mess up the whole cooling system.
No need to do anything, just flush and replace fluid. Maybe try getting used hose to replace bulging one
Flushing coolant and a easy hose(top end older vehicle) is a repair/maintenance anyone can attempt with a youtube video. Even if you pay to have this done it should be around 100-150$ depending on part prices on hose/therm.
Do it all
Thank you and everyone.
With that age and that many miles, I’m sure they’ll recommend all sorts of other things to replace 😀
Hoses, water pump, thermostat, etc, etc
I’d certainly replace that bulging hose replaced
Just make sure they actually do it. To many brake fluid tranny fluid coolant, even power steering flush scams where they do nothing but write up the bill.
U like flushing that wallet eh?