Service Intervals for Leaf

[smkettner]

I use a Motive Products pressure bleeder on my other vehicles.
Works just fine.

 

[AndyH]

Funny how people are easily persuaded to change engine oil every 3000 miles, even though the mfr says once a year or whatever is enough, but they're content to totally neglect other fluids. Case in point is transmission fluid. Transmission costs nearly as much or more than the engine, and sure there's no blowby gasses polluting it, but do you really want 8 year old rancid gook running through its veins?

Changing to change is not a good maintenance strategy. Changing prior to the end of life for the fluid is.

Brake fluid has a short lifespan primarily because it is an alcohol-based fluid that by nature absorbs water.

Transmission fluid and other hydrocarbon-based fluids age differently and for different reasons. Transmission fluids and gear lubes are usually about 80% base-oil and 20% additive package. The additive package includes anti-oxidants, rust and corrosion inhibitors, detergents, dispersants, anti-wear components, and others. The Leaf has essentially a single-speed gearbox and a differential in one case. There are no clutches or synchronizers because there's no shifting. This is as close to a sealed environment as we'll find on the road. Fill for life (120,000miles or 10 years) fluids have been available for manual transmissions since at least 1988.

Transmission fluid does not go rancid - we're not talking extra-virgin olive oil here.

 

[Herm]

Also, one-person operation with "Speedbleeders"

http://www.speedbleeder.com/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

If you get those, make sure you get the stainless steel ones, a bit more expensive