Hydraulic fluid change interval?

[wamcneil]

Hi All,
My 2003 Dynasty manual calls for a hydraulic FILTER change annually, but I can't find a FLUID change interval.
Mine is of unknown age, but fairly clean looking and doesn't smell ugly or burned.
Is there a specified or accepted change interval for the Dexron III hydraulic fluid?
I picked up a 5-gal pail of DexIII on closeout at the auto parts store for $11! So I'm planning to change out at least 5-gal of it when I change the filter next week. Wondering if I should go ahead and plan on changing it all.
Thanks,
Walter

[Mr_D]

Remember that Dexron III is no longer certified by GM, so you could have been sold lemonade.

[RobRoy]

Your not changing fluid on a new GM vehicle..... and Dex3 meets and exceeds most GM trans application on the road today and dating back to the 60's . Yes there are newer spec fluids for some newer GM applications such as Dex6 and the likes that has nothing to do with your application

That being said, Dex111 will cover your application and be fine, personally I would find the proper quantity needed for the job and do the whole deal. That way you have a clean baseline to work from.

[barmcd]

I haven't found a change interval for the hydraulic fluid. My coach had the fluid in it for 16 years with no ill effect until I drained the reservoir completely when I changed the filters last March.

[NHRA225]

Dex 3 is readily available at any auto parts store.
On my Old Eagle I change the Filter and Fluid every 3 yrs. I usually run 20K miles a year.

[Sweetbriar]

As an alternative to a calendar or mileage interval you could send a sample out for analysis and make a determination based on what is found.

[RobRoy]

Originally Posted by Sweetbriar

As an alternative to a calendar or mileage interval you could send a sample out for analysis and make a determination based on what is found.

Good call

[dennis45]

Originally Posted by Sweetbriar

As an alternative to a calendar or mileage interval you could send a sample out for analysis and make a determination based on what is found.

Or every 10-12 years, whichever comes first.

[jimmy braden]

The Monaco Manual says once per year. But thats probably a good way to induce some contaminants. Mine also says it holds 44 quarts.

[barmcd]

Originally Posted by jimmy braden

The Monaco Manual says once per year. But thats probably a good way to induce some contaminants. Mine also says it holds 44 quarts.

Jimmy, that's what I thought my manual said. What it actually says is to change the filter every year, not the fluid.

[grthigpen]

My 2003 Roadmaster chassis takes AW46 hydraulic fluid

[walt2137]

Some had AW46 some had Dexron lll and some had 15w40, the 10w Dexron lll is a better fluid for the guys in the north cold weather, I personally see no reason to change the filters on time I would do it on mileage and if the fluid don't look bad or contaminated or smell bad I would leave it alone. I just can't see that much heat generated by the steering and fan motor to cause the fluid deteriorate.

[barmcd]

Originally Posted by grthigpen

My 2003 Roadmaster chassis takes AW46 hydraulic fluid

So does my 2000. There seems to be no rhyme or reason to what coaches got what. My owners manual does have some warnings about low temperature operation which from what I understand is because it uses the AW46 instead of DEX or motor oil.

[wamcneil]

Thanks everybody. But the question is on FLUID change interval.
My manual states FILTER change every year. And I have a new filter to install. Is there some accepted standard fluid change interval? I'm guessing no...