Toyota Repair: Flushes- Transmission, Power steering, Brake, toyota camry, maintenance schedule


Question
I own a 1999 Toyota Camry LE (V6). Currently I have 87,000 miles. The car drives very well. I have had no problems with my car. I have oil changes every 5,000 miles. My last major maintenace was at 60,000 miles.  On last week, when I had an oil change, a mechanic recommened that I have a transmission flush, power steering flush, and a brake fluid flush. My next maintenance schedule is 90,000 miles (plan to have it serviced along with replacement of a timing belt). I'm nervous about these flushes because my car is 10 years old (lot of mileage). I have never had a flush before. I'm scared that I may have problems with my transmission or engine in the future resulting from the flushes.  I feel very very uncomfortable with the flushes. Are there alternatives (especially the transmission)? I need your advice.

Answer
It depends on the fluid condition, has the mechanic or service adviser shown you the fluid condition that would justify doing the flushes, you can probably do without the brake and P/S fluid flush, have them show you the dipstick of the transmission with the fluid on it, if the fluid is dark and discolored then I would recommend flushing it, which removes almost all of the old fluid versus about only 50% doing a drain and refill, it is definetely a good idea and will make your transmission last a lot longer.