I've been trying to get my '98 2.5 into the best possible shape. So far I've changed the fuel filter, spark plugs, and plug wires. I also completely cleaned the oil system and changed the oil. I'm running a fuel system cleaner through with this tank of gas. I just installed my Weapon R Secret Weapon intake a couple weeks ago so I don't need an air filter. I also dropped my transmission pan and cleaned the filter a few weeks ago. Do you guys have any other suggestions to get my TL in tip top shape?

 

pull the heads... no thats about it for simple stuff... You definately want to repack your front wheel bearings, change your diff fluid, retorque your transmission and suspension bolts, grease your chasis, flush your coolant, completely bleed your brake system... there is much much more that you can find in a handy service manual... all this stuff is necessary to keeping your car running 300,000 miles and +

 

Do the front wheel bearings wear out/go bad? What's a sign of that?

 

Well I was thinking along the lines of engine performance but I guess I'll need to do all that stuff eventually too. I do need to do the differential fluid though. That's for sure.

 

Yeah they wear out. They'll start to squeak I believe. You can check them by jacking the wheel up and grabbing it at 12 o'clock and 6 o'clock and testing it for vertical play. If it moves really at all then that's a good sign you'll need new bearings.

 

how much would it cost to get a full tune-up from the dealership? I still need to take mine into the dealership to get my free tune-up

 

I've found that most fuel system cleaners don't really make any noticable difference in power, economy, or smoothness.

One that I have found to increase economy though, is FP60.

http://www.lubecontrol.com/

You add it in with every tank, and many people suggest a shock treatment of about double the reccomended amount. I believe it is 1oz to every 5 gallons. I started using it and had my doubts at first, none of the Pep Boys/Auto Zone things ever made a difference to me. After a few tanks of FP60 though, I noticed about a 10% increase in fuel economy. I went from about 21mpg to nearly 24mpg on average.

It wasnt a single tank that was better, it was the average of a couple months without, and a couple months with. Most of my driving is pretty routine, work, the mall, friends houses, so it isn't as if the driving was different.

 

If im not mistaken are cars actually have sealed front wheel bearings... You dont have to repack them... however, if the break they are an expensive replace

 

What does a dealer's tune up generally include?