fog80

Alright guys,

I've had my car for about 4 years and have now decided to keep it for as long as it decides to run.

I probably neglected it a bit (brakes, suspension, floor mats, headlights) because i was thinking about trading it in or selling it, but now I would like to bring it back to the machine it was when i purchased it.

I bought it in 04 with 75k on it. Ive had the 105k service (new timing belt, spark plugs, water pump). I also bought new tires like a year and a half ago (yoki avid v4s). Everything is stock.

Ive had a brake issue for a while now where it works fine most of the time, but some days I get vibration in my steering wheel when braking.

I also noticed that my headlights arent as bright as they used to be, and the plastic "cover" of the headlight itself is kind of hazy.

The ride is still smooth, but it does seem rougher than it used to when i first got it. And I notice that when i turn i feel like i have to slow down more than i used to ( im not sure how to describe it, but when i first got it I could take turns quicker, now i feel the "g force" inside the car more than i used to).

You guys are the experts, what kind of repairs and replacements do you recommend for my car? I've been getting my oil changed regularly, so I dont have to worry about that, and I got a new transmission under warranty at 100k.

TL-Super

I've got a little less miles but have some of the same issues. Passenger side HL cover is hazy, the ride is kinda rough and I need new rear brakes. My tranny was done at 60 K miles and seems fine. Fluid changed about 25 K miles ago so I should probably consider doing the drain and fill shortly. I imagine our rough ride and the "roll" in turns is the front and rear struts ..really don't want to blow any dough on them now though. The vibration could be a few different things including a warped rotor.

fog80

Cool.

So things to check:

--rotors
--struts (front and rear)
--tranny fluid changed

AMGala

iTrader: (4)

As for your headlight issue, you could get replacement housings or you can try to remove the oxidation and pitting with some wet-sanding and then plastic polish.

fog80

I ordered the baron polish kit i saw in another thread on here. Its the same polishing compound stuff but it comes with a drill attachment with a small pad. This will save me from having to remove the headlight assembly.

I might end up getting the Kaixen 5000k hid bulbs to finish the job.


Does anyone have advice as far as struts. Ive search all over this site and I think im confused. When I change struts, what else do I need to change out with them? And if I'm not looking for a harsh ride, should I just go with the OEM's?

updated to do list:

--rotors/pads (considering centrics, love the price and the black paint)
--struts (??oem)
--tranny fluid
--headlight polish (baron kit)
--new hid bulbs (Kaixen 5000k)

anything else?

EL19

iTrader: (4)

just go with KYB GR2 struts. They are soft as OEM and shouldnt be as expensive either. Technically they are OEM replacements.

EL19

iTrader: (4)

check these out
http://www./forums/showthread.php?t=138201

fog80

thanks.