First let me thank everyone who has contributed on this website, holy smokes I've used these forums to fix countless probs/issues on my 05 TL that we all seem to have - particularly fixing minute rattles that drive me crazy.

So I'm at the mileage to do the dreaded 105k maintenance and wanted some input on a couple things I've had running through my head. I bought the Gates timing belt kit that contains everything I need minus the Asian engine coolant, big deal, but I have read countless times about the 3rd and 4th gear pressure switches needing replaced so I had considered having the guy doing the timing belt work to go ahead and replace them as well. My thinking though is if the tran isn't and hasn't given me any issues if I should possibly risk changing them for 'preventative' measures as so many people have and then it starts giving me trouble - if it aint' broke then don't fix it mentality. I have previously done the tran fluid service about a year ago so it's not like I'm completely ignoring the trans.

Second, I have also read about valve adjustment(s) and what is the 3G owners consensus on having it done while he's doing all the other work. Other posts have stated that even though you do not hear or notice anything that doesn't necessarily mean they dont need it.

I love this car but I fee like sometimes I'm worried about the notorious transmission probs, the cracked dashboard eventually getting me, valve probs, etc. and just like with other things it sometimes causes problems that weren't present before if you mess with it.

I have had my share of issues with it though, the f'n front brake calipers weren't fully releasing which they had been doing it so long it essentially caused me to replace more than just calipers, pads, and rotors on the front and last month I had the same issue on the rear caliper not releasing so I essentially did the same to the rear - try to be positive about it though and tell myself it would have needed done sometime anyway and now have trustworthy brakes, which is kinda crucial. Those are the only real major issues but geez, these damn rattles are a constant annoyance and it causes me to be so fidgety when driving to hold this in or adjust this or that to cease the noise. The rattle on the rear sub and speaker area, took me forever to get that settled down but there are a few songs that still rattle it out.

Anyways, thanks again for all past and future postings to keep these beautiful TLs on the road. Here is a pic of my baby..the infamous Hi-Ho Silver

 

(a) A quick scan at recent threads will tell you many have had big issues with fake kits. Many posters used the Gates kit with no issues. A few reported issues with the water pump and the tensioner. At minimum, I'd only use kits from rockauto. If I need to do another timing belt on my car, I'll probably use OEM. I've spend too much time in the last year trying to determine if a part from amazon is real or not.

(b) I did my switches a while ago, so my memory may be off. I recall reading that IF these switches go bad, they begin to cause excess wear on the transmission. By the time you notice the effect of this excess wear, changing the switches will not undo the excess wear. I would change the switches. Use OEM purchased from a dealer. Remember, many with 2004-2006 AT TLs have reported transmission issues on this site.

(c) I still have not done my valves. If I had a very good set of calibrated feeler gauges, I'd probably adjust my valves. I fear that my feeler gauge may be off and I'd make the valves worse. If you get your valves adjusted make sure you trust the mechanic will do a good job. This is one job where exactness is critical and I'm not sure most mechanics are anal enough.

I remember reading a thread where many posters adjusted their valves with no change in the noise. Having prepared to do this job last winter, I now wonder if their gauges were calibrated. I measured my gauges with a micro-meter and my gauges were off. Of course, it is possible my micro-meter is off.

 

When the time comes for my timing belt service, I'll opt for the Aisin kit over the Gates kit.

 

Thank you for the reply and advice

 

Thanks for the reply and recommendation