Wsuppp AZiners, I just hit 200k last week. Im looking to do some maintenance done, but really dont know what to focus on. My engine is starting to make a lot if noise so I was thinking of a valve adjustment in the near future. Anything else I should look into while Im at it? Any advice would help.

 

Congrats on the 200k!
this should be your 2nd time changing the timing belt. if you havent done it yet, I'd be scared of it snapping and damaging the engine.

2nd, you'll need to look over the car to see if anything is broken like; motor mounts, tranny mounts, axles, etc.

make sure all your fluid is new, including; brake fluid, coolant, tranny fluid, windshield wiper fluid, oil, etc.
if cabin air filter is dirty, replace.
if engine air filter is dirty, replace.
if axles are going out, replace.
if tires are worn, replace.

the biggest maintenance item is the timing belt and water pump tho. you'll need to do that.

thats basically it. if something is broken, you need to fix it asap to keep the car running in great shape.

starters go out, alternators go out, batteries go out. be mindful of these items, when they decide to go out.

it'll be mostly the little items that need to be replaced.

 

^Good Overall Advice!

Congrats on the Milestone!

 

question:

Not to hijack the thread or anything but, typically how long do these alternators last?

It's not like a starter that you can bang on it for one last start which will get you to the parts store.
I'm at 152k miles and wouldn't want to be stuck on the side of the road because my alternator failed.
maybe I should drive around with a spare alternator in the trunk?

 

at this point, this is what some people call "my car is nickle and diming me to death."

because most of the little things go out all at the same time!
starters, alternators, motor mounts, bushings, and axles!!
can get quite pricey if doing all together and especially if some one else is doing the work.

but if the car is paid off, it's worthwhile to spend a grand on simple maintenance to keep the car longer than it is to buy a brand new car.

 

I dont know, we dont really see alternators go out on acurazine.
BUTT, like any machine, they do fail after a while.
you'll notice it waaaay before you get stranded tho.

slow to start, battery not holding charge, etc.

 

Thanks. We celebrated by getting her a wash and wax.
Great. Just what I was looking for. So far I already replaced all three motor mounts. So tranny mounts is on the list. I havent done the timing belt and water pump. I got the tranny oil drained and refilled couple of months ago so thats good. Looks pretty simple so far. Thanks Justin. How do I check if my axles are going bad?

 

you'll only need to replace tranny mounts if they are bad. no sense in replacing a perfectly good set!

because our car is front wheel drive, the axles take a beating!!!
you can tell that they are going out by hearing an audible clicking sound when taking a turn.
"click click click"

and when you inspect them, the boots should be free of cracks.
if they are cracked, its most likely leaking.

 

Alrightttt.. Some good advice right there.. Thanks a mili my friend.

 

 

I'm glad I'm not the only one who thought of this. And I don't even listen to rap

 

Awesome!

Congrats on your milestone OP! Post some pictures of your ride

 

OP, can you clarify? Have you owned the car since new and never replaced the timing belt?

 

I love hearing when one of these goes >200K. Mine's at 93K and I have no intention of replacing it anytime soon. Right now, I drive about 500 miles per month so it's going to take some time to get to 200K.

 

If you're the original owner and the TB has never been done, you really are on borrowed time and I'd get it done ASAP (it's that whole 'you can pay me now or pay me later' mantra. If it was previously owned and the service was done by the prior owner at 105K, you have some time but should consider getting it done soon. Getting the valves adjusted at 200K wouldn't be a bad idea either.

 

Nope, Stealer said it was done prior to purchase. It had 125k on it when first purchased.

 

Yea, I put that down on my to-do list,but from what Ive seen its not that big of an issue besides noise..Its not like Im hearing loud knocking just more noise than normal.. I think that will be that last thing.

 

Hows the leather at 200k

 

I didnt take of them like I was suppose too, but I've seen worse.. Maybe I should look into getting replacements.. Probably salvage yards..

 

Congrats on hitting 200K!

 

Like 17-18 years at the rate you're going, lol.

 

Since the trannys in the 04-06 are like glass, have you replaced yours since you've owned it?

 

17-18 years of no car payments? I'll take it!

 

Wow congrats.

 

Nope, no major issues as of yet. *Knock on wood* but I did started to get some hesitation when going into 3rd. That led me to do the drain and refill and change out the 3rd and 4th switches and replace the filter. After that it was smooth again..