I had some repairs and maintenance done this week, and the car feels new again so I thought I'd share. I think it's mostly due to the tires and alignment, and because I found an indy shop in my small town that I liked quite a bit. Here's what I had done at just over 90,000 miles on my base 03 car.
* replaced all four tires with sumitomo HTR ZIII (got them through tirerack, via PB link of course)
* alignment (rear okay, some adjustments to front)
* changed water pump because its seal had begun to leak (this is what got me off my ass)
* replaced serpentine belt in case it had been contaminated by coolant (stashed old one with the spare tire as a backup).
* replaced transaxle fluid (gear oil) as a matter of preventative maintenance
* checked brake/clutch fluid for replacement need, but less than 2% moisture content inspired mechanic not to change it, and I agreed.
* reinvestigated a 40k-mile old frustrating rattle in the suspension. told it was due to 1 somewhat worn sway bar link. did not replace since it isn't urgent and is an easy DIY. will replace next month.
* original motor mounts inspected, but all were fine.
My new-to-me indy was impressed by the car's condition at 90k miles, and I left feeling glad that all my previous DIY projects had done more good than harm. Here's to the next 90,000!
Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 12/21/2011 09:52PM by Steve (Berlin & LA).
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