Did some maintenance over the weekend
#1
Did some maintenance over the weekend
Hey gang. I did some much needed maintenace on my 4runner this weekend, all at the advice of posts and thread here. I am clueless about mechanics but from the writeups and postings things went smoothly. Thanks all. Here's what I did and the results
1. Changed the sway bar bushings
BIG difference in the handling. I was skeptical about the huge results claimed when doing this and was surprised at the results.
2. Cleaned throttle body. I was also skeptical. But there were obvious but subtle differences in performance. It was pretty filthy in there. Waiting to see if MPG increases at all.
3. Oil change with mobile synthetic.
4. Did the rear brake adjustment. The one where you reverse and pull the e-brake. That made an great difference cause I had mushy brake syndrome.
My next item is the changing the fuel filter. I'mm a bit scared cause I'll have gas spilling everywhere and am not too comfortable doing this. If you guys have any advice let me know(I am aware of the write up). Thanks again for all the great info!!
1. Changed the sway bar bushings
BIG difference in the handling. I was skeptical about the huge results claimed when doing this and was surprised at the results.
2. Cleaned throttle body. I was also skeptical. But there were obvious but subtle differences in performance. It was pretty filthy in there. Waiting to see if MPG increases at all.
3. Oil change with mobile synthetic.
4. Did the rear brake adjustment. The one where you reverse and pull the e-brake. That made an great difference cause I had mushy brake syndrome.
My next item is the changing the fuel filter. I'mm a bit scared cause I'll have gas spilling everywhere and am not too comfortable doing this. If you guys have any advice let me know(I am aware of the write up). Thanks again for all the great info!!
#2
Great to hear. That's why
Congrats on performing your own maintenance!! For the "clueless" who don't ususlly wrench, tearing in to the TB can be intimidating.
So, your brakes got better I take it. All the mush out? or just somewhat mobetta?
Congrats on performing your own maintenance!! For the "clueless" who don't ususlly wrench, tearing in to the TB can be intimidating.
So, your brakes got better I take it. All the mush out? or just somewhat mobetta?
#4
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Thats awesome, It kind of dissapoints me when people take their cars to the stealership for simple maintance.
Sounds like your now ready for an engine swap!!!!!
Sounds like your now ready for an engine swap!!!!!
#5
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Originally Posted by Yamaha+Toyota=Fun
Thats awesome, It kind of dissapoints me when people take their cars to the stealership for simple maintance.
Sounds like your now ready for an engine swap!!!!!
Sounds like your now ready for an engine swap!!!!!
#6
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I've always wrenched my own cars...not too scared of anything, but having the right equipment is KEY. Good tools are a must.
Congrats on tearing into it, man. What sway bar bushings did you use? I'm sure mine are shot to hell. I'd like to get this little trick done soon...
Congrats on tearing into it, man. What sway bar bushings did you use? I'm sure mine are shot to hell. I'd like to get this little trick done soon...
#7
Originally Posted by slyang1012
The good side of taking your vehicle to a dealership is that all the maintenance is documented, so in the future if you want to sell it, the docs are right there proving how well maintained it!! Plus you can as for a couple thousand more!!!
The biggest plus to doin' it yourself isn't really the $$$ savings. It's knowing it's done right.
Last edited by SloPoke; 10-27-2004 at 06:56 PM.
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#8
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the fuel filter is a piece o' cake. No worries about the gas spilling out, just dont be choking back a cigar or anything at the time
And the write-up tells you it spills out a lot of gas, well it does. MORE than you think it will!
And the write-up tells you it spills out a lot of gas, well it does. MORE than you think it will!
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Originally Posted by FORANA
My next item is the changing the fuel filter. I'mm a bit scared cause I'll have gas spilling everywhere and am not too comfortable doing this. If you guys have any advice let me know(I am aware of the write up). Thanks again for all the great info!!
One thing i did was removed the fuel cap to release the pressure in the tank.
#11
Originally Posted by slyang1012
The good side of taking your vehicle to a dealership is that all the maintenance is documented, so in the future if you want to sell it, the docs are right there proving how well maintained it!! Plus you can as for a couple thousand more!!!
It's best to do it yourself and save that money in the long run. Besides, wrenching is fun!
#12
Originally Posted by FORANA
Still a bit mushy. Probably something more than just adjusting the rear brakes but much better than before.
Just do it when you about empty tank. About 3 ounces or less of gas will come out just have something to catch it. And wear goggles when you do it. So gas or gas splatter dont get into your eyes.
#13
Originally Posted by GregStevens
I've always wrenched my own cars...not too scared of anything, but having the right equipment is KEY. Good tools are a must.
Congrats on tearing into it, man. What sway bar bushings did you use? I'm sure mine are shot to hell. I'd like to get this little trick done soon...
Congrats on tearing into it, man. What sway bar bushings did you use? I'm sure mine are shot to hell. I'd like to get this little trick done soon...
#14
In my mind 4runners speak for themselves. Here in Hawaii they are in demand. So I don't think someone will be willing to pay a $1000 more just cause you have papers showing the maintenance records. It's pretty obvious if the owner has taken care of it or not. Well thats just my feelings.
THANKS ALL for all the great tips and info. You guys rock.
THANKS ALL for all the great tips and info. You guys rock.
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for the fuel filter, just relieve the pressure in the system. (I haven't done this yet on the 4runner but i did on my Taco). There was a plug under the drivers seat that goes through the floor, this contains the fuel pump power, just disconnect it, and try to start the truck. it'll probably start for a second, then die. then wrench away! some gas will dribble out, but not nearly as much as if you don't depressureize the system.
Steve
Edit: Make sure you use the correct wrenches Use Flare nut wrenches, don't use just regular open end wrenches, you'll end up stripping the fittings. If you don't have the right ones go buy them they aren't that expensive...
http://www.sears.com/sr/javasr/produ...id=00944196000
Steve
Edit: Make sure you use the correct wrenches Use Flare nut wrenches, don't use just regular open end wrenches, you'll end up stripping the fittings. If you don't have the right ones go buy them they aren't that expensive...
http://www.sears.com/sr/javasr/produ...id=00944196000
Last edited by NorCalVP; 10-28-2004 at 05:11 PM.
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