Hi, I have a 2002 Nissan Maxima SE with 168,000+ Miles. I want to do a complete service and check up(don't have past maintenance records). I'm looking to do it as soon as possible.
1- What specific parts do I need buy/replace, to do a Complete Tune Up and preventive maintenance? If possible, a complete list.
Thank you.
maintenance
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MinisterofDOOM
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Re: maintenance
Here's some stuff I'd do, assuming you haven't already done these in the recent past:
1: Replace spark plugs
2: Replace air filter
3: Exchange Transmission fluid. If you don't want to pay a shop to do a "flush", you can do periodic drain-and fills (every few hundred miles) 2 or 3 times to get the majority of old fluid replaced with new fluid by only replacing as much as you've drained. Make sure you don't overfill it--only add as much fluid as you drain. Much of the fluid remains in the torque converter, control body passages, and other places, so you can'd drain the full capacity in your driveway. The one thing you CAN'T do without dropping the transmission pan is change the internal fluid filter. This is also worth looking into at 168k miles with unknown history.
4: Shocks/struts. At 168 miles, if yours are original, they most likely need replacement.
5: Any rubber suspension components and joints that are worn (ball joints, bushings, etc.). You can have a shop check these things for you if you're not sure what to look for.
6: Battery. It may still be good, but may need replacement. Most autoparts stores are happy to test it for you (so they can sell you a new one, of course). A battery that's fine in the summer may struggle in the winter, so now's a good time to check on it--before it lets you down in the cold.
Other, non-operational things you could check:
=In-cabin air filter
=Door, trunk, and underhood weather seals. Rubber oxidizes and grows hard with age so it can either crack and fail or lose its ability to form a good seal.
=Make sure your spare tire is in good shape and properly pressurized. Same goes for your four tires in use, of course, but many people overlook the spare until they need it.
If all of these are in need of doing, taking care of them will probably improve the way the car drives the car in a BIG way.
1: Replace spark plugs
2: Replace air filter
3: Exchange Transmission fluid. If you don't want to pay a shop to do a "flush", you can do periodic drain-and fills (every few hundred miles) 2 or 3 times to get the majority of old fluid replaced with new fluid by only replacing as much as you've drained. Make sure you don't overfill it--only add as much fluid as you drain. Much of the fluid remains in the torque converter, control body passages, and other places, so you can'd drain the full capacity in your driveway. The one thing you CAN'T do without dropping the transmission pan is change the internal fluid filter. This is also worth looking into at 168k miles with unknown history.
4: Shocks/struts. At 168 miles, if yours are original, they most likely need replacement.
5: Any rubber suspension components and joints that are worn (ball joints, bushings, etc.). You can have a shop check these things for you if you're not sure what to look for.
6: Battery. It may still be good, but may need replacement. Most autoparts stores are happy to test it for you (so they can sell you a new one, of course). A battery that's fine in the summer may struggle in the winter, so now's a good time to check on it--before it lets you down in the cold.
Other, non-operational things you could check:
=In-cabin air filter
=Door, trunk, and underhood weather seals. Rubber oxidizes and grows hard with age so it can either crack and fail or lose its ability to form a good seal.
=Make sure your spare tire is in good shape and properly pressurized. Same goes for your four tires in use, of course, but many people overlook the spare until they need it.
If all of these are in need of doing, taking care of them will probably improve the way the car drives the car in a BIG way.
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yungxrich718
- Posts: 4
- Joined: Mon Jul 15, 2013 7:54 pm
- Car: 04 Sentra Se-R Spec V
97 Maxima
Re: maintenance
I approve all these recommendations and im looking at doing some maintenance as well to a 97 maxima I picked up a few weeks ago with 180000 miles
Re: maintenance
Thank you, I was checking the manual, and it says nothing about changing the atf, is it recommended to do it?
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MinisterofDOOM
- Moderator
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1961 Corvair Lakewood
1974 Unimog 404
1997 Pathfinder XE
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Former:
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1993 Maxima GXE
1995 Ranger XL 2.3
1984 Coupe DeVille - Location: The middle of nowhere.
Re: maintenance
I believe it's normally recommended at 90k miles, so if it hasn't been done, it's definitely worth doing. Even if it was done at 90k, you've got another 80k again already, so it's still worth it.
There's usually a separate document for recommended/schedule service aside from the owner's manual.
There's usually a separate document for recommended/schedule service aside from the owner's manual.
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NutriaforBreakfast
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- Car: Nissan Maxima 1995 VQDE engine
Re: maintenance
My O2 sensor were used up about this time
Would like to recommed changing them
Also belts, all rubber hoses (air and water)
AC hoses are ok to leave
Try to get silicone lubricant into window channels so they operate smoothly
Check brakes to see if pads -calipers-operate with no leaks
Would like to recommed changing them
Also belts, all rubber hoses (air and water)
AC hoses are ok to leave
Try to get silicone lubricant into window channels so they operate smoothly
Check brakes to see if pads -calipers-operate with no leaks
Re: maintenance
I always change the brake fluid when I buy any used car.. It is easy enough to do and doesn't cost a lot to keep your brake system clean. Brake fluid retains water over time.
Adding to Nutria's comment about O2 sensors, if you shop right for some (plug and play) NGKs it will be an easy installtion. Also, you'll get a performance gain and possibly better mileage. It is recommended to change O2 sensors at 100,000 miles. Most owners neglect to change the sensors. Then when the car gets over 150,000 it starts losing performance and mileage. They turn up the car (plug change) and can't understand why it doesn't' run any better so then they trade it off.
Adding to Nutria's comment about O2 sensors, if you shop right for some (plug and play) NGKs it will be an easy installtion. Also, you'll get a performance gain and possibly better mileage. It is recommended to change O2 sensors at 100,000 miles. Most owners neglect to change the sensors. Then when the car gets over 150,000 it starts losing performance and mileage. They turn up the car (plug change) and can't understand why it doesn't' run any better so then they trade it off.
Re: maintenance
Really, all that too?