Degreaser and a tooth brush style? Or do you know any better ways. I’m honestly horrified of spraying water underneath the hood, could unravel a whole new set of problemsClean up underhood and watch or ultraviolet dye in the oil are the 2 options.
Well thanks, I’ll be messaging you from time to time I need to start doing more myself to save cash. Now some questions.I have a 2004 Malibu Maxx with the same engine. 310,000 miles by the way!! The alternator is on that side. Just be careful with that. I went to a car wash and used engine degreaser. Then sprayed it off with the hose. The have oil/ separators so it is fine with the environment. Just be careful spraying and you will be fine. Your second to last picture is what my engine area looks like as well. I cleaned it off and saw a very slow anti-freeze leak from the cylinder head. Engine is still very powerful and I have had this vehicle since August of 2005. It had 910 miles on it. I have done most of the maintenance myself so I know the car very, very well!! Let me know if you have any other questions. Kevin
That sounds awesome, ya I guess post it here incase anyone else reading this would like a peak.No need to remove the belt. Just make sure you don't spray the degreaser on it directly. Everything will wash off nicely once you spray it with water. I never did receive a bad small from the A/C. This may be a small anti-freeze leak from the radiator that is burning. Not sure why it would be in the car though. My A/C pumps out really well!!
Yes, the suspension is very squeaky and I replaced quite a bit that helped. You may want to to replace the front strut assemblies and stabilizer links. I also replaced the inner and outer tie rods and both lower control arms at 207,000 miles. Cost for all that was $252 at Rock Auto. At 282,000 miles, I replaced the rear shocks and shock mounts. I am not sure what your mechanic is talking about but I never heard of anti-rust coating helping squeaking. That makes no sense to me. By the way, if you have some experience working on cars, you can do all this yourself. I was able to.
Do not do a flush to your transmission. I learned the hard way. Simply drop the pan, change the filter and refill. Although this does not get all the fluid out, it won't do damage like a flush will. Do not let anyone talk you into a flush!!
My wipers need painting as well but I haven't gone down that road. Sorry, no advice on that one.
I have a great spreadsheet listing all the maintenance items I did. If you would care to see it, I can send it to you or post it.
I am hoping to get another year or two from car, probably get it up to 325,000 to 330,000 miles!!! Since I wax it all the time, it looks really good body wise!!
Kevin
Your awesome. If I’m ever in hotlanta I’m buying you a keg hehehe.Sorry to say that it most likely won't fix the clunk. That may be the steering column. Check out repair #123 on my list. The Maxx has a history of issues with the steering. Mine acted up then would disappear. Finally, it was happening too frequently so I took it in to the dealer.
I live in Atlanta so no winter weather here!!
I am pretty sure there is a filter there!! I am on my 3rd transmission (original plus two). Last one I bought at Rock Auto and had it shipped to a local transmission shop. Saved a bunch of money doing that way.
I attached my spreadsheet (had to use PDF format) for your viewing pleasure!!! In column "F", if you see Advance or AA that means the parts came from Advance Auto. When you see RA, it is Rock Auto. Let me know if you have any other questions.
Kevin