Originally Posted by ZKindaGuy

OK let's go through each and see what you can do instead of the dealer and save the cash:

❏ Replace engine oil and filter [ester oil] - Give this to the dealer to do.
❏ Inspect the following:
__ Axle & suspension parts - Is the car bouncing wildliy or make and creaking sounds when you go over a speed bump? If not then the axle and suspension are fine.

__ Brake lines & cables- Do the brakes work to stop the car without putting your foot to the floor? Do you hear any grinding or see scarring on the discs? Any oil puddles on the floor under the car?


__ Brake pads, rotors, drums & linings - If the brakes stop the car and pedal doesn't have to be pressed to the floor, no grinding sounds when brakes are applied and no scarring lines in the discs, and brake pad is still visible at least by 1/8inch then the brakes are fine.

__ Cruise control vacuum hoses - If cruise control works then you don't have any vacuum hose problems.

__ Differential oil 2 - Shifting is smooth and no grinding, bumping or ratlle from rear then your diferrential is OK.

__ Exhaust system - Exhaust sound smooth as the day you first bought the car. No noticeable loss of power or torque. No sonds coming from anywhere before the tips. Then the exhaust is OK.

__ Front suspension ball joints - No clunking, thumping or vibration felt through the steering wheel or audibly heard when making turns then ball joints are OK.

__ Manual transmission oil - Car shifts smoothly and doesn't have trouble getting into gear or freeze into a gear then the transmissionis OK.

__ Steering gear and linkage - Car goes straight, right or left when the steering wheel is turned into those respective directions then the steering linkage if alright.

__ Steering linkage ball joints - No vibration or grinding sound then the steering linkage ball joints are OK.

There now you don't need the dealer involved in the check except maybe for changing the oil. And you just saved about $190.00.