Maintenance Tips

david_ray320

david_ray320

New member
This is a somewhat embarrassing thing to ask because it forces me to admit my "noobness" when it comes to automotive issues but I figured I'll never learn if I don't ask.

What are some of the basic/general maintenance guidelines I should follow to keep my 4Runner in good running condition? How often should I perform certain checks etc. What are the signs I should look for that something needs to be replaced? I'm just looking for the basic things I need to be concerned about with my car in order to keep any repair bills down and ensure it lasts for a while. Thanks, guys.
 
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x2 of what clemson said. i just did my timing belts/ water pu,p and man it sounds like a brand new car. 4x4 service and a tranni flush is good every once in a while too
 
Timing belt was replaced right before I bought it last spring so I'm good there.

How do you check the rear axle seals?

And what have you guys used as a good measure of how often to change the oil? Every 7,500 miles? Additionally, what kind of oil are you guys using?

I just wanna make sure I get the most out of my car and do everything I can so it lasts for a while and stays in good shape.
 
I use sythetic oil and change it once a year. I don't drive very much though. Sythetic oil should last longer than regular oil.
 
i agree sythedtic oil is great for high milage vehicles. i take mine to the dealer for oil changes and they always look everything over for me. they use Valvoline 5 w 20 i think? with oil ive heard from a lot of people that penzoil is bad news! so ya avoid that stuff. moble1 is good too (IMO) umm i change mine around 4k thats crazy you can go a year! i would be so nervous lol!
i have no clue on the axle seals im kinda curious too. one mechanic told me one was leaking once but all the others said their fine.
 
4,000 miles on oil is max! and should be changed at least 3 times a year, because oil does brake down and separate.

you rear axle seals will usually blow out about 100,000 miles, to check, look on the inside of the wheel and see if there is lines on the inside of the wheel where oil has dripped on the wheel then spun out.

what year do you have and how many miles? if you have a 96-98 it is a good idea to wash out from behind your chrome bumpers because they will rust out from the dirt being thrown up from your tires.

keep your tire pressure up! thats the number one thing for gas millage/ and how hard you punch it.

i have 217,000 on my 96 and i run castrol synthetic high millage with every 3,500 mile change.

another is valve cover leaks with high millage engines.

ball joints! if they brake you could loose control and crash, it happened to me in a astrovan.

sway bar end links tend to snap on big SUV, they rust out then brake.

once again, how many miles? have your transmission serviced, and when shifting from R to D, come to a FULL STOP! dont drive back then drop it into drive! that will wear out the clutches!
 
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they are alot better then conventional oil, but it still brakes down, thats why the oil companies say 3 months or 3,000 miles, but you can push it a little over, but i would change it more than once a year!
 
shootmymime said:
4,000 miles on oil is max! and should be changed at least 3 times a year, because oil does brake down and separate.

you rear axle seals will usually blow out about 100,000 miles, to check, look on the inside of the wheel and see if there is lines on the inside of the wheel where oil has dripped on the wheel then spun out.

what year do you have and how many miles? if you have a 96-98 it is a good idea to wash out from behind your chrome bumpers because they will rust out from the dirt being thrown up from your tires.

keep your tire pressure up! thats the number one thing for gas millage/ and how hard you punch it.

i have 217,000 on my 96 and i run castrol synthetic high millage with every 3,500 mile change.

another is valve cover leaks with high millage engines.

ball joints! if they brake you could loose control and crash, it happened to me in a astrovan.

sway bar end links tend to snap on big SUV, they rust out then brake.

once again, how many miles? have your transmission serviced, and when shifting from R to D, come to a FULL STOP! dont drive back then drop it into drive! that will wear out the clutches!
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Awesome advice man! :bigok:
 
well i am the mechanic!
icon12.gif
 
shootmymime said:
4,000 miles on oil is max! and should be changed at least 3 times a year, because oil does brake down and separate.

you rear axle seals will usually blow out about 100,000 miles, to check, look on the inside of the wheel and see if there is lines on the inside of the wheel where oil has dripped on the wheel then spun out.

what year do you have and how many miles? if you have a 96-98 it is a good idea to wash out from behind your chrome bumpers because they will rust out from the dirt being thrown up from your tires.

keep your tire pressure up! thats the number one thing for gas millage/ and how hard you punch it.

i have 217,000 on my 96 and i run castrol synthetic high millage with every 3,500 mile change.

another is valve cover leaks with high millage engines.

ball joints! if they brake you could loose control and crash, it happened to me in a astrovan.

sway bar end links tend to snap on big SUV, they rust out then brake.

once again, how many miles? have your transmission serviced, and when shifting from R to D, come to a FULL STOP! dont drive back then drop it into drive! that will wear out the clutches!
Click to expand...

I've got a '99 with 82K miles. I took it into the dealership for a "check-up" this winter and got everything checked out plus an oil change.

So every 3,500 or so I should get the oil changed? Meaning take it in to an auto shop and have them drain and refill the oil. Will I need to do else with my oil in between every 3,500K change?
 
no nothing else, you know it is cheeper if you are able to do it your self! someone should do a write up on changing oil for new people
 
shootmymime said:
no nothing else, you know it is cheeper if you are able to do it your self! someone should do a write up on changing oil for new people
Click to expand...

Yeah true I guess I should look into just doing it myself. I did just now Google "how to change your oil" so I could get a visual reference and it doesn't seem complicated. Easy enough for my amateur self at least ;):
 
4,000 miles on oil is max! and should be changed at least 3 times a year, because oil does brake down and separate.

I change mine every 3,000 miles. Do a lot of short trips/city driving.Have been doing that since I bought it new.
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If you have a 96-98 it is a good idea to wash out from behind your chrome bumpers because they will rust out from the dirt being thrown up from your tires.

So true, had to replace mine last May. Northeast winters are a *****.
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I have 217,000 on my 96 and i run castrol synthetic high millage with every 3,500 mile change.

I have 130,000 on my 97 and I run regular oil Mobile 1 and change it every 3,000 miles.
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another is valve cover leaks with high millage engines.

Yes, Yes, Yes, had to chnge mine last May as well.
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sway bar end links tend to snap on big SUV, they rust out then brake.

I had one that was broken, but you need to change both not one because the other one will break.
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once again, how many miles? have your transmission serviced, and when shifting from R to D, come to a FULL STOP! dont drive back then drop it into drive! that will wear out the clutches!

Yup, I tell my daughter and wife that everytime they use my truck.
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oil

I use royal purple oil probably the best oil money can buy or at least in the top three! I change it every ten thousand plus. and even then it looks brand new! no joke. truck runs quieter and smother too. It dose cost a lot more than conventional oil but in the long run it is cheaper. check it out at royal purple . com and power block tv . com any one who wants the best for there car will use Royal Purple Redline or Moblie one I choose royal purple for everything in my truck power steering,brake,transmission,transfer case,diff and engine oil. oh ya purple ice for radiator fluid! never been happier i changed all my fluids over at 60000 service. As for changing your oil at every 3500 that is a big waste of your time and money! get the good stuff and check your oil every 5000 if it needs to be change you will know it will be black and thick
 
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Re: oil

410toy said:
I use royal purple oil probably the best oil money can buy or at least in the top three! I change it every ten thousand plus. and even then it looks brand new! no joke. truck runs quieter and smother too. also It dose cost a lot more than conventional oil but in the long run it is cheaper. check them out at royal purple . com and power block tv . com any one who wants the best for there car with use Royal Purple Redline or Moblie one I choose royal purple for everything in my truck power steering,brake,transmission,transfer case,diff and engine oil. oh ya purple ice for radiator fluid! never been happier i changed all my fluids over at 60000 service. As for changing your oil at every 3500 that is a big waste of your time and money! get the good stuff and check your oil every 5000 if it needs to be change you will know it will be black and thick
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Well this brings up another point: what other fluids should I be checking and replacing?
 
dont forget to keep checking your air filter also, very important it doesnt get clogged up too bad - take it out every couple weeks and shake it real good or blow with air compressor.
 
I replaced everything when I got the truck I am the second owner and I know that the first owner didn't take care of it. So I change everything over when the 60,000 mile tune up was scheduled if your truck is a 4x4 there is a additional tune up to the 60,000 mile tune up. I did everything just to be on the safe side. !
 
shootmymime said:
no nothing else, you know it is cheeper if you are able to do it your self! someone should do a write up on changing oil for new people
Click to expand...
the only problem with doing it youself is than you have old oil lying around. i mean ya you can take it in to auto zone or something but than old oil goes in your truck if it spills ya got a big mess. i duno i agree its easy and much cheaper but i dont know think ahead too much lol! :bonk:
 
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