How to properly tune up your car?

[rpj1984]

Ok..Its time for a tune up on my 1995 Toyota Camry 4cyl. I already bought new spark plug wires, oil, ATF Fluid, Brake Pads, Tranny Cooler, and few other various things.

I saw some people saying to clean your throttle body. How do you do this? It has never been done so I would like to do it.

What do you reccomend I do while I am doing my other things. Any ideas or thoughts on what I should do, or what you normally do in your tune up is much appreciated. Thanks

Ryan

[Nick]

get a bottle of throttle body cleaner, remove the intake, spray some in there, brush off the crud with a toothbrush

fuel filter, pcv valve those are good things to change as well

[idrivemyself]

you could flush your brake system if you really wanted, but new pads should be enough.

[crazy_camry]

Originally posted by rpj1984

I saw some people saying to clean your throttle body. How do you do this? It has never been done so I would like to do it.

Ryan

http://members.fortunecity.com/gt5841e/mr2/TPS/tb.html

not sure what car it is, but procedure should be generally the same.

[project trueno]

^ the above is from an AW11 (1st generation MR2), with the 4AGE bluetop, no PCV valve on that setup, just a tube from the head to the intake manifold

i skimmed through the page, don't know if it was mentioned but a lot of grime is hiding BEHIND the throttle plate, the stuff really gums things up..

[Chris Corolla S]

Originally posted by idrivemyself
you could flush your brake system if you really wanted, but new pads should be enough.

Well your already gonna have to bleed the brakes if you are changing pads so just bleed out some extra (of course while adding the new stuff to the resevoir) and you will flush it all out while you are at it. Brake fluid should be flushed every 30,000 miles(45,000kil) or so.

I would also suggest performing a thorough inspection of all belts, hoses, lines, and connections under the hood. Also check under the car for worn bushings, cracked boots, and dammaged exaust components. Check your tires for uneven wear and rotate them if it hasn't been done in the last 3-4,000 miles(6,000kil). You said you got pads but not shoes, you should at least pop the cover off of your rear drums to inspect the shoes and see if they are within spec. thickness. Also clean the brake dust out of there with some water (don't breath that shit!!)...That's all I can think of now.

[rezzle]

In addition to the above I would also consider pulling the starter and alternator before winter sets in (not so important in warm states) and check the brushes and bearings. I frigging hate working with cold tools. It is also a lot cheaper to change the brushes etc instead of waiting until the starter or alternator implode and require comlete replacement. If you want to go boro you can even purchase copper strips (cheap) and cut and file your own brushes for free.

I would also change the coolant, pcv valve, wiper blades, and clean the battery and battery connections, including all grounding straps.

A nice polish and wax job does wonders as well as cleaning the windshield and windows with a good window cleaner and following up with rain-x. Gotta love rain-x, grasshopper guts even have a hard time sticking. Speaking of rain, hail, grasshoppers and insects, straighten out the fins on the condenser and radiator then make yourself a screen to protect them too much damage can lead to overheating or even a leak in the coils themselves.

Don't apply a silicone based prep like armor-all to the tires or steering wheel. Dull means grip and grip is good.

Lastly grab a 10mm and a 12mm hand-socket-driver and see if there are any loose bolts or screws in under and all around the car and visually inspect all the nuts and bolts under the hood. I actually discovered that at the last (meaning never again lol) warranty tune up that we had done at Toyota, they had neglected to tighten the alternator pivot mounting nut after adjusting the belt, (the nut was gone,) and the alternator was close to falling off. Thankfully I have a bucket or two of spare nuts and bolts in the garage from previous rebuilds and I had a replacement.

[Bossman]

New spark plugs to go with your new spark plug wires. Maybe try some platinum plugs. Personally, I like NGK platinum plugs for my 92 2.2 litre Camry. Also, change your air filter. Gotta let that engine breath in order to get any power and economy. Lastly, have your timing checked. I think everyone else has covered everything you need.