Maintenance Question

[mazza]

I've got a 2001 4cyl Camry CE that hasn't had much maintenance aside from oil changes. The car has a little over 115,000 miles as far as I can remember. I'm an amateur DIY, but I'm going to try to save myself quite a bit of money and try to do these myself.

Just wanted to make sure I had everything covered. I want to try and get everything replaced/flushed/etc so I can start keeping better track of everything other than the oil changes.

1. Oil Change and New Filter
2. Transmission 3x Flush And Fill And Filter/Magnet Cleaning - What do I use to clean these? Special solvent or will brake cleaner work? Any kind at that?
3. New timing belt and water change - I'm hoping I'll be able to change this in less than a day. It isn't too difficult is it?
4. New Spark Plugs and Wires
5. New Air Filter
6. Radiator Flush And Fill
7. Steering Pump Flush And Fill - If Possible
8. Brake pad replacement and brake fluid flush

Am I missing anything? I'm hoping that I can do all this for under $100 dollars. At least under $150. I want this car to run as long as possible.

As far as struts go... I'm hoping to get tokico springs and struts next month. I went out and looked behind the wheel today. They don't look like they would be too hard to replace.

Aside from the oil changes, are these things that even an amateur mechanic can do?

I did some searching, but just wanted to double check on my maintenance choices.

Thanks again all,

Zac

[touringcamry]

What do you mean by transmission 3x flush? Flush it 3 times? You can look for a flush DIY from kocho. To clean the filter and magnets, you have to drop the transmission pan and then replace the gasket afterwards. You are supposed to flush the filter with clean fluid.

The power steering uses Dexron III just like automatic transmission. There is a guide on how to flush the system posted by ken4.

For brake pads, they don't need to be replaced if there is still material left on teh pads. You should flush the brake fluid out though.

For spark plugs, it's a good idea to get those anti-corrosion stuff for the threads and di-electric grease for the boots.

[Toy_Dreamer]

depending on the lights, you could get those replaced, Sylvania Silverstar Headlights are the best.

Check the battery, go to a shop or do it your self, but check the voltage on it and if it holds it's charge. You can also put the vasoline gel on it for better conductivity.


Change the fuel filter. It won't take much and they don't cost much either.

New distributor cap and rotor (always change in pairs) along with the wires that you said you were going to replace.

[Toy_Dreamer]

one more simple thing, top off ALL fluids.

• engine
• transmission
• radiator/cooling system
• brakes
• battery
• window washer
• air conditioner

[mazza]

Thanks for the help. I really appreciate it. Didn't know about the distributor cap and rotor needing to be replaced though..

As far as flush 3x... I was reading through some posts after searching that you need to flush the transmission 3 times... or drain and refill 3 times anyway.

[Kep]

Drain and refill is probably the way to go for the transmission. However, you do this over a period of several months, not just in one weekend. Personally, I try to do this at every oil fill these days. If I happen to miss one it's no big deal but I figure this way I essentially change all of the fluid every 30,000 miles.

I expect that the first time you do a timing belt change (don't forget to check the water pump and timing belt tensioner) it will take a weekend. And have a second car available to shag parts. Have the correct tool to remove the harmonic balancer, a standard puller often will damage it. I expect that you may go over $100 if you need to replace the water pump and tensioner or if you buy tools (Check with you local auto parts stores. Some of them will "loan" you specialty tools.)

Read up on bleeding ABS brake fluid and changing the pads. Basically, you shouldn't press the fluid backwards into the pump like the "good old days". You can damage the ABS system if you try to take shortcuts.

In the not too distant future consider cleaning your EGR valve, EGR Modulator, throttle body, IAC valve, PCV valve, and battery terminals. There are good DIY posts here and on the other "generation" forums as well.

There are about a half dozen rubber boots/bellows on the CVC joints and steering connections. It is critical for the life of the protected parts that these not get torn or damaged. I don't know if there is a rubber treatment spray that would be best but I would like to find one myself. Keep these clean and oil free on a regular basis and if you find a good rubber treatment product, let us know.

Do the 2000 Camrys have a cabin air filter? You might want to change it if you do. Lubricate your latches and hinges. Check your suspension from time to time. Rotate your tires. The list goes on...

Kep

[dc_98_cam]

You might want to read the repair manual section ... I4 Mechanical ... to get the procedural details of the timing belt and water pump change. It's not something that is difficult, but definitely will require some 'familiarization' ... Can't see doing it in one day.
You will want one or two new parts depending on what you find ... tensioner spring ... recommended to replace ... upper idler pulley (tensioner) .... Maybe get a kit, which has belt and pulley. You might need the timing belt cover strip seal pieces ... only available at the dealer... Replace the thermostat and gasket at this time. ... The first thing you will run into is how to remove the center bolt on the crank shaft pulley ... There should be sufficient reading on this in the forum search.
One thing that is unique about Camry Power Steering, Transmission, and Differentials is that they use Dexron III automatic transmission fluid .... unless you have the V6 engine....check your owner manual to verify this.

[touringcamry]

Originally Posted by mazza

Thanks for the help. I really appreciate it. Didn't know about the distributor cap and rotor needing to be replaced though..

They don't need replacing because you don't have those parts. All 1997 and newer Camry are distributorless ignition.

You only need to replace the wires and the plugs. You want to get OEM style plugs with the two ground electrodes because of the way the ignition system works. The Denso part number is PK20TR11. NGK makes them too, but I don't know the part number.

[mazza]

Thanks for the info, touringcamry. I didn't know that they needed certain spark plugs. I'll be sure to pick those up. And I didn't know about the distrubutorless system, either. You can tell I'm not a mechanic.