What other stuff should I replace?

[Lightning Blue]

When I bought my Camry (2001 with 127k miles) the intent was to use it as a spare car and something for my girlfriend to drive to work...however, we love the way it drives (such a smooth drive and so quiet compared to my neon), now it's going to get 1-1.5k miles a month or more...over the mountains and such 2-3 times a month, so I want to make sure everything is shipshape.

Since buying the Camry with 127k miles, I've replaced the air filter, PCV valve, fuel filter, spark plugs, and spark plug wires. I got the timing belt inspected, mechanic said it'd been replaced before, so I don't need to worry about that for a while. All fluids have been checked and topped off if needed.

Is there anything else I should change out to ensure she keeps running for the long haul?

Should I get the timing checked? She gets an average of 30-34 MPG when being used on the highway (even when going over passes), which is better than my Neon most of the time , so I'm not sure timing is needed.

I read around about O2 sensors, should I replace those, and if so, are they easy to replace?

Transmission fluid: I keep hearing different stories, people say to flush it, other people say to never EVER touch it because it just causes problems... transmission seems fine, it just likes to jolt a bit sometimes when shifting at mid to high high RPMs (>3000).

[Jimnist]

I'd say replace all fluids (brake, radiator, engine oil + filter and i'd reccomend a transmission flush too). Now, when the mechanic 'inspected' the timing belt, did he tell you when it was last changed? Inspections really don't do crap as they usually looks alright, but have the slightest crack at one or two teeth and that screws it up. Unless he checked the entire belt instead of taking the covers off.

For the transmission flush, when is say that; i mean drain all fluid, take out the filter screen at the bottom of the tranny and replace, then flush (as there's still old oil in the torque converter). But how's the condition of the oil right now? Does it look like a nice ATF red or is it brown? Does it smell burnt?

[Lightning Blue]

Originally Posted by Jimnist

I'd say replace all fluids (brake, radiator, engine oil + filter and i'd reccomend a transmission flush too).

Oil was changed when I got it, people seem happy with 5k oil changes here so I'll be changing it within a month. However the manual says 7.5k, so I'm a bit confused.

Should I flush the coolant or just drain and refill?

Is replacing brake fluid the same as bleeding it out? Never done anything like this before.

Now, when the mechanic 'inspected' the timing belt, did he tell you when it was last changed?

He said it wasn't the original belt, and he couldn't tell if it had been changed at 60k or 90k, I'm suspecting it was changed at 60k, he suggested going another 20-30k miles before replacing it, which works for me. I was happy enough that it had been replaced in the first place.

But how's the condition of the oil right now? Does it look like a nice ATF red or is it brown? Does it smell burnt?

I'll take a look at it tomorrow and get back to you.

[Jimnist]

Originally Posted by Lightning Blue

Oil was changed when I got it, people seem happy with 5k oil changes here so I'll be changing it within a month. However the manual says 7.5k, so I'm a bit confused.
Whichever you like, these are Camry's, they'll last forever. I reckon anything in between 5k -7.5k will be good.

Should I flush the coolant or just drain and refill?

Either or, but if your draining it, may as well flush. That's what i'd do (including a reverse flush of the radiator).

Is replacing brake fluid the same as bleeding it out? Never done anything like this before.

Keep bleeding it until the new fluid comes out of the bleed nipple, so you get rid of all the old fluid that may contain traces of water and other crap.


He said it wasn't the original belt, and he couldn't tell if it had been changed at 60k or 90k, I'm suspecting it was changed at 60k, he suggested going another 20-30k miles before replacing it, which works for me. I was happy enough that it had been replaced in the first place.




I'll take a look at it tomorrow and get back to you.

[maxima1274]

For the oxygen sensors...I replaced mine when my check engine light came on. I don't think there is any other way to tell if it's going bad.

[Lightning Blue]

I'd say my ATF is between red and brown, I can't tell if it is burnt, I'll have to check my Neon's later and compare it.