90K maintenance Qs

[natesi]

Howdy all.

I tried using search but couldn't find the answers I'm looking for. It's proven very hard to get definitive answers most recommended replacement intervals, even after calling the dealership. They want to charge a worthless "inspection" fee, in which they look at completely obvious stuff, which if broken, anyone with half a brain would already know... and they won't give any information on recommended intervals for anything. Even stuff like belts. I think they are afraid you'll just tell them what work you want done and they'll miss out on the $280 "inspection fee".

Anyway, I think I have most of it figured out... but was hoping to get some opinions on questionable items.

It's a 2005 Camry LE with the 4cyl with 90K...

When would you recommend:
* Replacing the belt tensioner?
* Flushing the power steering fluid?

Also, I've seen some references to replacing or inspecting the cam seal and crank seal, but I've never heard of this as a maintenance item on any car I've owned. Is it a regular maintenance item on a Camry? Is it not uncommon for this to need replacing?

This is my 59 year old mom's car, so I'd rather play everything on the safe side.

And it sounds like when it comes to the plugs, just leave them in until 125K?? They won't freeze to the head?

Thanks,


-Nathan

[arabianobsession]

I don't replace the belt tensioner unless I see that it's eating belts a little too often. And on my old car, I flushed the power steering at 100k.

[toyinca]

Spark plugs are just a few dollars each for parts, and easy to do. Gasoline, is really expensive !!!!
Just good advice. Yes, do.

[Donald E. George]

Do the power steering "flush" yourself. Pull as much of the fluid out as you can with something like a baster. Refill with Dextron II or III. Repeat several times and you have replaced most of the old fluid. There have been several threads on here recently that discussed various ways of doing this. I don't know what grade of bearing the OEM used for the belt idler, but grade 8 bearings are rated for something like 100,000 hours.The idler should give you plenty of warning about impeding failure. Have it changed out by an independent garage if you don't want to worry about the idler failing.

[theslowone]

i say it is time for new fluid in the tranny.

[Punks_Not_Dead5]

Plugs are fine til atleast 115-120k miles...i just did mine at 120k and they looked brand new still.

[natesi]

Thanks for the input guys.

Yeah, she had a complete tranny flush at 60K, at the dealership. I was going to have her do another complete flush at 100K...

That's all she's done to the car, besides oil changes, tires, and brakes.

For the 90K maintenance I was also going to have her do the following...

* Coolant/radiator flush -- Replace with Toyota fluid (not sure what the right fluid is called)
* New upper and lower radiator hoses
* Replace water pump
* Replace thermostat
* Replace all accessory belts
* Possibly replace the belt tensioner
* Possibly power steering flush -- but maybe we'll do the turkey baster thing.
* Inspect cam seal – replace if necessary
* Inspect crank seal – replace if necessary