I wonder if this could be made a sticky so that we could add to it over time and build a database of when parts fail - both by mileage and years?
I'll start:
My 1996 needed a rack & pinion gear last year (March 2007) at about 165,000. I went ahead and did the P/S pump as well but don't think it was bad actually...Also, I replaced the rear swaybar bushes last year at about the same time interval. And I did front brake rotors/ pads last year as well - same time frame. Oh and my Cruise Control switch went wonky last year and I cured it with some Caig Industries DeoxIT - from Radio Shack. I am pretty sure I posted on this if you are curious as to what all I did.
Right now it needs the strut top insulator and accordion bellows replaced all around. And I think I'm going to need to replace the cam cover gaskets when the weather warms up. (I am at ~180,000 now and oh btw I just had my WP replaced during the recent timing belt job. This was my first WP replacement.
I religiously follow the recommended maintenance schedule for all normal stuff like plugs, belts, wires, coolant flush etc. But I am draggin my feet on replacing coolant hoses and O2 sensors.....When gas hits $4.00 a gallon, I might breakdown and replace the O2 sensors because I can see on my Fluke Autoscope that they appear lazy at idle and light throttle..
FWIW I confess I am a bit concerned about alternator and starter failure(s) at this time, which was what prompted me to start this thread..... ;-)
Your problems are not too out of line for the mileage. Might make a preemptive strike on the starter and alternator by replacing brushes, bearings, etc. Places like www.rockauto.com may sell the alternator brushes and bearings plus starter parts. A Google will turn up more sites.
Your problems are not too out of line for the mileage. Might make a preemptive strike on the starter and alternator by replacing brushes, bearings, etc. Places like www.rockauto.com may sell the alternator brushes and bearings plus starter parts. A Google will turn up more sites.
The 1996 is first Gen Avy according to how this forum is now divided. Perhaps you are thinking Camry??
I just went thru Starter Replacement on my wife's 1997 Odyssey - I could only find the complete assy. But then I only shopped local as I did not have time for shipping.....I'll look into rockauto for sure! Thanks.
i believe he is right in saying it is the 3rd generation. this 3rd generation he is referring to is the motor (1mz-fe). it has been in production since 1994.
Today, (@185,000) miles on my 1996 Avalon, I replaced the rear struts and both top and bottom rubber insulators. I used KYB struts. About $300.00 invested in parts in toto. I am not totally convinced the OEM struts were defective. ?? but they were very spongy and easy to move [by hand] up and down.
The ride is now a bit stiffer compared to OEM struts. But I probably need to drive it a few days before I pass final judgement.
The clunking noise appears to be gone. Hopefully it will be cold enough in the morning for them to "sound off" - if they are going to....
LOL I am not sure it was $300 wisely spent...prolly shoulda done it 80k miles ago to really justify the expense. And prolly shoulda done fronts as well. Hmm. I'll post back in a few days if anything changes regards my opinion.
Ist Generation for Avalon, 3rd Generation for Camry. The Avalon is a high end Camry. Same body, engine, trans, suspension (as Camry with V6 option), etc.
Thus one would expect a Gen 1 Avalon to age as a Gen 2 and 3 Camry does (even without V6 option). The Avalon problems listed are typical of Camry. Plus there are more Camry's in service, as such problems will show up faster, are talked about more often in the Camry forums.
Rebuilding the engine was free though. We got a letter in the mail about oil gel or something and showed it to a mechanic, even though we didn't have any of the symptoms. I guess Toyota pays the shops to do these 2-3 grand jobs, so they said we had it and did it for free.
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