Scheduled Maintenance

[HoustonAvalon]

2002 Avalon XLS (48,500 miles).

I have recently acquired a 2002 Avalon XLS from my 83-year-old mother. She was the original owner. Maintenance had been conducted by her local gas station mechanic, who I am unable to get in touch with to create a maintenance history. I am pretty sure the only work done was oil changes, batteries & tires, however it seems to run fine. I went through the Toyota 2002 Scheduled Maintenance Guide and reviewed this forum to developed the following list of items to have my independent mechanic review. Are there other items that I should have inspected &/or replaced that is not on the list or I should leave off my list?

❑ Replace air conditioning filter
❑ Replace engine air filter
❑ Replace engine coolant
❑ Replace spark plugs (120,000 miles or 8 years) ?
❑ Replace Automatic Transmission fluid


❑ Inspect the following:

__ Inspect Ball joints and dust covers
__ Inspect Brake lines and hoses
__ Inspect Brake linings/drums and brake pads/discs
__ Inspect Differential oil
__ Inspect Drive shaft boots
__ Inspect Exhaust pipes and mountings
__ Inspect Fuel lines and connections, fuel tank band and fuel tank vapor vent system hoses
__ Inspect Fuel tank cap gasket
__ Inspect Nuts and Bolts on Chassis and Body
__ Inspect Steering gear box
__ Inspect Steering linkage and boots
__ Inspect Engine valve clearance
__ Inspect Drive Belt ? (initial at 60,000 miles then every 15,000 thereafter)
__ Inspect pump
__ Inspect V-belt & serpentine belt
__ Inspect Power steering fluid
__ Inspect for sludge (valve cover removal?)


Thanks for your help.

[TrailDust]

The 50,000 mile/40 month maintenance interval...viewable here....can provide you with any items you may have missed. Of course, you can use the Scheduled Maintenance Guide to view other service intervals in the ballpark of your Avalon's mileage.

[bobflood]

I would also suggest:
- inspecting/evaluating shocks/struts
- evaluating bushings throughout suspension.
- replacing fuel filter
- injector cleaning.

[ChiTDI]

You have years to deal with as well as miles.
I'd change the fuel filter and change the dif fluid with the ATF. There are two drain plugs and one common fill source, the dipstick tube. You can change the P/S fluid with a turkey baster and fill with ATF at the same time. Easy work. I use syn ATF and it really works well.
When you do your brakes, I'd change the brake fluid too. A flush not a bleeding.
I'd also change the gas cap gasket and regularly change the PCV valve with OEM.
I'd also change both accessory belts, there is no tensioner.
Change the antifreeze and maybe a new thermostat while the fluid is drained.
Enjoy the ride and good luck.