[mysterl33]

My Camry just passed 114k. I need to do a tune-up but really want to do it myself if its nothing too hard.

Not sure exactly what I'll need for a tune-up. Besides Air filter and spark plugs, what else do I need? is it fairly easy for a diy? Where can I get the supplies? I've worked on cars before. I can do an oil change, change the brakes and the hardest thing i've done would be the front control arm bushing replacement on my friends '04 330ci.

As for oil change, what oil/filter do you recommend?

Also, my cassette player is acting up. I used to listen to my ipod through the cassette adapter but now it just makes a really bad grinding sound and wont play for a long time. I thought about getting a headunit but dont really want to spend the money for it since the radio and cd work fine. does anyone know how i can fix the cassette player? I'll record a video if needed.

my car is 2000 Camry 4cyl automatic

 

[LynchburgCSI]

I'd suggest you buy a service manual for your car and read over the procedures (or check our DIY/sticky thread on the main page). See if it looks like something you can do. Check your service supplement/owners manual for everything that needs to be done... but off the top of my head:

-Seafoam the engine
-New spark plugs after
-New timing belt
-Check for oil leaks
-Check condition of brakes

Oil change... I like to go with Napa Gold/ WIX filters or Purolator PureOnes. For oil I like Vavoline MaxLife.

The cassette player... If i was in you're position I'd just remove it and start taking it apart to see what was wrong. But that's me. :lol:

 

[mysterl33]

i bought the car used and never got the manuals.=[ but yea.. i'd take the tape player apart if i had a backup haha i have work everyday and can't drive without music haha

 

[JohnGD]

- Purolator PureOne PL14477 (the larger version used for 2.4L engines). With NJ temps I'd use Motorcraft 5W-30 synthetic blend oil from Walmart. During the summer Motorcraft 10W-30. Valvoline and Castrol are excellent oils too.

- A complete timing belt job, including oil seals, water pump, pulleys and belts. eBay has these "OEM" kits with an Aisin pump, Mitsuboshi timing belt, etc.

- While the radiator is drained, both radiator hoses, and heater core and bypass hoses if you want. A new thermostat (OEM only, please) and radiator cap. Use Toyota Red coolant with *distilled water*.

- Flush with new brake fluid. Use Valvoline Synthetic or Castrol GT LMA (low moisture activity. Actually the Valvoline is LMA as well.

- Inspect the top radiator plastic tank for cracks. At that mileage, I'd just swap it out. Many like the KoyoRad in TYC boxes here from rockauto.com if that's what they still use.

- NGK Iridium-IX plugs. You can probably reuse the wires without problems, or you can get the NGK wire set too.

- Drop the transmission pan, change out the strainer/pan gasket and wipe clean the pan. Leave no lint. Measure the ATF drained and add that amount back. Don't forget the differential too. Use synthetic blend in the diff (and transmission too if you don't stick with dino there). Walmart's SuperTech Mercon-V (D-III suitable), Castrol Import Multi-vehicles ATF, Valvoline MaxLife Dex/Merc are great values at Walmart.

- Change the fuel filter. Be careful of seized lower flare nut that can twist the fuel pipe. Exercise all fuel precautions. Harbor Freight has a metric flare nut wrench set for about $10 (and torque wrenches too but those prices are going up).

- The iPod adapter like a cassette you insert into the player? As long as the read head is in contact it should work right? I wonder if you can just disable the player motor? Not really sure however.

There are plenty of DIYs here too.

Not sure exactly what I'll need for a tune-up. Besides Air filter and spark plugs, what else do I need? is it fairly easy for a diy? Where can I get the supplies? I've worked on cars before. I can do an oil change, change the brakes and the hardest thing i've done would be the front control arm bushing replacement on my friends '04 330ci.

As for oil change, what oil/filter do you recommend?

Also, my cassette player is acting up. I used to listen to my ipod through the cassette adapter but now it just makes a really bad grinding sound and wont play for a long time. I thought about getting a headunit but dont really want to spend the money for it since the radio and cd work fine. does anyone know how i can fix the cassette player? I'll record a video if needed.

my car is 2000 Camry 4cyl automatic

 

[mysterl33]

^^^ Thanks for all that info haha

So it's ok to use a bigger oil filter? would that require more oil or just the usual amount? Should I also replace the crush washer and bolt when I do the oil change? I was taught to change them when I learned haha

Also, how can I tell if my struts are bad? How much do they usually cost to get replaced and what struts do you recommend?

Again, Thanks for all the help!

 

[fenixus]

^^^ Thanks for all that info haha

So it's ok to use a bigger oil filter? would that require more oil or just the usual amount? Should I also replace the crush washer and bolt when I do the oil change? I was taught to change them when I learned haha

Also, how can I tell if my struts are bad? How much do they usually cost to get replaced and what struts do you recommend?

Again, Thanks for all the help!

All good advice
I would swap the spark plug wireset with NGK TE58 (for 4cyl) when doing the tune up, they cost like $30 free shipping from amazon. Those wires IMHO are as good as OEM Denso/Toyota.

When using oversized oil filter (e.g. Motorcraft FL400S or Pureone PL14477) just use additional 0.2qts more of oil on top of 3.8qts that it needs. in other words dump full 4qts into engine and it will be perfect

You could also get a full synthetic Mobil1 5W-30 with M1 EP filter, now on promo in Autozone at $29.99 (5qts+filter).

The crush washer can be reused one or two times if it's metal, the plastic one should be changed every time. I usually buy like a dozen of those OEM metal washers from online dealer when getting other parts (or get washers locally over the counter, I like bothering my local dealer with a single bolt/washer special orders haha).

Struts are a different beast, but you should be fine with Gabriel Ultra Struts from autozone (LLT warranty), but you should get all other rubber parts and mounts OEM from dealer online (up to 30% off MSRP cheaper and best quality IMO).

 

[pmesfun]

You could also get a full synthetic Mobil1 5W-30 with M1 EP filter, now on promo in Autozone at $29.99 (5qts+filter).
.

When I was doing an oil change on my dad's avalon, I noticed that special also. So I got the 5qt jug and 2 quart bottles.(2gr-fe take 6.4 quarts:facepalm I asked for the filter and didn't notice at first but the guy brought some Bosch filter. Also bought some other stuff like, brake cleaner, fuel injector cleaner, air filter and crc tb cleaner.etc.. Totaled out to be 85 bucks. I was like :wtf:, why is it so expensive He said, "OHH, we dont have the M1 filter in stock for that car." So you just decide to get something else and think I wouldn't notice/mind paying $30 extra bucks. What an Idiot.

 

[fenixus]

When I was doing an oil change on my dad's avalon, I noticed that special also. So I got the 5qt jug and 2 quart bottles.(2gr-fe take 6.4 quarts:facepalm I asked for the filter and didn't notice at first but the guy brought some Bosch filter. Also bought some other stuff like, brake cleaner, fuel injector cleaner, air filter and crc tb cleaner.etc.. Totaled out to be 85 bucks. I was like :wtf:, why is it so expensive He said, "OHH, we dont have the M1 filter in stock for that car." So you just decide to get something else and think I wouldn't notice/mind paying $30 extra bucks. What an Idiot.

yeah they do such idiotic moves sometimes, but usually they inform about a problem :facepalm:. i think the guy wanted to rip off more money from you, sad. at least my local autozone is not bad, they piss me off sometimes too with their "wisdom" (e.g. they will NOT sell you an oversized filter on promo because it's not the stock size, so it doesn't fit your car, grrrr) and attitude (sorry to say but that applies mostly to the female manager they have), but in general they are cool people.

My Advance Auto parts is like what you described. every time I buy something on promo I have to prove them the promo exists by showing them that in their stupid in store brochure otherwise they want to charge me normal price :facepalm:

last time they had a national promo on Chevron Techron 12oz buy 1 get 1 free (on internet, North edition). guess what happened, those bastards pulled out those pages from their all brochures and pretended they never existed!

 

[JohnGD]

The PL14477 (3.4" tall) is only slightly taller than the specified PL14476 (3") but does give you a bit more filtration area. PL14477 is no problem at all.

If your 2.2L doesn't have the common oil drain-back problem when parked for a while (test with an OEM filter) and if you don't mind fractionally longer fill time initially with a larger filter like FL400S, then it can be an option. Toyota realized their mistake and designed the 2.4L with the filter in the right orientation. Some 2.4L 4-cyl and V6 owners use the Motorcraft FL400S filter (~Purolator PureOne). Toyota has an oversized filter too, the -YZZD3. You can add 4 oz more with the FL400S/YZZD3. Unless people insist on a larger filter I'd say just use PL14477 for the 2.2L.

OEM crush washers have a rubber coating on aluminum. These are pretty flimsy but a few time should be fine. The thicker all-aluminum ones can last a lot more changes. And the nylon ones, right, straight into the trash.

Struts degrade very slowly and most people don't notice until new ones are installed. The front mounts should be replaced with struts each time. The rear mounts last longer. The brand will depend on the type of ride you want. You can buy full assemblies with all new parts and is what I'd recommend for most.

Some members here use Monroe QuickStruts and seem to be happy. KYB (an OEM maker, aka 'Keep Your Bilsteins") Strut Plus assemblies will give you an Asian ride closest to OEM. I personally prefer Gabriel Ultras from Autozone. The newest Ultras are tuned softer than they were, but will give you a nice American ride that soaks up road irregularities well without sending them up your spine like KYBs. (I like the railroad crossings test for this). Just don't get the econoline of any brand. If performance then many here can also tell you about Tokico Blues and performance lowering springs. You're going to need an alignment after replacement.

Monroe (w/ Sensatrac strut, not the cheaper Economatic for $15 less):
$130.79
http://www.rockauto.com/catalog/moreinfo.php?pk=951378
KYB Strut Plus: $194.79
http://www.rockauto.com/catalog/moreinfo.php?pk=1819850
Gabriel ReadyMount (w/ Ultra strut) ~$215

As said, AZ's lifetime warranty and no nonsense return policy is great. They have the Gabriel ReadyMount assemblies. So price them out before you decide. You can get Monroes from other chain stores, with lifetime warranty too. KYBs do not warranty against normal wear and tear.

If you plan to keep the car for a long time, I'd get them locally. It costs more initially, but can save you shipping cost and time for warranty exchanges. Always verify application data by using manufacturers' own websites.

So when you do need to replace struts? See:
http://www.monroe.com/support/faq.asp
http://www.kyb.com/vehicle/replace.php
http://gabriel.com/

^^^ Thanks for all that info haha

So it's ok to use a bigger oil filter? would that require more oil or just the usual amount? Should I also replace the crush washer and bolt when I do the oil change? I was taught to change them when I learned haha

Also, how can I tell if my struts are bad? How much do they usually cost to get replaced and what struts do you recommend?

Again, Thanks for all the help!

 

[pmesfun]

yeah they do such idiotic moves sometimes, but usually they inform about a problem :facepalm:. i think the guy wanted to rip off more money from you, sad. at least my local autozone is not bad, they piss me off sometimes too with their "wisdom" (e.g. they will NOT sell you an oversized filter on promo because it's not the stock size, so it doesn't fit your car, grrrr) and attitude (sorry to say but that applies mostly to the female manager they have), but in general they are cool people.

My Advance Auto parts is like what you described. every time I buy something on promo I have to prove them the promo exists by showing them that in their stupid in store brochure otherwise they want to charge me normal price :facepalm:

last time they had a national promo on Chevron Techron 12oz buy 1 get 1 free (on internet, North edition). guess what happened, those bastards pulled out those pages from their all brochures and pretended they never existed!

I had to show him the promo also, that is when he realized it was actually on sale.:facepalm: I just got the oil and fram:facepalm: filter from Walmart. They also has this new lady, I can barely understand anything she says, can't help myself but laugh. The place is fine, been going there for as long as I can remember, but this mistake was sad.

 

[JohnGD]

BTW sign up for Autozone's reward card. Depending on the store, every $20+ per transaction they give you 1 point. Every 5 points you get $20 to spend in store. The downside is a $130 assembly gets you only 1 point.

Pep Boys have their own program too. Dollar based but you need to reach a higher amount.

 

[fenixus]

BTW sign up for Autozone's reward card. Depending on the store, every $20+ per transaction they give you 1 point. Every 5 points you get $20 to spend in store. The downside is a $130 assembly gets you only 1 point.

Pep Boys have their own program too. Dollar based but you need to reach a higher amount.

I got Autozone card, but man it's hard for me to earn those points ... somehow I keep buying cheap crap from them and never hit the $20, since the store is local I usually drop in for cheap single item and never earn those points haha, in 1 year I got $20 off discount only once and I spent a few good hundreds (mostly various oils, some tools and chemicals) over there so far hehe.

 

[mysterl33]

Thanks again for all the info! :thumbsup:

I really dont know how much longer I want to keep the car. My sister and I both go into an accident with the car a month apart. :facepalm: So we both think its kinda cursed haha I'm only 22 so I know my insurance will skyrocket after my current policy ends. I was considering selling the camry and getting a newer car with more safety features but I think insurance will be cheaper if I just keep driving the camry. Not really sure haha I'll have to go talk to an agent and see what they think I should do.

So on my way to work, a Goodyear Gemeni service center was advertising for a $9.95 oil change. Should I just get that? haha It is winter and just snowed here in Jersey haha

 

[fenixus]

Thanks again for all the info! :thumbsup:

I really dont know how much longer I want to keep the car. My sister and I both go into an accident with the car a month apart. :facepalm: So we both think its kinda cursed haha I'm only 22 so I know my insurance will skyrocket after my current policy ends. I was considering selling the camry and getting a newer car with more safety features but I think insurance will be cheaper if I just keep driving the camry. Not really sure haha I'll have to go talk to an agent and see what they think I should do.

So on my way to work, a Goodyear Gemeni service center was advertising for a $9.95 oil change. Should I just get that? haha It is winter and just snowed here in Jersey haha

if you are from NJ you should try contacting CURE, it's a mutual exchange insurance fund (or whatever their full name is) with insurance price much lower than anywhere else. worked for me, as I had poor/insufficient credit record and they don't check that.

ask for quote with CURE, might help you save some money in Jersey:
http://www.drivewell.com
company is located in Princeton, NJ they do not even have a walk-in office, all is done by phone and internet.

oh and last thing, bro stay AWAY from such cheap oil change deals
I made a mistake to try a $14.99 oil change deal in my area once (some promo in one of local shop), oh man ... cheap filter gasket got blown a month or two later and made a big mess on front of engine.

 

[mysterl33]

wow checking that insurance company out now haha is it any good though? I currently have 21st century and they're pretty good. I'm thinking of going solo on insuarnce so my parents wont have to suffer. sucks being a guy under 25. :headbang:

I guess i'll get the deal that autozone has with mobil one haha what filter should i get with the Mobil 1? do they also have the slightly bigger filter? what part # is that?

 

[fenixus]

wow checking that insurance company out now haha is it any good though? I currently have 21st century and they're pretty good. I'm thinking of going solo on insuarnce so my parents wont have to suffer. sucks being a guy under 25. :headbang:

I guess i'll get the deal that autozone has with mobil one haha

yup, CURE works for me.

I compare price of NJ insurance premiums among Geico, CURE and Allstate from time to time, to see if maybe it's time to switch, but CURE always comes up less expensive seriously (a few hundred $$ lower annually).

We had couple colissions with wife's 5s-fe car (only 1 was somewhat my fault and wasn't reimbursed by neither of insurance companies) and they are fine, reimbursed me even when an uninsured DUI driver rear ended the car (fortunately only a bumper damage) and filed a lawsuit against the other driver to recover the deductible I had to pay (it worked too).

 

[JohnGD]

Not all repair shops are like this, but watch "Jiffy Lube Caught on Tape":

 

[fenixus]

Not all repair shops are like this, but watch "Jiffy Lube Caught on Tape":

i've seen it before. I would personally burn that place down, a bunch of f**king scam artists ... the whole chain is like that, because the scam habits come from the top of management ... must written in their company statement "to cheat, break, lie and steal" ... wondering what mission they have

After that video evidence, in most countries (especially in over-protective EU) they would be shut down already, their bank accounts frozen, management prosecuted and sentenced.

My blood boils when I see that you tube video.

 

[JohnGD]

Yeah, the video came up in an earlier discussion. The problem is, the same thing happens at dealerships too!

Like the old saying if you want the job done right, do it yourself! How right.

 

[fenixus]

yes, that's why more and more people want to DIY as nowadays no one really trusts any mechanical shops :facepalm:

amazing what a black PR can do ... and it wasn't done by competition LOL, it was done by independent journalists (potential customers). horrifying is it?

I'd rather stick to thinking that dealers do the job right, they only turn up the amount you owe them hehe (I wish I know)... but based on own experience (cheating on differential flush at dealer) I know they do it too and lie to your face about job done and take your money anyways ... it's so sad ... that's not how you make customers come back ... besides it destroys the good name of Toyota (in our case) ...

same about local shops using cheapest shittiest part out there to get the job done and then people complain their toyotas suck because they go bad so often ... well it's not their toyotas going bad, it's the shitty parts that's been used on them :facepalm: