2001 AWD Safari - Maintenance schedule at 88K miles???

[Spike99]

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My 2001 AWD Safari is going into the auto shop this Thursday - for engine oil / filter and front end greasing. If needed, I will also ask them to replace its existing "worn out" power steering box. While at the shop, what other scheduled maintenance items should be done as well? For example:
- Change rear axle/differential oil with Synthetic 70W90?
- Change front axle/differential oil with Synthetic 70W90?
- Radiator fluid inspection and if necessary flush / replacement?
- Air filter / fuel filter replacement (???)

Note: Already got some new parts in the past. re:
- New Master Brake cylinder 3.5 years ago.
- Rear Diff axle fluid changed 3.5 years ago.
- New Cruise Control module 3 years ago.
- New heater system `vacuum line` replaced 3 years ago.
- Its transmission rebuilt and its oil / filter changed almost 3 years ago.
- Its tranfer case gaskets and its oil changed 2 years ago.
- New Idler arms (Moog brand) installed 1.5 year ago.
- Its EFI system `throttle body` cleaned out 1 year ago.
- New battery 1 year ago (now on its 3rd battery).
- Got new "all season" tires P215/70/15 tires approx 6 months ago.

Any other things I should get inspected / fluid changes at 142K KMs (88,235 miles) ???

thanks.

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[GEJ]

No kidding.I mean it.Man I like your style.Someone who is taking care of their van.Very,very cool.

Things I can think of is looking at the belt,hoses,brake lines and brake hoses,check out e-brake and lube where you can,lube hood latch,lube door latches,lube gas tank door release,wiper blades,clean battery cable connections at the battery and clean and spray the ground cable,check shocks.

Seems like alot for a van as new as yours compaired to vans as old as mine.But still it is 2008 and it is 7 yrs old.

[Spike99]

Thanks for your positive feedback GEJ. Much appreciated.

Yes. We do lots of "utility trailer towing" and family trip "long hauls" with our AWD van. And being an AWD, its always carrying around 800 lbs more then a RWD van. With onboard cargo and trailer load, its often hauling 3,000 lbs more then a RWD van's empty load. Thus, our van needs its steering and drive train well lubricated. And, its steering parts and drive system parts replaced more then other RWD Safari vans as well. Proactive maintenance "health checks" always lowers the risk of those "pay me for emergency repairs later" costs. Will also check the items you recommended.

I also found lots of maintenance info at:
http://www.2carpros.com/maintenance/car_maintenance.htm
Note: Scroll down (3/4 way down the URL) to each mile marker section. Recommended maintenance details under each mile schedule.

thanks.

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[wangotango]

Flush the radiator, change the thermostat with the correct one 185* or 195*(it wont run any cooler with 160*) CHANGE THE FUEL FILTER with a good one.
Clean the EGR ports (with spray seafoam Deep Creep) while you have the cowl and hoses off to change the Tstat. Inspect the vacuume lines to the cannister and throttlebody and replace.

Clean and re-tighten the grounds. There is about 4 on the engine and engine bay.

If you really want to do some quality PM - change the brake fluid. I'm sure it is very dark by now.

Take care of the Van and it'll take care of you.

[thevalleyboy]

If you do a lot of towing I would consider a tranny service again - new filters and fluid - maybe go to synthetic.... I know around here the jump to synthetic will almost break the bank, but it's probably what I am going to do as soon as I install the tranny cooler - man have I been lazy - it's been sitting in my garage for abour 2 months now.....

I would also do the t-case again - hey Autotrak fluid is only about $8 bucks a litre and it only takes 2.

[LaGrasta]

WOW! I can't believe how many repairs you've had to do already. With service manual in hand, the van shouldn't need much attention until 100k. My '98 with 143k is proof of that. Admittedly, I've towed a bit and certainly hauled, maybe not as much as you though.

For your upcoming service, if so inclined do your 100k service now at 88k.

[Spike99]

Update:

My 2001 AWD's current 88K miles maintenance check / repairs is finally completed. For this round at the auto shop:
- Replaced gas / fuel filter - general grade.
- Replaced air filter - general grade.
- Inspected / cleaned its brakes (all tires).
- Engine Oil / Filter change.
- Greese front end (steering parts).
- Replaced its "worn out" steering box with a rebuilt box. The mechanic said its common for steering boxes on AWD versions to wear out quickly. Should be good for another 88K miles.
Note: This weekend, I'll oil its door pins and hood latch / hood hinge system, and check easy access fluid levels myself.

Next time at the auto shop (at 92K miles this spring), I'll plan:
- Rad flush / fluid change.
- Change rear axle/differential oil with Synthetic 70W90?
- Change front axle/differential oil with Synthetic 70W90?
- Engine oil / filter change.
- Greese front end (steering parts).
- Spring time wheel alignment (which we get done every spring).
- Change thermostat
* Do other things - as if mileage is at 100K.

My local shop made enough dollars off me today. He can wait 6 more months before making more dollars from my 2001 AWD Safair. LOL!!!!

Thanks for your recommendations...

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