My TO DO list... Input??

[offthahook]

My new-to-me Solara is a 99 SLE V6 with 70K. SO far, I have a done a trans. fluid change and front struts mounts. The previous owner had done struts (prolly a misdiagnosis), o2 sensor. I'm thinking of doing the following as sort of preventive type stuff since it's all kinda right together under the hood...

air cleaner
water pump
timing belt
drive belts
thermostat
flush/fill coolant (duh)

Nothing is bad yet and I know the interval is 90K on the belts and maybe 150K on the pump and thermostat, but why risk it if I can get the labor hella cheap and the parts wholesale?? Dude installed my struts mounts for $50 cash. I gave him $60 cuz I felt guilty. He did it "on the side" at the dealer. I guess the service manager is okay with that as long as they are slow with customers' cars. Sweet! I'm also thinking front and rear brake pads (turn rotors).

I'd use OEM parts. DO you guys know if Toyota's brake pads come with hardware-- pins/guides/clips/etc. like Honda's do??? Like Carquest might be cheaper, but they are just pads and grease and you use the old hardware. Also, can you turn Toyota rotors on the car with the portable lathe? Other than that, any input is appreciated because this is my first Toyota so I really don't know what to replace while all that stuff is outof the engine...

[Fletch]

Does your car/steering wheels shake at 45mph when braking (mine does)? If not, I wouldn't worry about brakes until they wear out, changing pads is so easy to do yourself anyway.

A K&N drop in will cost $45 from an AutoZone and last for the life of the car with regular cleanings.

All the other engine maintenance stuff is a no brainer, do them all at once when you decide to do it. I waited until 97k though and didn't change out the thermostat.

[offthahook]

Does your car/steering wheels shake at 45mph when braking (mine does)? If not, I wouldn't worry about brakes until they wear out, changing pads is so easy to do yourself anyway.

A K&N drop in will cost $45 from an AutoZone and last for the life of the car with regular cleanings.

All the other engine maintenance stuff is a no brainer, do them all at once when you decide to do it. I waited until 97k though and didn't change out the thermostat.

No shimmy, but the brakes feel soft and the pads were replaced once at 25K. They may not be bad, but they just don't feel like they grab tight enough. I doubt there'a bubble or the fluid is low. I figured a start would be pads and turning to be sure. Is the K and N drop in "drop in" or is there some modding to make it fit right? Does K and N use the airbox on the car and the same filter (just more durable) or is it a ricey looking mod? I'm more like the stock type guy; I don't need 2 extra HP. BUt if the filter is just a non disposable factory type, that would be worth $45.
I figure I could wait until 100K, but the parts will cost more and the labor will, too. Plus, I can get the labor done so cheap and at a dealer... Piece of mind is great when you're on that Dan Ryan. I can't fathom something breaking prematurely on that Xpressway!

Also, do you guys replace radiator hoses when you do the timing belt/water pump/flush if they still look to be okay?? I'm sure mine are factory and look fine, but $25 is pretty cheap while you're in there!

[Fletch]

The K&N filter is a non disposable factory type (cleaning kit costs around $10), it fits the stock air box without modification and will retain stock look. I kept my paper filter so I wouldn't be stranded if I was cleaning the K&N.

I've personally never heard of replacing rad hoses on Camry's.

If you are getting a good price on the timing belt and so on, I'd go for it, then you'll be good to around 150k if you have the car that long, besides plugs.

[Jai_Jai_Binks]

If your changing the timing belt, might as well get the alternator belt, a/c belt and the power steering belt changed all at once. I'd bleed the brakes, and resurface the rotors (i think someone mentione pepboys does them for 6 dollars a pop, but you take out the parts yourself). if your doing the tranny flush, do the differential as well....do the EFI service too, All this assuming you've changed sparks+wires at 60K?? rest sounds good!