SUV maintenance

[Mark42]

Have my wife's 97 Mountianeer in the shop today for brake pads and two new tires. Then the garage will take it over to the front end shop for an alignment. The front end is out, so it ate up two good tires. This may be more than the basic $60 alignment. I am afraid something is bent/worn out and it will cost more.<br /><br />Anyway, I asked the garage to check the hoses and belt because the SUV now has over 150,000 miles. They said everything looks fine. I'm glad that it looks ok because its costing $400 so far today without the alignment. But I wonder about the hoses being 7 years old. <br /><br />Think it is worth the trouble to change them out myself and flush the radiator? Or save the money and put it toward the transmission oil/filter change that is due? ($97 at Ford w/filter).<br /><br />I normally wouldn't fret it, but lately money (or lack of) is a big issue and causing me undue stress on top of a bunch of other stuff. <br /><br />Mark.

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: SUV maintenance

Comsider the serpentine belt along with the hoses. A faily simple job. That's great mileage you have on it so you must be doing something right.<br /><br />Just inspect the hoses and the belt. Look for cracking and soft spots.

 

[rogerwa]

Re: SUV maintenance

I wouldn't be surprised if they came back and said your lower ball joints were bad.. If thats the case, tack on another $600-$700.<br /><br />Other items that wil go on you are your water pump and alternator. I just replaced my Expedition alternator at 135K.

 

[Mark42]

Re: SUV maintenance

Just got a call from the front end shop. Everything checked out OK and he aligned it with no problem. He did say it was way out of alignment.<br /><br />rogerwa, the ball joints were replaced last year, also both cats. Everything else is original, alt, water pump, steering pump, AC, etc. Thanks for the heads up on the accessories.<br /><br />Besides regular maintenance we like to keep the cars looking nice. So there is the added expense of a body shop every now and again to fix the dents and scratches the folks give you in shopping malls. I figure if it starts to look like crap, it gets treated like crap. Plus we keep our cars a while and want them to look good. And if the car looks good, there is more incentive to fix what is wrong rather than let the problems pile up. It seems to me that neglect is a compounding problem.

 

[LubeDude]

Re: SUV maintenance

Originally posted by Mark42:<br /> But I wonder about the hoses being 7 years old. <br /><br />

Without question, change them out, heater hoses also.

 

[crazy charlie]

Re: SUV maintenance

If you find it stressful paying for hose replacement as preventative maintenance ,just imagine the stress of having a hose blow on the turnpike somewhere.It never happens at a convienient time and add on the expense of a tow.Change them now and sleep better tonight.Charlie

 

[deputydawg]

Re: SUV maintenance

I have seen hoses last 15 years, but then have seen them go in 2 years. <br />Inspect the hoses with a cold engine, radiator cap off. Squeeze them and feel for soft spots, hard brittle spots, and any visible cracks. The hose should be the same consistancy all the way along. The week points to check well are close to the clamps where it ataches. <br />The belt should also be checked for cracks, wear marks, and make sure it is not extremely brittle. if these conditions are not apparent, don't stress over replacing immediately.<br />It is a better idea to clean the tranny. That price sounds pretty low. Make sure they are back flushing to clean out the torque converter and all of the lines. <br />It may also be a good idea to go to a decent parts store and buy a can of water pump conditioner. Don't let them sell you on any miracle cure all, just simple conditioner. That will add a few miles extra on the pump.<br />As long as the water doesn't have any visible rust or junk in it, and it isn't running hot, a radiator flush is not necessary. It is a good idea, but not necessary.<br />As a note, my Ford Windstar van has 150,000 + miles on it. Original belts and hoses, original alternator and water pump. In fact the only repairs ever done to it has been new brake pads. Treat them well and they last forever.

 

[rogerwa]

Re: SUV maintenance

When you had the ball joints done they should have realigned it. Maybe they botched the Alignment job when they replaced the BJs.

 

[TilliamWe]

Re: SUV maintenance

roger, that's exactly what I was thinking!

 

[Solittle]

Re: SUV maintenance

Years back I blew an engine when a $10.00 radiator hose let go.<br /><br />If the Mountianeer has a timing belt (rather than chain) that has never been replaced - now is the time.