Since a number of us do our own maintenance, and quite a number of people complain about the high cost of dealer servicing, I thought I'd put together a list of tools and bare bones information that one would need to do some of the simpler tasks. This is not meant to be all inclusive, instead it should give a person some idea of what they should have on hand before starting (besides the consumables -- oil, filters, etc), or what they might need to purchase, if they don't already have it. Also, some of these I'm not sure of (marked with ??) since I haven't done that particular service, yet, but I'm sure that someone here can fill in a bit more detail. And of course, feel free to post items I forgot. Thanks, Shawn Rotate tires: Torque wrench lug nuts -- 21mm socket and 4" extension to clear car body (torque to 76 ft-lbs) Oils change: oil drain pan -- 4-6qt capacity funnel oil drain plug -- 14mm socket/wrench (torque to 28 ft-lbs) oil filter -- #5 oil filter wrench (1/2 turn past first contact) Air filter: No tools needed Cabin air filter: No tools needed Windshield wiper inserts: No tools needed Transmission fluid change: long neck funnel drain plug -- 10mm hex (torque to ??) fill plug -- 24mm socket/wrench (torque to ??) Spark plug replacement: spark plug gap -- 0.044" 5/8" (??) spark plug socket (torque to ??)
A proper floor jack to lift the vehicle. A pair of jack stands to support front or rear for safe underbody inspections. Wheel chocks for added safety, especially when the rear is up. Rear inspections: Do not set parking brake. Loosen wheel bolts, chock front, raise rear end, remove wheel bolts and wheels. Rotate each brake drum individually to check for brake dragging or bearing noise. Remove brake drums (there is a threaded hole where you can drive in a bolt to help free the drums - if the brakes are set they will not be removeable). Inspect shoes and drums. If the brake shoes were noted dragging, loosen the toothed adjustment wheel on that side. Inspect for brake fluid leakage, brake lines, and security of the abs sensor connectors. Note thickness of brake shoe friction material and unusual wear. Inspect drums for unusual wear. Inspect shocks for security and fluid leakage. Inspect exhaust system for security and damage. Reassemble. Front inspections: Set parking brake. Loosen wheel bolts, chock rear, raise front end, check wheels for "play" around horizontal and vertical axes. Remove wheel bolts and wheels. Rotate each brake disk individually to check for bearing noise. Inspect inner and outer brake pads, fluid leakage, brake lines, and security of the abs sensor connectors. Note thickness of brake pads friction material and unusual wear. Inspect disks for unusual wear. Inspect (driveline and steering) rubber boots. Confirm suspension bolts torqued and castellated nut "keepers" in place. Inspect struts for security and fluid leakage. Inspect both fluid pans for damage and leakage. Reassemble. Tire rotations: Either follow Toyota recommendation, or rotate the "deepest" tread to left front, and in descending order right front, left rear, right rear. If unidirectional tires, they must stay on the side of the vehicle where originally installed, in other words, F-R swaps only. Check each tire and wheel for damage and unusual tread wear. Reset pressures as appropriate for new positions. Recheck wheel bolt torques after 100 miles driving.
Excellent posts.<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(tochatihu @ Apr 5 2006, 04:22 PM) [snapback]235474[/snapback]</div>
