OT Car Maintenance

Anonymous-0 · Mar 2, 2014

I have a 2008 Pontiac G6 with 130,000miles that I bought new. It is my economy get around car. So far all I have put into it are front brake pads at 60,000miles and tires. The front end is getting some rattles but so far no handling problems. I was thinking of doing a complete front end rebuild once the weather gets warmer. Tie rod ends, hubs/bearings, struts, control arms, ball joints, brake rotors and pads. I priced out the parts and it looks like around $1,000 in parts plus an alignment. Would be a nice weekend project. I know that it won't be long before most of these parts need to be replaced so why not just do it all at once? I figure the car is about half life so if I do it the front end should be good until about 250,000miles and the car is pretty much shot. Is this overkill? How long to suspension parts last in front wheel drive cars?

Sprint 6 · Mar 2, 2014

Depends on the roads in your area. G6s eat balljoints, I put lots of them on. They are part of the control arms. Taking care of the car you have is cheaper than a car payment.

Mike (WA) · Mar 2, 2014

Check with Rock Auto for the parts, if you haven't already. I know many like to "buy local", but there are no true local auto parts stores anymore, just chain stores, and they seem to be doing fine without my contribution.

GordoSD · Mar 2, 2014

A good manual will explain how to teat each part for excess wear. Do that and re-lace what is worn. Wait 40k and check the parts you didn't replace.

Super-H-Mike · Mar 2, 2014

In my opinion you should only replace what is worn/bad. In my experience , the original GM parts are going to be a lot better quality than any of the replacement parts you will be able to get aftermarket. If the struts don t leak and handling is fine, keep running them, same with the hubs if they are quiet. The lower control arms are likely your rattle, either the ball joints or bushings in them are loose/worn out. My 2 cents

jackbrit · Mar 2, 2014

I would take a good look at the underside for RUST before I would rebuild front.

Anonymous-0 · Mar 2, 2014

You'll need a new engine and tranny long before
250000 miles.I'd say trade it off,there a money pit with that kind of miles.

ASEguy · Mar 2, 2014

I would not just replace front end parts due to mileage. As long as the boots are good and the joints swivel freely they're fine.
The engine is another story. We just pulled down an Ecotec engine that had the timing mechanism fail. It wasn't pretty. Broken off valve heads, destroyed combustion chamber (ruined head), holes in two pistons and a bent cam sprocket. Camshaft drive failure, from what I have researched, happens around the 120,000 to 140,000 mile area. I'm sure some go much further with proper maintenance, but I wouldn't chance it. Gerard

Goose · Mar 2, 2014

I'd just replace what needs to be replaced. Some of the part you're talking about will go 250K.

big fred · Mar 2, 2014

I'd disagree with you on there being no local parts stores. Hagen Auto Parts in Puyallup (WA) is a local place, but of course, they cater to the antique and classic crowd, and probably won't have parts for most cars on the road today. But they could probably order them, if you were willing to pay their price.

But yeah, most auto parts stores seem to be chain stores, and there's danged few chains left.

David G · Mar 2, 2014

I would also just replace the parts as needed, you could put $1000 in that and the engine or transmission fail.

JRSutton · Mar 2, 2014

I'm with others that would only change what's needed... Of course, if one ball joint's bad, I'd do both top and bottom of that side - that kind of thing is ok.

But changing everything? I understand the temptation, but it's usually a waste.

I keep close track of costs on my vehicles - I like to buy older and do the repairs myself, it USUALLY comes out better than buying new, but it's also probably not as cheap as most may think.

Seems there's always something you can do to help an older car. Constant needs, and the little things will nickel and dime you to death.

Better to hold off on unnecessary fixes when you can. If you tend to take that overkill approach, it's likely you'd be better off with a newer car that needs nothing, and save yourself hours of work to boot.

Hobo,NC · Mar 2, 2014

The intermediate shaft gives allot of problems on those cars.. If you have never put one on it I would look into it... The steering gears also gave problems but a intermediate shaft always fixed the ones I have worked on...

I hope another Pontiac never drives up to my door again... But I know that's not gonna happen...

jimg.allentown · Mar 3, 2014

Definitely overkill. Also keep in mind that generally replacement aftermarket parts seem to not last as long as the originals for some reason.
I currently run a 2000 Explorer with over 230,000 miles on it with ALL ORIGINAL hubs, bearings, and control arms. There is NO NEED to replace parts with no significant wear on them. That is just an exercise in doing needless work and spending money unnecessarily.
Struts do age. I can see freshening them up.
Control arms rarely fail, and only need replacement when the bushings get worn and loose.
Brake pads and rotors are consumable/disposable, and should be replaced as needed.
Tie rod ends should be replaced when they start getting some play in them.

Just arbitrarily replacing parts is simply wasteful and foolish IMHO. Consider if you had the car in the shop, and the mechanic recommended all of teh work that you just outlined. Would you feel that he/she was overselling you??

steamnjn23 · Mar 3, 2014

i have used PST Steering componets in 2 different trucks. They offer a complete kit for around $400. Might be an option to consider.
http://www.p-s-t.com/

OT Car Maintenance

Anonymous-0

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Sprint 6

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Mike (WA)

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GordoSD

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Super-H-Mike

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jackbrit

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Anonymous-0

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ASEguy

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