I have 330,000 miles on my '03 and I'm in the process of replacing my clutch. While I have things torn apart I'm looking at everything very carefully.

Both my idler pulley and tensioner pulley for the serpentine belt need to be replaced. As loose as they both are I'm surprised I didn't have any noises coming from them.

While I have easy access to the alternator I'm going to replace the brushes (brush holder). The bearings are still good but I figure I'm on borrowed time with the brushes. They cost around $10 on EBay.

 

What is the theory behind this one Jyeung?

I am still debating if I want to go the easier/cheaper route and not pull the head or if its just worth it to pull it and change out the majority of the common wear parts. What parts in the valve train can be changed without pulling the head off? Thank you for all of the replies btw. I have lots of things to think about/work on over the winter thus far.

 

Don't forget coolant flush. It degrades over time. It's easy too

 

Feel good that it's a super reliable car

 

Belts, hoses, all fluids (including the brakes and clutch) would be on my list. Plus a general checking all suspension and sub-frame bolts are tight. I have no idea how long the timing chain is good for but if it breaks it will take the valves and maybe a couple of pistons with it.

-- Chuck

 

I would not remove the head. I would not just go changing parts either. Inspect yes, change fluids yes, replace known weak points like ap1 retainers, yes, maintenance like valve adjust, yes. But changing parts just to change them, no, definitly not.

This is a reliable car. You are much more likely to cause problems doing things like pulling the head than you are to prevent them. Not much of what you'd prevent would be the type of thing that would be any worse than just waiting until something went bad and fixing then, and only if, it really is a problem.

I'd really like to hear what Billman has to say about this topic.