i just scheduled a time w/the local honda dealership for my 45k mile maintenance. they want $392 for it. do you guys normally do this yourselves, bring it to the dealer, or bring it to someone else? i don't mind paying that much if it's my best option, but damn...it seems to me like a $400 oil change. this is coming from someone who knows nothing about this stuff, though...

from ahm-ownerlink:
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45,000 mi/72,000 km/3 yrs Scheduled Maintenance
Recommended service for your 2003 Honda S2000:

Replace engine oil.
Check tire inflation and condition.
Inspect front and rear brakes.
Replace engine oil filter.
Check parking brake adjustment.
Inspect tie rod ends, steering gear box and boots.
Inspect suspension components.
Inspect driveshaft boots.
Inspect brake hoses and lines (including ABS).
Check all fluid levels, condition of fluids and check for leaks.
#Inspect exhaust system.
#Inspect fuel lines and connections.
-------------------------------------------------------------

any input? thanks.

 

It's a complete rip-off.

Change your oil, diff fluid, and tranny fluid.
Replace the cabin air-filter.
Check/replace your intake air filter.
Inspect your own tie-rod ends for play and CV boots for any tears or cuts.

It should cost you less than $100 in parts and fluids.

 

how hard is it to check the tie rods and cv boots? i've been going over the transmission and diff fluid change intructions...was just about to head out to get some oil. i'll get some air filters too i guess.

 

The cabin air filter will only be available from your local Honda dealership.

To check the CV boots, just look at the rubber boots and look for cuts or tears. If you find a dammaged boot, then you can get service for that.

I would take hold of the tie rod and shake it. If you notice much if any play in the end you may need to have it serviced. If you are not sure about this part, take your car in to an alignement shop and have an alignment performed.

 

haha, speaking of the cabin air filter, the guy at the parts desk told me the S2000 doesn't have one, so i just bought the intake air filter. i'm thinking the cabin air filter is okay for now though, because i had my heater blower replaced about 5k miles ago they probably replaced it at the same time, right? if not, maybe i'll go back and get one. i forgot to get extra crush washers.

also got:
- 2 qts GM syncromesh FM
- 1 qt mobil 1 sae 75w90 gear oil
- 5 qts mobil 1 10w30 engine oil

this should be interesting, i've never done any kind of maintenance work on any car before (doing it myself, i mean).

 

give me a pm, ill gladly do the work for you at my place of work.. labor charge will be $70.00..

 

I doubt they replaced the cabin filter. That would be a through, and complete job. What are the chances of that?

There is a sticky thread on replacing the cabin filter in the Under the Hood forum. (Among quite a few other FAQs.)

Even so, at 5,000 mi it can still be pretty nasty. I did mine at about 7,000mi total from new, and it was disgusting.

You will probably need another quart of diff fluid. You usually need just a bit more than 1 qt.

Did you get an oil filter too?

Pinyo would be a great alternative to having the dealer do it. He really knows S2000s. With a lift, it shouldn't take more than an hour to do the work I have suggested. (Mabey 1.5 hrs.)

 

If you dont know what you are doing have Pinyo do it at least you can be assure it will be done, and more importantly done right.

 

yeah i already had an oil filter/crush washer that i bought awhile ago...got some of the shin-etsu grease, too...still haven't used it yet, though. thanks for the other advice...pinyo i'll probably PM you sometime this week then. i'd like to do the oil/fluid changes myself but i don't think i'd be able to do any of the inspection stuff (mainly because i wouldn't have any idea what to look out for).

that tube of shin-etsu grease i got is huge...i'm guessing i wont need all of it so if anyone wants to use some let me know...i can bring it to the next meet i go to.

 

That is the understatement of the century. Use it VERY VERY sparingly. You can add more if you need it later, but a little goes a LOOOOOONG way, and too much will make a mess.

I have coated the seals on the top, the head rail and around both windows with about 1/2 the ammount of toothpaste I use for one brushing.