This will be a bit long so bear with me.
We tend to maintain our cars in tip-top condition. So, as the wife's 02 plate 75 CDT was coming up to 90k miles last year, we had the clutch, slave cylinder, master cylinder, both diesel pumps and all brake discs/pads replaced with genuine MGR items. The idea was that apart from regular servicing, we should not have to worry about any of the major service/maintennce items for the next 80k+ miles. Then during September, a TD4 came out of a side road and inflicted over 8k's worth of damage to the CDT as it went past on the A140. It basically ripped the side off and there was no hope of saving the 75.
Er Indoors will not have anything else whilst 75's are still available (I did suggest a Berlingo
) so we got an 05 plate Connie SE CDTI with 82k miles, leather etc.
I am now starting the preemptive maintenance process again so that functionally she will have as close to a new 75 as possible.
So, the following will get replaced as a matter of course over the next 3-4 months:
- Engine flush with Millers 5W40 oil followed by new oil of the same type (done)
- All service filters (done)
- PCV filter (done)
- Joules plenum guards (done)
- New OEM thermostat and coolant replacement (done)
- Battery replaced with Bosch S5 (done)
- Rear light seal replacement (done)
- Head/foglamp bulbs replaced with Nightbreakers (done)
- MAF (next - on order from Germany)
- Brake discs, pads, fluid change (Genuine MGR disks/pads/sensors already purchased)
- Handbrake compensator
- Intercooler vitron rings and radiator fan resistor upgrade
- Clutch - 3 piece kit including CSC, plus master cylinder (Luk set already purchased)
- DMF plus new bolts (Luk DMF already purchased)
- Lower engine mount (OEM being ordered)
- Any bushes or other items needing replacement...
The clutch/DMF work will carried out by Terry at tsauto - I'm just waiting for some nicer weather so that whilst the car is with him, I can do a day's walking. Terry will also carry out a full check on the car to identify anything else that needs addressing.
My thought is now turning to what else is likely to need attention over the next few years that can be taken care of during the next 6-9 months. My thoughts are as follow:
Replace lower suspension bushes with new set from Joules
Replace front lower wishbones (OEM)
Replace suspension links (OEM or Delphi)
Replace rear suspension links (OEM or Delphi)
I can't think of any other suspension related items that would wear/perish with time and mileage (ignoring springs and dampers).
What else do you think would be worth doing at the same time as the above suspension items?
Thanks in advance,
Maninder.