Preemptive Maintennace - Inputs Welcome

[Jim Jamieson]

You might like to look into my thread http://www.the75andztclub.co.uk/foru...d.php?t=111878 on my preventative maintenance.

It was a lot of work but will keep the car tip top for a few years to come hopefully !

JYJ

[MSS]

Here are all the things done to date:

• Engine flush with Millers 5W40 oil followed by new oil of the same type (done, then subsequent oil change at 6k miles)
• All service filters (done)
• PCV filter replacement (done)
• Joules plenum guard installation (done)
• New OEM thermostat and coolant replacement (done)
• Battery replacement with Bosch S5008 (done)
• Rear light seal replacement (done)
• Head/foglamp bulbs replaced with Nightbreakers (done)
• MAF (new one purchased but the T4 showed the old one in spec, so added the new one to parts the collection for future use)
• Brake discs, pads, fluid change (New genuine MGR disks/pads/sensors all around - done)
• Handbrake compensator mod (not yet done, handbrake adjusted fine)
• Intercooler vitron rings (no leak, so not yet done)
• Radiator fan resistor replacement (done)
• Clutch - 3 piece kit including CSC (Luk set already purchased - not installed as already had replacement LUk fitted - added to collecion of parts for fture use)
• Clutch master cylinder (done - it appears the previous owner had not replaced at the same time as the clutch)
• DMF plus new bolts (Luk DMF purchased, added to collection for future use)
• Lower engine mount (done, using OEM item)
• Replace lower arm rear bushes (done, using Unipart items)
• Replacement of lower arm balljoint covers (done - the covers were damaged -probably at the time of the clutch replacement)
• Track-rod end replacement (done)
• Clean and waxoyl brake pipes (done)
• Clean and waxoyl suspension components (done)
• Clean and waxoyl all key bolts/nuts under the body (done)
• Clean and waxoyl fuel tank straps (done)
• Bonnet mod (done)
• Tie steering reservoir fluid pipe out of the way for aircon pipe (done)
• 4-wheel alignment (done)
• T4 session including brake bleed (done)
• Install tyre protectors on struts (done).

The main jobs were done by Terry at tsauto, smaller ones by myself.

After all of the above, which cost just over £2k (excluding the items put into my "future use" collection), the CDTI drives more like a £10k car than one that has cost £5k.

Subsequently to the 4-wheel alingnment, the n/s front spring snapped, so had the follwoing done:

• Replace springs (done - installed sachs springs)
• Replace strut top bearings (done - SNR)
• Replace front drop links (done - Delphi)

Now, the car is sitting 2cm lower on one side at the rear. I guess the spring has snapped so will get the rears replaced as well as the rear drop-links.

SWMBO loves the car so it's all been well worth the work and expense.

[brgcdti]

I can't see it listed but I bet you changed the PAS fluid too ..

Chris

[Howie666]

Threads like these are among my favourites, mainly because they demonstrate the kind of devotion and enthusiasm I have for my car. I firmly believe that if we invest in the major items we are investing in the longevity of our cars. Of course things can go wrong, even with new parts, but these cars were built to last and I feel I have a duty, as the present custodian of the Raptor, to keep her in as good a condition as I possibly can. Not only to add to our pleasure in driving her but to give her many more years of happy life. Or perhaps it's just me...

[MSS]

Originally Posted by brgcdti

I can't see it listed but I bet you changed the PAS fluid too ..

Chris

Chris - I have to say I completely forgot the PAS. But now on the list of things to do - thanks!

Originally Posted by Howie666

.... Not only to add to our pleasure in driving her but to give her many more years of happy life. Or perhaps it's just me...

Thankfullly, there seem to be a few similarly minded 77/ZT owners on here Dale.

I am now reaping the benefits of looking after my Omega V6 in earlier years in a similar manner. It is now coming up to 14 years old, has done 115k miles, and drives like new. Every time that I step in it is a pleasure. The chap who did my MOT last July thinks I will still be driving it in 4-5 years time based on the condition.

[MSS]

Two years have now elapsed since our purchase of the CDT with 82k miles.

Here are all the things done to date (starting point 82k miles):

• Engine flush with Millers 5W40 oil followed by new oil of the same type (done, then subsequent oil change at 6k miles)
• All service filters (done)
• PCV filter replacement (done)
• Joules plenum guard installation (done)
• New OEM thermostat and coolant replacement (done)
• Battery replacement with Bosch S5008 (done)
• Rear light seal replacement (done)
• Head/foglamp bulbs replaced with Nightbreakers (done)
• MAF (new one purchased but the T4 showed the old one in spec, so added the new one to the parts collection for future use)
• Brake discs, pads, fluid change (New genuine MGR disks/pads/sensors all around - done)
• Handbrake compensator mod (done)
• Intercooler vitron rings (no leak, so not done)
• Radiator fan resistor replacement (done)
• Clutch - 3 piece kit including CSC (Luk set already purchased - not installed as already had replacement LUk fitted - added to collecion of parts for future use)
• Clutch master cylinder (done - it appears the previous owner had not replaced at the same time as the clutch)
• DMF plus new bolts (Luk DMF purchased, added to collection for future use)
• Lower engine mount (done, using OEM item)
• Replace lower arm rear bushes (done, using Unipart items)
• Replacement of lower arm balljoint covers (done - the covers were damaged -probably at the time of the clutch replacement)
• Track-rod end replacement (done)
• Clean and waxoyl brake pipes (done)
• Clean and waxoyl suspension components (done)
• Clean and waxoyl all key bolts/nuts under the body (done)
• Clean and waxoyl fuel tank straps (done)
• Bonnet mod (done)
• Tie steering reservoir fluid pipe out of the way for aircon pipe (done)
• 4-wheel alignment (done)
• T4 session including brake bleed (done)
• Install tyre protectors on struts (done).
• Replace front springs (done - installed sachs springs)
• Replace strut top bearings (done - SNR)
• Replace front drop links (done - Delphi)
• Replace rear springs (done - Sachs)
• Replace rear dampers (done - OEM Delphi)
• New tyres fitted all around
• 4-wheel laser alignment (done)
• Replace PAS pump & fluid flush (done - PAS pump had developed a slight leak)
• Replace drive belts (done)
• Replace fuel filter again (at 30k miles from last- done)
• Replace PCV separator filter again (at 30k miles from last - done)
• Oil and filter changes at 7.5k mile intervals
• Air filter changed at 25k miles from the last change (done)

The main jobs were done by Terry at tsauto, smaller ones by myself.

The car is now on 111k miles but drives far better than when purchased at 82k miles.

After all of the above, which cost just over £2.5k (excluding the items put into my "future use" collection), the CDTI drives more like a £10k car than one that has cost £5.5k.

SWMBO still loves it and has just declined what I call a "hairdresser car" (an Astra Twintop) preferring to drive just the 75.

[Heddy]

Don't want to sound disrespectful but after you've spent something like £2k on preventative maintenance, what if someone hits you? The smallest knock can easily write off the car. If that happens it's false economy is it not? please don't think me a non enthusiast, (although I probably am) but I do tend to be realistic

[MSS]

Originally Posted by Heddy

Don't want to sound disrespectful but after you've spent something like £2k on preventative maintenance, what if someone hits you? The smallest knock can easily write off the car. If that happens it's false economy is it not? please don't think me a non enthusiast, (although I probably am) but I do tend to be realistic

Not disrespectful at all. That's exactly what happened to the wife's previous CDT after 2 years of work and spend.

The simple answer is that's the sort of person I am. Everything has to be right.

I take the philasophical view that whilst we can afford to spend the money, it may as well be spent it on the things we really enjoy.

[Heddy]

All respect to you, peace of mind is a wonderful thing

[rich17865]

Originally Posted by mss

Not disrespectful at all. That's exactly what happened to the wife's previous CDT after 2 years of work and spend.

The simple answer is that's the sort of person I am. Everything has to be right.

I take the philasophical view that whilst we can afford to spend the money, it may as well be spent it on the things we really enjoy.

A man after my own heart, hats off, nice to see someone doing proper maintenance.