Midlife TUNE UP help plz

[Ctown]

MY 01 over 70,000miles now and I haven't even have to do a think to it besides the clutch. I haven't replaced anything beside the clutch and new a polyurathane bushing kit on this car since 50K. I'm also having AC leak but after I refill it with leak stop it's being OK for now.

I want to do a complete tune up to keep it running everyday without being one of those people on the side of the road for another few years. I need this car as a daily reliable driver. I have a list of stuff to do and beside that please advice me on other stuff I didn't list below

A Must:
1)Time Belt+water pump
2)Spark plugs + Wires (not sure about the coil????)
3)Rotors getting thin so I'm replacing(I just replaced pads)
4)Do I need to replace any fuel filters??if any
Plz add if u know others

Not sure:
1)Whats the PCV check thing in the Hayne Manual?
2)The steering hose at the very bottom of the front suspension is very wet. So thing is leaking there but does it need replace ment?
3)any other belts I need to be concern with?
4)Do I need to really flush the radiator?

Stuff I just want to add or replace:
1)Strut + shocks(the ride is getting worst and worst and more noisy and more bouncy
2)Sway bars (rear is bent so the hell with the whole set)
3)New better Tires (Those goodyear LS may contribute to the bouncy feel of the car)

I really just what the car keep running trouble free when I turn the key in the morning or in a hot summer traffic day.

Problems I feel:
1)When I start the car the car hesitate to start sometimes(starter?)
2)AC still feelings funny. compressor just clicks a litte more than it should
3)Do I need new springs? The suspension feels every weak the noise of the car feels alot heavier than it was back around 50k miles. I do not want lowering comfort is all I want.

Any other ideas?

[GW]

I would suggest a new battery before fall. It might help with the "starting" issue you mentioned too.
GW

[quicksilverdon]

I went 87,000 on my '02. I did not replace a single belt - but you are prudent to do so.
Power steering has been an issue with some - I understand they recommend filling with ATF + 4 (or better, +5) rather than power steering fluid???
I can comment on brakes... Best bang for your buck - NAPA - they sell a couple of rotors, get the more expensive ones - better steel.
For Pads, I went Raybestos ceramic - good braking, long life, and NO DUST. The combination of the pads and rotors was GREAT. WWW.PartsAmerica.Com for the Raybestos cermaic pads - Napa sells them as their top of the line pad for more money. (7% discount at NAPA for AAA membership).
If you're not using synthetic, you should. Get the 5quart jugs of Mobil 1 at WalMart for around $20.
I had no grief with my A/C.
Tires - best life and great in rain/snow are Michelin Aquatread.
I did not replace shocks, but they were due.
Plugs & wires - Get Crane wires at RaceAndStreet.com - good price, excellent wires (25ohms/ft!). Double Platinum Champion plugs - NAPA.

[CREWZIN]

I'll just add 2 things. If you've seen the steering hose wet, then take it back to the dealer ASAP. There's a recall to check the steering hoses because it might be rubbing on the transaxle case and it could cause a fire. I think only the original owners are notified by Chrysler of the recall if they still have the current information on file.

Second. If you compressor is clicking on and off a lot, that's a sure sign of low refrigerant (R134?). There's a valve in the lines that checks for a certain amount of pressure (about 200lbs) and will cut the compressor off if the pressure drops, the system turns on again and the valve shuts it off...constant cycle until more R134 is put in to build up the pressure.

[purple04]

I agree with what others have said. Have the P/S checked/fixed,
Battery and A/C leak fix.
A couple other things for prevention; some Stratus owners have had problems with the timing belt tensioner. Replace it when the belt is done.
If you have the regular belts off, go ahead and change them. You will be changing the coolant with the WP, right? This way, you know that all the stuff on the front was done at the same time.
If you have not cleaned the intake/injectors, have that done too.
There are many brands, but any that clean the throttle body, intake and back of the valves, and the combustion chamber deposits should work. This will help with cold starts and drivability. I prefer BG, but there are other good products.
Good luck. I know this sounds like a bunch of stuff all at once, but to keep it reliable and healthy, it's reasonable and nothing I wouldn't do on any other car. Only the A/C leak and the PS are specfic to yours.

[SteelBlueGT]

Check ebay for rotors mine cost only $40 each and look fantastic. Also when you do the brakes make sure you flush the brake system and start out with all new fluid.

[Ctown]

quote:Originally posted by CREWZIN

I'll just add 2 things. If you've seen the steering hose wet, then take it back to the dealer ASAP. There's a recall to check the steering hoses because it might be rubbing on the transaxle case and it could cause a fire. I think only the original owners are notified by Chrysler of the recall if they still have the current information on file.

Second. If you compressor is clicking on and off a lot, that's a sure sign of low refrigerant (R134?). There's a valve in the lines that checks for a certain amount of pressure (about 200lbs) and will cut the compressor off if the pressure drops, the system turns on again and the valve shuts it off...constant cycle until more R134 is put in to build up the pressure.

My PT is way passed it warranty does it still cover the power steering hose problem? I find the recall and the # is NHTSA Recall ID Number: 04V268000. It only cover automatic cars from 01-current but I will call Chrysler about the recalls

[CREWZIN]

quote:Originally posted by Ctown

My PT is way passed it warranty does it still cover the power steering hose problem? I find the recall and the # is NHTSA Recall ID Number: 04V268000. It only cover automatic cars from 01-current but I will call Chrysler about the recalls

Warranty doesn't matter when you have a recall. If you fall into the category of the recall, give the dealer a call.

[QuickPT]

Ctown, I have a very hard driven 01 with 66000k. Everything you describe sounds just like my car. I even hade the clicking a/c thing, turns out I just need to keep getting it refilled every year becuase there is a slow leak in the condenser, a $500 replacement. My PT also has become like driving an old suv instead of a new small car. It bounces and squeaks like a pogo stick, and cornering lean is ridiculous. And about the brakes, I just had mine replaced, I bought the Lombandi set from ebay (oem replicas), and my pedal still feels heavy, I wish I had listened to these guys and got the napa ceramic pads. And someone told me that I should get the brake lines replced with steel ones to get rid of the rubbery feeling. Hope this helps. good luck

[Ctown]

quote:Originally posted by QuickPT

Ctown, I have a very hard driven 01 with 66000k. Everything you describe sounds just like my car. I even hade the clicking a/c thing, turns out I just need to keep getting it refilled every year becuase there is a slow leak in the condenser, a $500 replacement. My PT also has become like driving an old suv instead of a new small car. It bounces and squeaks like a pogo stick, and cornering lean is ridiculous. And about the brakes, I just had mine replaced, I bought the Lombandi set from ebay (oem replicas), and my pedal still feels heavy, I wish I had listened to these guys and got the napa ceramic pads. And someone told me that I should get the brake lines replced with steel ones to get rid of the rubbery feeling. Hope this helps. good luck

O tell me about it the car does feel like an old SUV from the 90s now. I really dont care about the brakes it always feel a little weak but this car seems to be ok i just use those cheapo $19.99 pads from autozone they seem fine.