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just bought a 4th gen

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Old Dec 18, 2006 | 07:28 PM
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just bought a 4th gen

I picked up a 98 blk/blk 5spd 117,000miles today

The car needs new struts-any recomondations

Is there anything else i would need to change or should look out for with a car with 117,000miles

thanks
Old Dec 18, 2006 | 07:36 PM
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long list.
knock sensor
clean small EGR pipe
clean throttle body
clean IAC Valve
Struts depend on budget and ride: Tokico HP = cheap smooth, KYB GR-2= cheaper harder (a bit), then you have adjustables for more money
i would also do an auto-rx treatment since you dont know the service history personally (i assume)
a bunch of other little things that may or may not need to be changed like LCA bushings etc etc etc.
Old Dec 18, 2006 | 07:44 PM
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+1 @ mizzax. If you're just looking for a factory replacement, i.e want to keep your old springs, go with the Tokico HP's (also known as Blues). Knock sensor is the big one around here, as it throws a silent code and costs out the butt for a new one, and just make sure you're running 91+ octane fuel if it's not already dead.
Old Dec 18, 2006 | 09:22 PM
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: Pics? lol
Old Dec 19, 2006 | 05:31 AM
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Sweet...98 blk/blk 5 spd...might also want to check the cv boots & swaybar end links...

Old Dec 19, 2006 | 06:10 AM
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I second the recommendation to run AutoRX through the crankcase (two applications). See www.auto-rx.com (only available through the website).

You might want to run some Chevron Techron through the fuel system just before you complete the first AutoRX trial or just before your next oil change if you decide not to go that route.

Also check the condition of all fluids: transaxle gear oil (use only GL4), radiator coolant, power steering fluid, clutch fluid, brake fluid.

It wouldn't hurt to change the fuel filter and PCV valve if you don't have a work history. Check the condition of the air filter and spark plugs. If the plugs need replacing use only NGK (OEM platinum or V-power copper).

Check the condition of all hoses and both belts.

Buy yourself a stainless steel Budget y-pipe and front strut tower brace as your first two mods.
Old Dec 19, 2006 | 09:27 AM
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It's gonna sound a little biased coming from me, but check the tranny for bearing wear. If there is any oil leaking where the CV enters the tranny, or play between the axle and tranny housing, or the old tranny oil is black with silver flakes settled in the bottom, you may need a rebuild. If you're not sure, take it to a tranny shop and tell them you want them to evaluate the differential carrier bearings.

I say this since many 5 speeds have bearing trouble due to incorrect factory assembly.

Dave
Old Dec 19, 2006 | 02:29 PM
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yeah make sure to chk the ks.. very common.. and u can get it for like $65 on ebay dawg
Old Dec 19, 2006 | 02:39 PM
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awesome... post some pics, and let the modding begin *after the minor tune ups*
Old Dec 19, 2006 | 07:53 PM
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How would i go about checkin the knock sensor, cv boots, sway bar end links
And where is the EGR pipe and IAC valve. sorry im not to familiar with this..

The car makes a noise from where my belts are and my teacher pointed out that it could be a bearing ill have to look more into it tommorw

do our cars have a timing belt or chain?
thanks for all the responses..ill get pics by the end of the week
and once these little things are fixed the modding will begin
Old Dec 19, 2006 | 09:03 PM
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dont bother to check the knock sensor just change it to check it you use a multimeter but you will prob get a faulty reading as you will most likely check it cold).

cv boots = axles. look behind the front wheels and see if they are broken or not.

sway bar end links you should just change (they are cheap).

the IAC Valve is located on the plenum right after the throttle body. it has 3 or 4 plugs sitting on it right next to the firewall.

no need to check the small EGR pipe, just clean it (since checking it involves the lengthy process of taking it off anyhow). PM Dexter and he can give you a very detailed set of instructions i sent him. the instructions will also tell you how to remove and clean the throttle body and IAC Valve (i think).

our cars have a timing chain.

the PCV Valve is on the left of the throttle body. move the clamp ring, pull the old on out. pop the new one in.
Old Dec 20, 2006 | 06:02 AM
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Buy a Haynes manual and read the stickies, while you are it.

Also see www.motorvate.ca for throttle body cleaning and other tips.
Old Dec 20, 2006 | 08:02 PM
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THanks for all the responses I'll let you guys know how everything goes,
Where can i get a knock sensor, PCV vavle and sway bar endlinks.


thanks again
Old Dec 20, 2006 | 08:06 PM
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buynissanparts.com for factory parts.

or

knock sensor on ebay for $64
PCV at pep boys etc for $4
other stuff at some parts stores.
Old Dec 21, 2006 | 01:11 PM
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Check your ECU for stored/silent codes... The procedure is in one of the Stickies in this forum.

The sound you are hearing from the belt area may be a belt which is not tightened properly, though a bearing problem is not entirely out of the question. Check the deflection of the drive belts and their condition (missing ribs or glazing, for example).

Check your hoses for glazing, hardening, and cracking as well.
Old Dec 28, 2006 | 10:53 AM
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Can someone explain how i would use Chevron Techron and AutoRX. And where can i purchase Chevron Techron?

Thanks
Old Dec 28, 2006 | 11:34 AM
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Chevron Techron can be bought at any automotive parts store. Check local Pep Boys, Autozones, OReillys, etc. AutoRX can only be bought through their store online (I believe) and all the related information about how/when/why to use it and such is there too.
Old Dec 28, 2006 | 01:27 PM
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Originally Posted by ray_289
I picked up a 98 blk/blk 5spd 117,000miles today

The car needs new struts-any recomondations

Is there anything else i would need to change or should look out for with a car with 117,000miles

thanks
Put D2 coilovers on,
swap out the motor for the DEK, and boost it, run about 10lbs, with a halo N-tercooler, step colder plugs, and a three row front mount intercooler.


just kidding. Welcome to the org.
Old Dec 28, 2006 | 07:13 PM
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now just hold your horses for a minute. Don't fix something that's not broken. A bad Knock Sensor will give you poor Accereration accompanied by poor Gas Mileage. The car will still operate with a bad Knock Sensor.

Definately check for spots under the car for oil leaks.
The transmissions are good in these cars but are prone to bearing failure.
The engines are superb in these cars just make sure you change the oil regularly.
A bad CV axle will click when you are driving around a turn. (the rubber boot will usually be torn as well)


But to answer your question,
Tokico makes a good smooth aftermarket strut. http://www.shox.com/appguide/shoxsho...ctsdisplay.php

After struts the first thing I would look at would be Brakes.
Then Tires.
Then sensors, etc.
If the car drives well just drive it until something goes wrong.
Old Dec 29, 2006 | 01:44 PM
  #20  
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good buy my man! looking for one myself
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