Well, I changed my plugs today and my PCV valve, figured I might as well do a whole tune up :-).

So my questions are, where are the nipples for grease under a 2004 3.7L 2wd? Only in the front, or are there some in the rear?

Trans fluid and differential fluid, are they hard to drain and refill? Do I need any special tools?

Is bleeding brakes a PITA? Should I take that in for a flush, or can I do it safely myself?

Thanks a ton guys, youve turned me into a DIYer!

Jim

 

last i checked, everything is greased for life but it doesnt hurt to go under there yourself and look around for some zerk fittings. as for the trans fluid, if shes got about 25K miles on the current fluid, id go get her flushed, IMO. and the rear differential fluid change is just as easy as an oil change. bleeding brakes are easy, as long as you have someone to pump the brakes and hold the pedal in the cab when you cracked the bleeders. they can also become a nightmare if everything is rusted and you just snap off the bleeders.

 

There is a item you can buy for bleeding brakes yourself now. The tranny fluid is a little bit of a PITA but if it has a drain plug it will be easy!. What you have to do it leave one or two screws in and have a jack under neath. Undo each screw until you have them all out except the one or two, but have the jack holding the pan up and sealed. loosen the screws you left in slightly to allow for the pan to drop a bit on one of the corners place a oil pan there. slowly lower the jack until you can get the pan off without spilling the fluid all over yourself. If you plan on adding a drain plug maybe just drill a hole in it and get it fitted for a plug you can buy them at most stores. But Whatever floats your boat. Id got the pan removal way. A plug would be nice though once you have it off. I really wish I added one to my transmission.

 

How come they do that greased for life crap? How come they cant put a fitting on the important parts like tie rods? Its not going to last forever and thats how they break. There ends up being no more grease then its wears and breaks! Yeah real safe.

 

Well in my Haynes, it says there are grease fittings on the tie rods and ball joints, but I havent gotten down there to look. But from the way it was worded, it sounds like they are only in the front??

As for differential fluid, do I need to get a new gasket as well? I'll take a look at the trans and try to do it myself, but I'll look at it really good before I attempt anything.

Thanks for the tips guys.

Jim