Alero Tune Up

[a2k]

hey guys,

So my alero is coming on 5 years old, 110,000 km... and she's my baby.. however I am noticing that she's idling a bit ruff, and generally just am worrying im missing something for her maintenance.. For example, had the AC on, came to a stop light, and i could hear a rattling underneath the car -- sounded like the heatshield was lose or something -- but I can't reproduct it on demand.

Anyways - what I'd like to do is put together a check list of things to do to ensure the 'lero is running top notch. Also - in order of most probably reason of crappy performance to least probable.

So I need all yall input. And then make this into a sticky afterwards for everyone to use.

Maintenance Check List

ENGINE
- clean air filter
- put in some fuel injector cleaner
- check transmission fluid
- check engine oil
- check radiator fluid

WHEELS & BRAKES
- bleed brakes
- check brake fluid
- check amount left on brake pads, uneven wear
- check/sand rotor
- balance wheels
- alignment

As for engine maintance I would check fuel filter, spark plugs, air filter and run some seafoam through the brake booster line. As well as changing Transmission fluid and filter. Also a Cooling system flush wouldn't be a bad idea with 110K.

[DRA-GON]

Just a side note don't mean to whore the thread but the shot you have of your car from the lower front side while moving is the sweetest pic I have ever seen of an alero

clean throttle body...did mine on the weekend seem to improve response a little... could be just in my mind tho...also sprayed electronic contact cleaner on the MAF, it was lookin' a little dirty from some white residue, clean now!

[a2k]

Originally posted by DRA-GON@Jul 21 2005, 07:54 PM
Just a side note don't mean to whore the thread but the shot you have of your car from the lower front side while moving is the sweetest pic I have ever seen of an aleroÂ;-) Â;-)

Quoted post

hey man -- that really made my day hearing that. thank you very much. when i took that pic i hadn't clearned my corners.. darnit wud've looked so much better :P

[a2k]

Originally posted by scArLERO@Jul 21 2005, 10:49 PM
clean throttle body...did mine on the weekend seem to improve response a little... could be just in my mind tho...also sprayed electronic contact cleaner on the MAF, it was lookin' a little dirty from some white residue, clean now!

Quoted post

how do you clean the throttle body? is there a DYI post anywhere? and what wud u clean it with?

I bought some throttle body cleaner @ crappy tire (canadian tire lol). I cleaned it with a clean rag and a soft bristle brush. Make sure you try and get behind the the 'plate thingy' that opens and closes, used my fingers for that part, a lot of gunk on the back of it. Did this with my car off, I then started it and and sprayed a bit straight in the throttle body, did this about 4-5 times, quick short sprays, nothing extreme. I did it this way 'cause I figured it was better to have most of that gunk to come out then go in the engine. I know a bit went in when I sprayed inside but more came out with the rag.
On the can they say to turn your car on and spray into throttle body and control throttle with your hand, to not let the car stall.

[a2k]

oh so you didn't even need to remove the throttle body from the car?? i figured cleaning it would involve dissassembling the throttle body so u can get to all the nooks and crannies of it.. hmmm ok cool well check it out at crappy or it's brother, partsource (let down!)

a2k means go to any auto part store and pick up a bottle of carb cleaner.


A full tune-up guide here

I've ran Amsoil's power foam through the throttle body of several of my cars, and it made a definite difference. I also do plugs, wires, change fluids, fuel filter, inspect everything, and cap/rotor. I just did it on my cobra this spring, it runs much better.