Xspire getting the 'Once Over' for OHIOSTIVA Trip!

[XFi]

Going to head out later this month to Ohiostiva. Since the wife is coming along I decided to take the Xspire (has a/c). This gave me a good excuse to 'refresh' the basic maintenance items that have been neglected.



Here's the list (some done, some in the process of being done)...

Control Arms/Ball Joints
Sway Bar Bushings
Both front Axles
Front Brakes/Rotors
Front Wheel Bearings/Seals
Rear Wheel Bearings/Seal
Rear Brake Shoes
New Tires on Factory Alloys
Alignment
Timing Belt/Tensioner
Waterpump
Tune-Up Parts (Cap/Rotor/Plugs/Filters)
Oil Change and Trans Oil Change

I think I got it all. This summer I will concentrate on the body/exterior, but I wanted it to be in prime running condition first.

It looks like I will be keeping this one for myself. Besides the bump/scrape up front, it has no rust (even in the quarters) and has the 5spd w/air.

I am in the middle of the timing belt, what a pain to have to drop the engine down to get the crank pulley off. It also looks like I have to remove the a/c compressor bracket to get to the one water pump outlet housing bolt. Oh well, I'll try not to gripe too much.

[ericsmith32]

Mine probably needs the same maintenance done.. not for the trip but just in general. But hey it keeps running so I'd rather spend time with the boy while he's in the hospital.

[Damkid]

i look forward to seeing it in person then :lol:

[XFi]

All the above mentioned work is done to the car (including wheel bearings and axles). Unfortunately, it seems that the noise that I thought was a wheel bearing noise, must be coming from the differential of the trans. I have another trans to install, but will not have time to put it in before Ohiostiva next weekend.

I'm having an extra flywheel cut at the machine shop and will install a new clutch when the trans goes in.

Has anyone here ever have a transaxle produce a whinning/bearing sound, especially during acceleration? It even gives a whump, whump, whump sound when turning hard and accelerating (almost like a cv joint). I'm no trans expert, but I am assuming it is the diff.

[Festiva_tunner]

does it go away when you press the clutch in?

[XFi]

I'll try it this morning and see. I think I only hear it when accelerating.

[GenevaDirt]

^^fluid levels ok in it?

[XFi]

Yup, just drained and refilled. (Mobil 1 Synthetic ATF) 2.6 or 2.7 qts (can't remember).
Had the noise before and after fluid replacement.