Newbie Maintenance 02 MDX

dtmackey · Apr 20, 2007

Picked up a 02 MDX last week and wanted a baseline for future maintenance so I'm planning the following:

- Oil and filter change - done
- VTM and transmission flush - soon w/ Acura/Honda fluid
- Rear shocks replaced w/KYB - arrived today, to-do over weekend
- Trailer light adaptor - done last weekend
- Trailer hitch install - have it to-do this weekend
- Engine air filter - did last week
- Wipers - did last week
- Spark plugs - in a couple weeks
- Stainless steel side steps bars - should arrive tomorrow and will allow the kids (4 and 6yrs) the ability to climb into the vehicle without getting road grime all over them. It makes the leg lift point the "magic" height for the little ones. I was not a fan of these, but the ones I found look OEM-ish and not like a bolt on after the fact item.

I plan on a set of 4 tires before winter and maybe front struts. Other than that the CV boots look great and also the ball joints are tight with no tears on the boots. Is there anything I'm overlooking?

I've been lurking on this site and making good use of the seach function and there is lots of good information here.

D-

dj-mdx2 · Apr 20, 2007

Mileage?

dtmackey · Apr 20, 2007

dj-mdx2 said:
Mileage?

90K. I hesitated before purchase, but the condition of this car was that of a car with 40K inside, outside and underneath.

D-

shootist · Apr 20, 2007

Sure doesn't sound like "newbie" maintenance.
Since you're comfortable with maintenance, you may want to buy the Helms service manual for about $85. It has an awful lot of information on deep maintenance and service. (www.helms.com)

dj-mdx2 · Apr 20, 2007

Spark plug replacement is recommended at the 105K service but it won't hurt to change earlier - I changed mine at 96K. All you're hurting with your posted projects is your wallet but prevention is better than breakdown, I guess.

JimH · Apr 20, 2007

pollen filter inside the cab.

http://www.acuramdx.org/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=16238&highlight=pollen+filter

dtmackey · Apr 21, 2007

shootist said:
Sure doesn't sound like "newbie" maintenance.[/url])

Sorry, did not mean to use the term "newby" in the sense that I never owned a car. This is car # 30+ for me and I've been involved with several restorations over the past 22 years, so the car maintentance I mentioned is something that I consider basic and able to handle.

I'm in medical sales, but my background is mechanical engineering, it's the project and toy side of me I never grew out of. I didn't mean to post a bio, but it may help in my definition of newby.

I'll post images of the progress this week.

D-

shootist · Apr 21, 2007

dtmackey said:
. This is car # 30+ for me and I've been involved with several restorations over the past 22 years, so the car maintentance I mentioned is something that I consider basic and able to handle.
D-

All righty then-
At 105,000 you need to change the timing belt and plugs. While you're at it, many people change the water pump.
Antifreeze- check the color and low temperature protection. If you've done the water pump, everything gets replaced at the same time.
EGR valve- they're usually good for 40K-80K miles.
Check the suspension bushings- at this age, they may be hard and cracking.
Brake pads, of course, unless they've been done before. While you're at it, you may want to pump out the fluid and replace it. Check the wheel bearings for re-packing.
Somebody mentioned interior pollen filter- they're good for 25k-30K miles. Also clean the rear AC filter- it sometimes gets so clogged at this age you get no rear AC.
Refresh the rubber door seals with a door seal lube.
And don't forget to rotate the muffler bearings!!!

Newbie Maintenance 02 MDX

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