2006 Altima S 2.5 liter 4 cylinder,auto trans. Nothing but oil changes, tires, and new shocks/struts done in the last 75k miles. Not even sure that much was done in the first 150k. Has been sitting for about 6 months.
Trying to learn auto maintenance while also preparing this vehicle for sale. Figured that it would be good to learn on a car that isn't worth a whole lot and has plentiful parts available. I'd also prefer not to sell someone a death trap.
Discovered while trying to change plugs that there's oil seeping into two of the plug wells and at least one of the plugs appears to have the threads stripped (aluminum head) Have no idea if those plugs have ever been changed. It also needs a rear wheel bearing and the motor mounts need to be replaced. Transmission is strong. Engine strong as well; didn't skip even with oil in the plug wells. No rust at all.
Trying to come up with a plan of attack. Want to know which things I should leave alone and which I should do together.
1) Need to remove stuck spark plug somehow without breaking it off. Not sure how to do this.
2) Seals around plugs are not individually replaceable, so have to replace entire valve cover + valve cover gasket
3) Will likely need to rethread at least one spark plug socket. Since this will result in little bits of aluminum shaving falling into the head, I'm assuming after this would be a good time to change the oil & filter
4) Flush coolant, replace thermostat at same time
5) Have been told not to mess with transmission fluid on older cars like this if trans is working fine
6) Figured engine mounts & wheel bearing can wait until car is running again
7) Likely needs battery as the one in car was having real trouble starting car in the cold, which is why I stopped driving it
8) Needs front tires. May need rears due to sitting
9) Will check brake pads while I have car on jack stands for other work
10) Interior needs a good detailing, exterior needs a polish + wax
11) Have new plug wires to install at same time as plugs
12) Should power steering and brake fluids be flushed and refilled, or just left alone as long as they aren't leaking?
I know this car isn't really worth putting a ton of work into, but since I want to learn anyway this seemed a good way to do so while making sure the car I eventually sell will be in decent shape.
Anything I missed? Suggestions?
Should I flush the oil rather than just changing it? If flush,should I use an additive while flushing? Is something like Seafoam worthwhile to help clear away accumulated crud?
Timing chain, not belt. Fuel filter apparently not serviceable w/o replacing pump.
Thanks for any help
Trying to learn auto maintenance while also preparing this vehicle for sale. Figured that it would be good to learn on a car that isn't worth a whole lot and has plentiful parts available. I'd also prefer not to sell someone a death trap.
Discovered while trying to change plugs that there's oil seeping into two of the plug wells and at least one of the plugs appears to have the threads stripped (aluminum head) Have no idea if those plugs have ever been changed. It also needs a rear wheel bearing and the motor mounts need to be replaced. Transmission is strong. Engine strong as well; didn't skip even with oil in the plug wells. No rust at all.
Trying to come up with a plan of attack. Want to know which things I should leave alone and which I should do together.
1) Need to remove stuck spark plug somehow without breaking it off. Not sure how to do this.
2) Seals around plugs are not individually replaceable, so have to replace entire valve cover + valve cover gasket
3) Will likely need to rethread at least one spark plug socket. Since this will result in little bits of aluminum shaving falling into the head, I'm assuming after this would be a good time to change the oil & filter
4) Flush coolant, replace thermostat at same time
5) Have been told not to mess with transmission fluid on older cars like this if trans is working fine
6) Figured engine mounts & wheel bearing can wait until car is running again
7) Likely needs battery as the one in car was having real trouble starting car in the cold, which is why I stopped driving it
8) Needs front tires. May need rears due to sitting
9) Will check brake pads while I have car on jack stands for other work
10) Interior needs a good detailing, exterior needs a polish + wax
11) Have new plug wires to install at same time as plugs
12) Should power steering and brake fluids be flushed and refilled, or just left alone as long as they aren't leaking?
I know this car isn't really worth putting a ton of work into, but since I want to learn anyway this seemed a good way to do so while making sure the car I eventually sell will be in decent shape.
Anything I missed? Suggestions?
Should I flush the oil rather than just changing it? If flush,should I use an additive while flushing? Is something like Seafoam worthwhile to help clear away accumulated crud?
Timing chain, not belt. Fuel filter apparently not serviceable w/o replacing pump.
Thanks for any help
