major preventative failure items?

tommd · Post by **tommd** » 21 Feb 2012, 21:35

I have an 1998 S70 with about 150,000 miles. I want it to remain reliable as possible and prevent a failure that would leave it sit. What opinions do others have on items they would suggest replacing to prevent being stranded. I have attempted to keep up with the maintenance items, including the timing belt, water pump, ignition parts etc. Any ideas on how long items such as starter motor, alternator, transmission cooling lines, power steering hoses, any rubber fuel lines, heater hoses (other cooling hoses have been replaced), relays, fuel pump, serpentine belt idler and tensioner last. Any thoughts on when these should be replaced? Any other items to replace on a preventative basis?
Thank, Tom

Post by **fazool** » 22 Feb 2012, 04:41

It sounds like you are wll on top of maintaining this vehicle. Those hoses and lines are unlikely to fail. A brake line can get old and cracked. A couple common things to watch for are the fuel pump relay, fuel filter and fuel pump(s).

Everything else is normal wear items (sensor, A/C clutch, wheel bearings, brakes) but you cant really predict these and I don't think these will strand you.

Also keep an eye on your PCV system, keeping it clean.

valvster · Post by **valvster** » 22 Feb 2012, 05:11

I reckon the radiator expansion tank is good for 10 -12 yrs only, checkout the tank nipple for the small hose connected to the thermostat housing. The plastic crumbles away and eventually leaks.
About to pull the carpet away and check the heater matrix for any signs of leaking or deterioration in my '97 850 as it is still original.

Valvster

bigkev414 · Post by **bigkev414** » 22 Feb 2012, 06:51

The nipple on the expansion tank that the little hose goes to has started to drip on my car.Valvestar, you're a star! It must be the our air or something that causes it.....I'm originally from Adelaide.

Post by **jblackburn** » 22 Feb 2012, 06:57

I blew a heater core hose last month.

If it's a turbo model, replace the coolant lines to the turbo - they swell up and burst.

Serpentine belt is every 40-50K miles or so. Check for signs of cracking on the grooved part of the belt. You can check the tensioner roller to see if it still spins smoothly - if it does, it's fine to reuse. If it binds or makes noise, it's a good idea to replace.

It's always a good idea to carry around a spare fuel pump relay - they're one of the high failure rate items on these cars.

Other than that, it will throw totally random things at you that you can't predict - most just very small, annoying issues, but few that will stop it dead in its tracks.

tommd · Post by **tommd** » 22 Feb 2012, 15:29

Thank you all for your input.
Tom

Post by **rspi** » 22 Feb 2012, 18:37

Radiators are usually good for 12 to 15 years. I would suggest replacing the fuel pump relay every 10 years. I may be crazy but I think they cause fuel pump failures when they start going bad.

Again, sounds like you are on top of things. Just keep it between the lines, keep it serviced, and run some fuel injector cleaner through it every 60 days and you should be fine.