2001 Pontiac Bonneville Preventative Maintenance

Tiny
NOTAPROMIKE
  • MEMBER
  • 2001 PONTIAC BONNEVILLE
  • 3.8L
  • V6
  • FWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 435,000 MILES
I've had this car since 2003 when it had 70,000 miles on it. It now has 435,000. I've used synthetic oil in it and changed the transmission fluid/filter twice. Car still runs perfect with NO engine or transmission work. I plan on driving this car on long trips and want to minimize the possibility of a major breakdown while on the road. Is it a good idea to replace the timing chain/gears/oil pump/water pump now as preventative maintenance? My mechanic said there is a good amount of slack in the chain. He had a socket on the harmonic balancer on the crank and moved it back and forth. I bought aftermarket parts for all of the above described for $160.00 Mecanic's labor estimate is $250.00 I also have considered doing the work myself and wonder how difficult it is to do. The last timing chain I did was on a 1972 Plymouth and a 1963 Mercury with lots of room to work as the engines were mounted differently, not sideways as they are now. Your advice is appreciated as would be a site or link to step by step instructions to do the job. I'm thinking for $250.00, let a professional do it. This includes installing an oil pump repair kit. Thank you. Mike
Saturday, February 1st, 2014 AT 12:13 PM

3 Replies

Tiny
KNOWLEDGE IS POWER
  • MECHANIC
  • 1,136 POSTS
Oh most definitely do it with those miles and for that price. Great mileage by the way! Im impressed. Id get a new serpentine belt too and probably even a tensioner simply because all that's gotta come off anyway. Doing this on a front wheel drive car is no fun, I don't care who you are
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Saturday, February 1st, 2014 AT 12:31 PM
Tiny
NOTAPROMIKE
  • MEMBER
  • 66 POSTS
Thanks. I will take your advice. All of it.
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Saturday, February 1st, 2014 AT 1:35 PM
Tiny
KNOWLEDGE IS POWER
  • MECHANIC
  • 1,136 POSTS
Youre welcome! Have fun and safe travels
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Saturday, February 1st, 2014 AT 2:15 PM

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