Preventative maintenance question

[Hobbes]

So I just bought an 07 limited with 113,000 on it. Is it a good idea to change out the water pump and alternator now? Or dose anybody have any advice on what wear parts to look out for

 

[metaldrgn]

Ball joints I would say are the biggest to have checked out. Don't worry about the alternator or water pump till they start giving you problems. They usually don't just die, you should have some time to fix it. Can't think of anything else right now

 

[tojohnso]

Ball joints I would say are the biggest to have checked out. Don't worry about the alternator or water pump till they start giving you problems. They usually don't just die, you should have some time to fix it. Can't think of anything else right now

Though I agree that I would not worry about the alternator at this point, I'd disagree that it doesn't just die. It can just die as it did to my wife in the '99 we had as she was going through the tunnel. Yes, the battery allowed the truck to run another 1/2 mile, it does die. In the '99, it was around 120K. So with the milage, I'd just keep my eye on it. You can stop in an Advanced Auto or similar place and they can test it for you free.

I will say this - if you are going to be worried about the alternator and water pump due to a previous experience, it may be worth the peace of mind to get them replaced. Both do have a tendency to fail, though I've not heard of a water pump bursting, leaving one stranded.

 

[metaldrgn]

Though I agree that I would not worry about the alternator at this point, I'd disagree that it doesn't just die. It can just die as it did to my wife in the '99 we had as she was going through the tunnel. Yes, the battery allowed the truck to run another 1/2 mile, it does die. In the '99, it was around 120K. So with the milage, I'd just keep my eye on it. You can stop in an Advanced Auto or similar place and they can test it for you free.

I will say this - if you are going to be worried about the alternator and water pump due to a previous experience, it may be worth the peace of mind to get them replaced. Both do have a tendency to fail, though I've not heard of a water pump bursting, leaving one stranded.

I guess what I meant was that you still have the battery if your alternator goes so it isn't going to just die and you will get an indication. Don't worry about the water pump. Usually it will start leaking when it begins to go bad and will trigger the low coolant light. Then replace it. Not to mention the one you replace it with may be defective or not last as long as your oem pump. Same goes for the alternator.

 

[Hobbes]

Thanks All-
reason I ask is I have a few friends with different diesel trucks (and one VW TDI) and part of their PM is changing the water pump around 100,000 miles. just started wondering why it's not suggested for gas engines? (or is it?) What got me thinking about it was that a friends diesel Dodge snapped the belt and started leaking coolant yesterday. that usually means that the coolant pump locked up. we changed it in about 3 hours and got it back on the road. after we find out about the PM recommendations.
And thanks for the heads up on the ball joints. suspension / steering still feels pretty good.. was there something that tipped you off on yours?

 

[bedrck46]

If you do plugs and coils make sure you use a torque wrench and torque to specs

 

[metaldrgn]

I would stick with the recommended maintenance schedule and listen/feel for changes.

The water pump usually won't just lock up on you. I don't know why diesels have that on their schedule.

 

[FordandPolaris]

Lower rear control arms are something to check for rust holes. They are not a very good design. Spark plugs are good to replace around that mileage, wheel hubs are something to keep an eye on too. You will hear a rhythmic hum at highway speed. As for the ball joints, when they go bad/dry up, they begin to squeak a lot over bumps first, and then while turning the wheel. There are videos on youtube that show how to check ball joints and tie rod ends to see if they are within spec.

Like the others said water pump is about the last thing I would worry about at that mileage. I have yet to see too many people run into that problem, and if they do it is on an engine with well over 250k miles.

We had the alternator go out around 130k on my truck back when it was still my folk's. Like was said, you can have it load tested to make sure it is still running efficiently. If it is something you are concerned with, alternators are like 100 bucks and very easy to replace as long as you have a breaker bar and a partner.

 

[Hobbes]

So I was thinking engine PM origionaly, now It looks like suspension is the better one to check. Thansk for all your feedback!

 

[FordandPolaris]

Definitely suspension. Those parts are good for about 120-150k and then all need to be replaced.