Just bought a DSM, anything I should look at replacing?

[GSXR_Chris]

Just bought a 94 Talon TSI AWD. The car seems to be in great condition. It has 135k miles on the motor. It was leaking oil really bad cause of the cracked valve cover but I got a new valve cover and it doesn't leak oil anymore so no more leaks (knock on wood). Anyways I have no idea how well the car has been maintained so I was wondering if you guys could give me any advice on things that I should replace? I know the wheel bearings are howling so I am going to replace all the front and rear wheel bearings just to be safe. I am curious to know though if there is anything else in the motor or drivetrain that commonly goes bad on DSM's that I should replace while I am at it. Any advice is much appreciated!

Chris

 

[mysticfire6602]

is it a standard? look out for 2nd gear, dont power shift or shift hard on it . check out the ball joints. check the shaft play on the turbo. do a leak test. just to be safe you should check out the caliper sliders to make sure they move freely and arent stuck or you will be replacing brake components a lot.

 

[GSXR_Chris]

It is a 94 TSI AWD Turbo. It doesn't grind one bit in any gear even at high RPM's which is part of the reason I bought it. I just put Redline MT90 in the tranny as well. What do you mean when you say the brake caliper sliders. I am not sure what part that is probably just because I have never heard it called that before and this is my first DSM. Also... How do you perform a leak test?

 

[mysticfire6602]

when you take the wheel off, you will notice that the brake pads are held in by a seperate piece that is on 2 pins. take this unit off by removing the 2 bolts and make sure they are well lubricated. here is a link on leak testing

http://dsmtuners.com/forums/showthread.php?t=97401&highlight=leak+test

 

[GSXR_Chris]

Thank you for the useful information!

 

[Vtec_Killer]

I would replace the timing belt, water pump, and belts, if they haven't been replaced yet.

 

[Sotarts]

I'd check all vac/water lines. Fuel filter might need replacing. Air filter. Spark plugs. Plus everything that anyone else has mentioned.

 

[prophecy7115]

check ur intercooler out.. i took mine out because i was cheap and i could only afford the free mods posted on this website so i took it out to clean it and i found two holes in it... i spot welded them.... but man i freaked when i saw them... and i tighten up all my clamp things on the intercooler pipes alot of them were loose...change oil mobile 1 red top!!!! do a compresion check,,, check for any leaks!!! and all of the other stuf like timing dry hoses..yada yada yada....

 

[GSXR_Chris]

Just changed the timing belt and tensioner so I am good to go there. I changed the spark plugs as well and the belts. I am going to replace the fuel filter for sure. How about the driveline... I know it is AWD so is there some sort of U joint or anything? If so does it commonly go bad or how would I tell if it is going bad?

 

[Sotarts]

It would be a good idea to replace the ECU capacitors, if it already hasn't been done so.

 

[GSXR_Chris]

Hmmmm. Does it tell me how to replace them in the Haynes manual?

 

[Sotarts]

Hmmmm. Does it tell me how to replace them in the Haynes manual?

No, but the idea is very simple. When you take the cover off the ECU, there will be only three capacitors that are standing out. You unsolder them and solder in the new ones. I wouldn't attempt this if you don't have proper soldering equipment.

http://simon.chi.il.us/~steve/Auto/DSM/ECURepair.html

 

[GSXR_Chris]

I am not to worried. I have all the proper equipment for soldering as I have been doing it for years. Thanks for the link! I appreciate it.

 

[GSXR_Chris]

My only question is what kind of capcitors should I buy to replace the current ones and if you don't mind me asking why do the capcitors need to be replaced???

 

[Sotarts]

My only question is what kind of capcitors should I buy to replace the current ones and if you don't mind me asking why do the capcitors need to be replaced???

http://www.tmo.com/howto/ecu1g/caps.htm Make sure you use 105*C capacitors (they will last longer and withstand higher heat) instead of 85*C caps.

Another very useful site: http://vfaq.com/

 

[GSXR_Chris]

Awesome! That is just what I needed!

 

[Sotarts]

It's like bringing these cars from the dead.

 

[GSXR_Chris]

Yeah but this car is so much more fun already than my old Evo 8! Everyone tells me I am crazy for selling the Evo 8 for the Talon but look at it this way... Now I have a cheap car and lots of left over money to spend on modifying it... I never liked the 4 door sedan look of the Evo anyhow. I like the coupe look/feel of my Talon!