What are some “easy” maintenance items that are often overlooked? (Example PCV Valve)

Im doing a tune up of my 2002 RWD sequoia, and as a beginner to DIY car repairs im still learning my way around the truck. I’ve just replaced the PCV valve and was surprised just how easy that was. I’ve already changed all fluids and Im about to do spark plugs, valve cover gaskets, and O2 sensors next.

So what are some easy repairs, that are easily overlooked, that i can do while my hands are already dirty?

 

Yours may not be serviceable on a 2WD, but greasing the U joints on the driveshaft would be a good idea.

 

Replace your lower ball joints. Does fluid include brake fluid? Include that if dirty. Change your air filter.

Right now cleaning out your blower motor is all the rage. You can do that too along with your cabin air filter.

Also, just to reiterate the importance, change your lower ball joints.

Next level of pain is timing belt, water pump and maybe thermostat to go with it.

 

https://www.tundras.com/threads/so-...ught-a-1st-gen-tundra-eh.115928/#post-2980411

 

Don't go looking for this, because you're not going to find it on a 2002.
Edit: Just realized OP has a Sequoia. So maybe on that.

 

Definitely on that. That’s why I mentioned it.

 

And avoid aftermarket parts if that wasn’t implied, especially on lower ball joints.

 

I automatically think Tundras, since we're on a Tundra forum. And it's weird that OP is posting here when they already have their own special place: https://www.tundras.com/forums/sequoia-1st-gen-2001-2007.142/
@StrawberryBlowpopPrincess

 

Who knew? I was about to clown @Jack McCarthy and ask if she should check the fuel filter too?

 

No one is over there. Most of the Sequoia owners venture over here

 

There’s no cabinet air filter on a 02 sequoia… or at least all the research I’ve done says so. Am I being misled on this?

That place is a ghost town, wish it had as much traffic as this subforum

 

Are you sure? Do you have a Factory Service Manual or Chilton’s repair manual to check?

 

There is no cabin air filter on a first gen Seqouia. Change my mind.

 

In my experience while at Toyota/Lexus dealerships, most folks (professionals included) often overlook these maintenance items:
1. Cleaning the mass air flow sensor
2. Cleaning the throttle body
3. Greasing drive shaft u-joints
4. Checking/Adjusting battery acid levels with distilled water
5. Checking/Adjusting spare tire pressure as needed
6. Replacing spare tire as it may become dry rotted
7. Lubricating door hinges & the like
8. Replacement of transmission oil filter depending on transmission condition
9. Cleaning or replacing differential & transmission breather valves
10. Cleaning & lubricating brake hardware, caliper sliding pins, drum brake shoes & etc

 

Rotating tires, fluid film(if needed), clean engine bay and underside of truck. Adjust the proportion thing for more rear brake, lube anything that moves (except friction surfaces). Radio mods. Read this forum and future proof your rig. Best

 

@AZBoatHauler & @KingSequioa007 are about the only ones that keep that subforum on life support.

 

Well if it’s only on the 2nd gen Sequoia, then it sounds like a worthy 1st gen mod, that’s all I’ve got to say.

 

Very interesting, I’ve done quite a bit of research on this and im like 99% sure there isn’t one. I wonder why they are selling one if there’s no place to put it

there’s a guy on instagram that sells 3D printed cabin air filters that clip right in

 

One last item,

Replace the radiator cap every 100k or check it every 30k miles. This little $20 dollar part often fails without notice but can result in an engine overheating. I have seen so many professionals overlook this.

 

This will definitely be on my checklist. It’s not something I will be doing this week, though, if I can feel the spring when I turn it that means it’s working right?

 

Yes, & no. The spring wears over time. So, the spring tension drops over time affecting when it opens & closes. My fingers are a bit calibrated to them but you should use a pressure tester to correctly measure the radiator caps performance.

 

Axle & t-case vents
Rear brake adjustment
Door & window seals (AC)

sorry, dont really understand the assignment. Look better, and you wont miss ‘em.

 

Any videos showing how to do those first two? Specifically for our trucks? Videos on other cars never really helped me because there’s always something somewhere that’s different or different makes/models

(And yes I know how to YouTube, but just thought maybe you already have a video you know about your disposal)

 

I like to learn the hard way. Really get a feel for the project, but the front vents are near the driverside UCA frame mount. Pull em & hit em with an air nozzle. & some degreaser & water. Reinstall, or extend.

i used a triangular file to try to sharpen the adjustment teeth, and i’ll regularly hammer my e-brake on/off while reversing down my driveway, but that really doesnt work all the time, so i just pull the wheels & drums when i wash the truck. Might need an adjustment twice a year.

 

Axle and t case is on 4x4 only right?

and as far as adjusting the e break, I smash the e brake pedal… then release… smash… then release (guessing about 4 or 5 times?)....as the car is physically rolling backwards in reverse?

Sorry for asking so many questions, im a total n00b