Maintenance for 2004 Accord

[jmcoreymv]

I've got a manual 4-cylinder 2004 Accord with almost 30k miles. It's been hard to follow the service manual since I hit the year markers long before I hit the mile markers. All I've really done up to this point are oil changes and tire rotations. I'm going to replace the air/cabin air filters myself soon. Is there anything else I should get changed? I plan on taking it to the mechanic soon but don't want to have unnecessary services performed.

Also, I can probably do any sort of easy maintenance myself with my roommates help (he regularly works on cars).

The car drives fine, the only problem I notice is that when I'm driving at highway speeds and need to break with any sort of urgency, then the steering wheel will vibrate a little. I've heard this is due to needing new breaks/warped rotors?

Thanks!

 

[fbrdphreak]

Air filters are one of the few items that really only need to be changed with mileage. They are due for changing though.

Sounds like your brakes might need changing. A mechanic you trust can tell you this easily. New pads and resurfaced rotors ought to do just fine. Your rear brakes should be fine.

You can do the brakes yourself with basic tools, a jack and jack stands. If the rotors are cheap enough, just replace them. Otherwise you can take them to a shop and have them cut/turned/resurfaced for a minimal cost.

If you take the wheel off, you can inspect the amount of brake pad showing through the caliper.

You also should have your brake fluid flushed. Over time brake fluid absorbs moisture and does not perform properly.

Check your owner's manual for your other service intervals. Fluids that are over the allotted time frame for changing should be changed, regardless of mileage. Engine coolant might be included here.

 

[CraigRT]

I thought I read somewhere that those generation Accords were fairly hard on brakes. Yeah, shimmying while braking at speed is a warped rotor. Not necessarily dangerous, and you could have lots of pad life left, but they could probably use some inspection.

 

[Vette73]

Replace the PCV valve (cheap and easy) and maybe the fuel filter due to age. EDIT: no fuel filter to replace in 04 so skip that.

The shake when braking is proabable rotors. A basic brake job and new rotors will fix that. Flush the brake fluid as well. If your roommate knows cars he should be able to do a FWD brake job in his sleep. Get some rotors and pads (check rockauto.com or Gold pads from AZ/Advance) and a bleed kit and thats just about it.

 

[nwfsnake]

Ive got an '03 I4 Accord. Here is what I would do:

Air Filter
Cabin Filter
Bleed brakes with brake repair
Check battery level (If not a maintenance free battery)
Wiper Blade Inserts (Best $8 you will ever spend!)
Rotate Tires (check for uneven tire wear, maybe an alignement)
Oil and Filter Change
Clean and lubricate window channels (keeps your motors from wearing out)

Fuel filter is in tank with pump, no service recommended.

Enjoy!

 

[evident]

I thought I read somewhere that those generation Accords were fairly hard on brakes. Yeah, shimmying while braking at speed is a warped rotor. Not necessarily dangerous, and you could have lots of pad life left, but they could probably use some inspection.

the rear oem brakes wear out quickly on the 7th generation accords. getting a nice set of brake pads on tirerack should fix that issue.

 

[edro]

You don't need to do anything except oil changes, tire rotation, air filters and break pads until 80,000 on an Accord.

 

[RagingBITCH]

the rear oem brakes wear out quickly on the 7th generation accords. getting a nice set of brake pads on tirerack should fix that issue.

More the front than the rear, esp if he has anything less than an EX (still uses rear drum)

 

[speedy2]

You don't need to do anything except oil changes, tire rotation, air filters and break pads until 80,000 on an Accord.

I'm pretty sure at least a Transmission fluid change and a few wheel alignments should be in there somewhere. Maybe even a coolant system flush depending on what they recommend.

 

[alfa147x]

Why does that car not have a fuel filter?

 

[speedy2]

Why does that car not have a fuel filter?

It does. It's just part of the fuel pump. Which is inside the gas tank.

 

[CraigRT]

I'm pretty sure at least a Transmission fluid change and a few wheel alignments should be in there somewhere. Maybe even a coolant system flush depending on what they recommend.

Trans fluid change is a good idea if automatic always.
Not nearly as big of a concern on a manual trans car.

 

[evident]

I'm pretty sure at least a Transmission fluid change and a few wheel alignments should be in there somewhere. Maybe even a coolant system flush depending on what they recommend.

and remember , tranny fluid DRAIN AND FILL ONLY on these accords, NOT a flush! scheduled every 80k miles, but i'd get them done more frequently if you want. not necessary but you'll notice much smoother shifting

 

[speedy2]

and remember , tranny fluid DRAIN AND FILL ONLY on these accords, NOT a flush! scheduled every 80k miles, but i'd get them done more frequently if you want. not necessary but you'll notice much smoother shifting

That's just about every car. Wow, I've heard some horror stories about flushes. lol