FX45 90k-100k Maintenance. Need Advice.

myl168

myl168

Member
Location
Dallas, Tx
Car
2003 fx45
Hi Guys,

I just rolled passed 90K on the odometer. I plan on starting some maintenance on my 45 this weekend. There are not as many write ups for the 45 and had a few questions.

The only things I'm unsure about and haven't seen a write ups on are changing the spark plugs, and changing the belts.

Spark Plugs: Should I get the NGK platinum PLFR6A-11 "cold" plugs? Are these pre-gapped? Anyone have any tips or photos to help?

Belts: There are 2. drive belt and a power steering belt. change both, does anyone know the part numbers? I saw some on eBay, but was unsure. Do i need to replace the belt tensioners? Again, anyone have tips or photos? Should I replace the water pump?

I was planning on flushing the coolant around 120K. should I replace the hoses and thermostat?

Other stuff I plan on doing.
Oil Change
Tranny Drain and Fill
Front and Rear Diff Drain and Fill
Installing sport headlights

Any other ideas or anything you would suggest would help. I'd like to do as much as possible by myself, but might consider taking it somewhere if you guys think some task are to difficult.

Thanks in advance.
 
1) You live in Texas, yes, do 1 step colder plugs. Only last 30-50k miles vs 100k for platinum though. pre gapped.

2) belts, gates blue belts seem like a good bet. yes change both, don't know the part number. well check them to make sure they are going bad (cracking).

3) oil change, new crush copper washer, new filter, new tranny drain/fill only, new transfer case fluid, new front/rear diff fluid, new coolant, new power steering, new brake fluid.

4) tensioners are good to replace, but expensive. i have 140k and haven't done so.

5) flush coolant, replace hoses, replace thermostat, clean radiator.

6) i would 100% buy everything first. then decided to do it on your own or local mechanic. this is all easy stuff.

7) check your bushings, suspension, etc... outer tie rods, strut bearings, struts, shocks, lower control arms, front and rear, etc...

8) I did the alternator and water pump too, in advance. just don't ever want to be stranded.

good luck, this was an expensive 100k maintenance to me, but will be strong another 50-100k miles.
myl168 said:
Hi Guys,

I just rolled passed 90K on the odometer. I plan on starting some maintenance on my 45 this weekend. There are not as many write ups for the 45 and had a few questions.

The only things I'm unsure about and haven't seen a write ups on are changing the spark plugs, and changing the belts.

Spark Plugs: Should I get the NGK platinum PLFR6A-11 "cold" plugs? Are these pre-gapped? Anyone have any tips or photos to help?

Belts: There are 2. drive belt and a power steering belt. change both, does anyone know the part numbers? I saw some on eBay, but was unsure. Do i need to replace the belt tensioners? Again, anyone have tips or photos? Should I replace the water pump?

I was planning on flushing the coolant around 120K. should I replace the hoses and thermostat?

Other stuff I plan on doing.
Oil Change
Tranny Drain and Fill
Front and Rear Diff Drain and Fill
Installing sport headlights

Any other ideas or anything you would suggest would help. I'd like to do as much as possible by myself, but might consider taking it somewhere if you guys think some task are to difficult.

Thanks in advance.
Click to expand...
 
Hi. Personally I would not go colder on your spark plugs. The VK45 engine our FX45's produces a lot of carbon due to piston blow-by due to our low tension piston rings. Colder plugs may cause more carbon build-up if you do not drive it hard because colder plugs could foul due to more carbon build-up if the engine is not driven hard. Just my opinion. I would replace the belts with OEM belts.They are proven to last, aftermarket belts could be better but who knows. Plus, your original belts are still good after all this time it seems,so it is not broke do not fix it or change brands. P.S. I would try using iridium plugs when you change the plugs. I use the Denso Power iridium plugs which seems to work well and give better performance and mpg's compared to the platinum plugs. But, The platinum plugs may last longer before needing to be changed out. I change my plugs every 30K, so it do not matter to me. If you like to wait to the final hour then stick with the OEM platinum type plugs.
 
I stuck with the "standard" type plug. knocked out everything on the list. i'm thinking water pump, thermostat, coolant flush, and radiator cap when i hit 120k. thanks for all the advice!
 
myl168 said:
I stuck with the "standard" type plug. knocked out everything on the list. i'm thinking water pump, thermostat, coolant flush, and radiator cap when i hit 120k. thanks for all the advice!
Click to expand...

Sounds perfect. Don't forget new radiator hoses. I would order everything a few weeks in advance (parts), because some did take a while.

I still haven't heard of a FX45 overheating, more so FX35's, but better safe than sorry!
 
Oddly enough I just came home from the dealership and the guy said that over 90k, infiniti reccomends NOT flushing transmissions. I asked about a BG trans flush and he said to wait till about 60k. (I'm at 36k now).
 
Squishymedic said:
Oddly enough I just came home from the dealership and the guy said that over 90k, infiniti reccomends NOT flushing transmissions. I asked about a BG trans flush and he said to wait till about 60k. (I'm at 36k now).
Click to expand...

That's very low mileage lol I'm still surprised on how your seat's motor stopped working
 
I did tranny flush at 60k. I've noticed some slipping every few months. Very very rare. But it did that before, also. Will have to decide at 90k I guess. Hopefully not anytime soon.
 
Squishymedic said:
Oddly enough I just came home from the dealership and the guy said that over 90k, infiniti reccomends NOT flushing transmissions. I asked about a BG trans flush and he said to wait till about 60k. (I'm at 36k now).
Click to expand...

I guess I would believe Nissan headquarters over a small dealership?
 
StuLax18 said:
I did tranny flush at 60k. I've noticed some slipping every few months. Very very rare. But it did that before, also. Will have to decide at 90k I guess. Hopefully not anytime soon.
Click to expand...

You may be low on fluid. I had a few slip instances after my shift kit install. I finally had the stealer check it out during my last oil change and I was the better part of a quart low on trans fluid. They topped it off and I haven't felt an issue since.
 
g0ldm4g3 said:
That's very low mileage lol I'm still surprised on how your seat's motor stopped working
Click to expand...

I agree, but I'm a bit of a gorilla.Still, I almost seldom move my seat.Only to move my kit,,which sadly hasn't been much.

Yeah,in another little tid-bit, I'm putting the big black "X" on Infiniti of Norwood. If I go into detail and the right person reads it,the guy would lose his job. I hopefully straightened him out with a well placed,chin-check of an email,but

long and the short of it is,I am no longer a customer there.

Probably have to go into Boston to see Herb for dealer related stuff now,,,sucks!
 
StuLax18 said:
Did you get the Gate's blue belts? I just got regular when I saw how expensive the blue ones were.
Click to expand...

I baby my ride and don't race it, so I got the regular belts.

Everything else is running smooth. With some tools, know how, and IS, you can save a lot of dough!
 
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