Necessary preventative scheduled maintenance.

[James Landi]

As some of you know who kindly provided advice on our purchase of a '07 with 28K miles, I am wondering about scheduled preventative maintenance regime. I have paid for but haven't picked up the car, and I can't get any itemized data on the car's maintenance-- I ASSUME it's been well cared for -- it's nearly prefect and under "on the lift" personal inspection showed no leaks, scraps, mud, rust, or accumulations of debris. I my research, I noted that there were posted a BIG maintenance hump at 30K with fluid flushes, etc. Clearly, the challenge here is age, and not wear. For example, if the coolant is original with the car, has it turned acidic after ten years? Are there items a DIYer can do (I'm an old shade tree mechanic). Your wise advice if fully appreciated. James

 

[rexster314]

If your car didn't come with the owner's manual, go here and download the pdf file. 2008 Cadillac XLR and XLR-V Tech Center

 

[XLRATING]

The best thing about the online manuals is they are easy to search!

Our XLR's were 4 and 5 years old when we got them, with relatively low miles. Other than routine oil changes, the only extra things we've done is a coolant system flush & change the brake fluid. A lot of people change the transmission fluid - we haven't done that based on discussions with a XLR tech friend who said that typically isn't needed based on system design. "Need" may change as they get older.

Maybe not "maintenance," but be sure the drain hole in the container in the trunk floor on the drivers side (which holds the electronics for the top and magnetic ride) is free of debris. Also, there is an AC drain up front on the passenger side. Have that checked to be sure it's clear too, because if not it can back up & the condensation from the AC will get into the passenger compartment & potentially fry the BCM (body control module). We check these two things at least once a year.

Also, there is a rear axle nut that will loosen up with time. Get that checked (mine needed tightening). You'll get noise from the back if it needs tightening.

Hope you get to pick up your XLR soon!

 

[onalaska]

I believe any GM dealer service department can give you a printout of any & all service preformed to your car by a GM dealer if you give them the VIN number.

 

[James Landi]

2007 XLR rear tie rod ends

I believe any GM dealer service department can give you a printout of any & all service preformed to your car by a GM dealer if you give them the VIN number.


I took the car for Maine inspection, and it passed--- the tech permitted me to stay with the car, so he test fluids (all need changing)... one replacement that needs doing is the two rear tie rods. Some "play" in the sub frame ends. Is this normal with less tha 30 K on the clock? Again, thank you for working me through these concerns. James

 

[John Phillippe]

The best thing about the online manuals is they are easy to search!

Our XLR's were 4 and 5 years old when we got them, with relatively low miles. Other than routine oil changes, the only extra things we've done is a coolant system flush & change the brake fluid. A lot of people change the transmission fluid - we haven't done that based on discussions with a XLR tech friend who said that typically isn't needed based on system design. "Need" may change as they get older.

Maybe not "maintenance," but be sure the drain hole in the container in the trunk floor on the drivers side (which holds the electronics for the top and magnetic ride) is free of debris. Also, there is an AC drain up front on the passenger side. Have that checked to be sure it's clear too, because if not it can back up & the condensation from the AC will get into the passenger compartment & potentially fry the BCM (body control module). We check these two things at least once a year.

Also, there is a rear axle nut that will loosen up with time. Get that checked (mine needed tightening). You'll get noise from the back if it needs tightening.

Hope you get to pick up your XLR soon!

I'd like to know where that nut is on the rear end and what the recommended tourqe is is it listed anywhere?

 

[justdennis]

The axle nut is on the end of the axle, you need to remove the rear wheels and the nut is there at the end of the axle. It is a 33mm nut and the torque spec is 151 but verify that, my memory may be off.

 

[John Phillippe]

The axle nut is on the end of the axle, you need to remove the rear wheels and the nut is there at the end of the axle. It is a 33mm nut and the torque spec is 151 but verify that, my memory may be off.

Thank you that's the axle half shaft lock nut, good to know! and I'll double-check the tourqe specs before I pull those rims off again, thanks!

 

[mickeytee]

Never seen nor heard of a axle nut loosening up with time. You may have a bearing failure but the nut is there for life unless someone removed it and did not replace it properly.

 

[John Phillippe]

Yeah I'm probably going to have both my rear ends my 05 and 06 professionally checked flushed and refilled tranny and rear end just to be on the safe side there both in the 70 to 90 thousand mile range so it's time. Thanks everyone.