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Our Saturn Vue is a 2007 FWD with the Honda V6 engine and drive train (last year made in the Vue). It has just turned over 90k and I am wondering what might be expected to go wrong at this milage, and what out-of-the-ordinary maintenance might be looked at?

I have been told that one should always replace the radiator thermostat at 80-90k as they can become erratic and allow the engine temp to vary in an undesirable way. Any guidance on this?

Should the transmission be flushed and new fluid put in, or not?

Should (original) struts be replaced even if they are not leaking?

What other things should be considered as I approach 100k miles?

Thanks.  

i personally when i have honda customers.. and most cars with timing belts..   recommend that the timing belt and water pumps get replaced at the same time... along with the engine coolant.. and thermostat..

most mechanics will also install new cam and crank shaft seals..

the belt tensioner pulleys might last through the second timing belt change.. sometimes not..

your VUE V6 has an issue  

Notes: Water pump driven by timing belt Interference engine application.   if the timing belt strips.. you will be stranded and need a TOW and probably several days to a week in the shop...

so preventive maintenance should be close to your thinking..   most of my customers have their timing belts and water pumps done every 50 to 65K miles..  this is too often on some...  if you run the belt a full 100K.. you will probably need to do the tensioner pulleys also..

i will have to look up the timing belt change listings for that model..   its not always listed in the owners manual.. as it is considered a part that lasts the life of the engine..  yep.. life of the engine.. when it breaks .. the engine life is over..

edit.. i just looked up the Gates timing belt replacement specs... gates says 100K  one of the honda pages says  105K..

you might want to schedule it for service at 95K or so..  and ask up front for the old parts to be returned..  from your trusted mechanic.. so you can examine them..  check the teeth on the belt.. the noise from the idlers pulley bearings.. any noise from the water pump ...


not all honda transmissions have a changeable transmission filter.. most have a strainer inside the transmission.. honda says to change the transmission fluid.. take it for a 10 minute test drive.. do it again..  do another 10 minutes.. and again..

if you do the transmission service every 30,000 miles.. as its just a drain and refill..  you can probably get away with just a drain and refill .. if the fluid comes out dirty.. do it twice..  

i have had an issue on earlier models and i will ask for help from the transmission professionals here as i do drive ability  rather than transmissions.. but i ran across honda specific transmission fluid.. that was sold as the proper synthetic .. and it was really conventional ATF...  the honda parts counter guys said.. thats all we have..  i never got farther..  

As you're thinking about this preventative maintenance, a few things to keep in mind now that you're approaching the 100,000 mile mark: inspecting the fuel and exhaust systems for damage or leaks, replacing the engine air cleaner filter, considering a change in transaxle fluid, replacing spark plugs and the timing belt, changing the transfer assembly fluid and rear drive module fluid, and inspecting the valve clearance.

This and other service information can be found on page 428 of your Vue Owners Manual.

Hope this is helpful,
Sarah
GM Customer Service  

Wayne and Sarah,

Thanks for all the good guidance.