so just planning on doing differential change (somewhere i read this was not needed until 50k) and was planning to have a mechanic do the tranny fluid using s-matic. i will be doing the cabin filter myself.
any other recommendations i should consider?

 

How old is the car and where do you live?

 

I did my rear diff at 40K miles, and it was dirty...do rear diff is something i'd do at 30K. I'd replace it with Mobil 1 synthetic which i've always had great luck with in hypoid gear sets.


If it's an X, i wouldn't worry too much about the front diff yet. Mine was clean as was others here since the front diff is not under load nearly as much as the rear.

Tranny flush at the same time sounds good too

 

Tranny fluid, Coolant flush, Engine Air Filter, In Cabin, Diff fluid

 

its a 2005 and i live in San Diego Cali.

 

*** oil change to that list and you're good. If you can DIY the cabin air filter you can DIY this entire list and save yourself a good chunk of $$$.

 

i dont feel comfortable doing some things

 

cabin & engine air filters are extremely easy. anyone capable of driving an automobile or brushing their teeth will have the dexterity to perform these simple tasks. just buy the filters and change them yourself, saving over $100.

 

+1 they are pretty easy. All you need are basic handtools and some common sense really.

 

yea stuff like filters and so on i can do, but when i start taking things apart that are engine based i get scared.. never did it on my sentra because of this same very reason lol.

 

Haha...that's right. If you can open the car door to start the engine you can do the cabin filter and air filter.

Don't get discourage by it. I was once in your shoes thinking the same. But guess what, I do all those myself now.

 

"Brushing the teeth" part is hilarious.... A few months ago I was talking to my buddy's brother who has an altima. I told him to change the air filter and he was so afraid to open the hood. Till this day he said he's afraid to attempt. . It's 4 metal tabs. Snap it open and pop in new one. Can be done in about a minute.