Anything else I should do "while I'm in there"?

[jtehfreaks]

I just replaced the oil pan gasket and rod bearings on my car, as well as rebuilt the ball joints on the control arms, replaced the old leaky power steering rack, and will replace the motor mounts pretty soon. Since I've got the cross-member out, is there anything else I ought to take a look at while I've got some pretty decent access to the bottom of the engine?

I'll be taking the car overseas with me and I hear the TUV inspections are pretty tough, so I definitely want to make sure I've got all my bases covered before I head out in the summer.

[Jfrahm]

Power steering hoses, the low pressure feed and return ones.
Maybe the oil pressure sender if that has not been replaced. I do not know if the aftermarket ones for $40-$50 are any good.
Obviously the sway bar bushing if softened or old/cracked.

[jtehfreaks]

I've got most of that stuff taken care of, minus the oil pressure sender. As far as the hoses go, I'm thinking about just replacing the rubber parts, since the metal hoses are still in good shape. Any thoughts on that? Seems like it should be a pretty straightforward job.

[Jfrahm]

There is one PS hose that is molded with two different end sizes and a 90 degree bend right where you need it, I would recommend buying one: 94434744505, the Uro one might be just fine for under $30 or you could splash out for nearly $40 for "OEM supplier".

The other one I rehosed and reused the metal ends as you suggest. It's important not to cut into the jacket when crimping or clamping these as it exposes layers of material that can be affected by oil and ATF. I like Oetiker clamps but am thinking that next time I might add a layer of sheathing over the hose where I clamp it to protect the hose from the sharp metal edges of the clamp. If you were inclined to use worm clamps those can be a lot worse in that department.

-Joel.

[campbelljj]

Inspect lower balance shaft for oil leaks. Easier to get to with cross member out of the way.

[jtehfreaks]

Just checked out the balance shaft, and I'm pretty sure it's the source of a leak; I gave the back plug on the balance shaft a wiggle and it moved around a good bit; I've heard of using some Permatex Ultra Grey to seal it up right there, but I'm wondering if I should just go ahead and pull the shaft and replace the seal.

[Slam]

Oil cooler seals? Of course, it's a bit of a can of worms but once done you can forget about 'em. It's much easier with the PS stuff out of the way, and since you're lying on your back staring up at the engine anyway...

[kdjones2000]

If you pull the cover for the balance shaft, you will need to get some of that Permatex 574(?) sealer to glue it back into place. You can get it here on Pelican, along with the o-ring.

[jtehfreaks]

I've already got everything put back together, the only remaining source of leaks are coming from the front of the engine (well, there's still some power steering stuff going on, but I'll hunt that down eventually); I'll tackle those when it's time to get the belts changed.