Getting Ready for a Trip

[DynaMike]

Hey!! New to the forum here, but I've had my Bonneville for 4 years now. I've got an '03 Bonneville, SLE. I've had it for a while, great car, not too many problems. She runs good and hasn't left me stranded yet.

My question.... I'm getting ready to take it on a long trip (Florida to Michigan = ~3000 miles in 3 weeks) and wondering if anyone has any advice on what to look for before taking it on an extended drive. It's got 160K miles on it. Of course, I've changed the oil, checked all fluids, and will monitor throughout the trip. Engine coolant was half changed after my coolant elbows broke this past week.

I've recently (within the last 1000 miles) had all the brake lines replaced thanks to salty roads, replaced the coolant elbows off the engine block to the heater core, replaced brakes/rotors. Is there any other things I can look for that "might" decide to go out soon? If I could have a heads up on what to check out, and possibly replace a part or 2 that may be prone to failure, I'd be thrilled. I just don't feel like getting stranded waiting for a tow truck to pick me up somewhere in the back hills of Tennessee if it was something I could've checked and had fixed prior to the trip. Thanks it advance, internet friends!!

[Sirius]

There is nothing special that needs to be done to a Bonneville that you wouldn't do on any other car before a long trip. Looks like you have covered most everything. Just get in it and go.

[garagerog]

Sounds like you have everything pretty much covered except for the possibility of a clogged fuel filter and/or a failing fuel pump either one of those will leave your car dead along the side of the road. If you don't know the replacement history of those parts might not be a bad idea to take spares and the necessary tools with you. Also if it's been awhile since the transmission has been serviced might not be a bad idea to do a pan drop and filter replacement with 7.4 qts of fresh Dex VI.

[wilks]

check the condition of your belt if you replace keep the old one for a back up

[Luxrain]

dont forget tires! check for wear and odd wear patterns and pressures

[DynaMike]

Thanks for the input! I'm going to do a tranny drain and filter/gasket replacement per your advice, garagerog. The serpentine belt looks good... not perfect, but doesn't need replaced. All the other hoses look/feel good.

As far as the fuel filter/pump... I'm gonna look into that. And as far as my tires, I keep an eye on them with a quick inspect/fill every couple gas fills, so they're good.

I was checking out my A/C, since it blows cool, but not COLD. The gauge I have (got it with an old can of refrigerant) Is telling me it's 55, in the "alert - too high" range.... I'm not sure how it could be too high, so I'm gonna check it with another gauge before I add any more refrigerant. The A/C compressor clutch is rattling when the A/C is off too.... Any idea if that's something that the clutch can be replaced, or is it gonna need a new compressor? I know it CAN be... just wondering if I'm gonna go through the hassle of replacing the clutch, only to have the compressor likely fail in the next couple months.

[MKMike]

I don't think there's any correlation between the clutch plate failing and the compressor itself failing internally.
Before planning to only change the clutch plate, check to see if the pulley bearing is good.
Neither requires opening up the ac system to replace.