Today, being a sunny 65 out, I changed my oil & filter, rotated tires front to back (directional tread) and checked my brake pads. Nothing like a little pm to make you feel good.

Last oil change, 4,000 miles ago, I replaced the leaking turbo oil return pipe 0-ring and gasket. The mess under the car at the back of the engine was substantial at the time. Oil everywhere from the pan down, all over the bottom of the tranny and subframe. I was just losing a 1/2 quart every couple of thousand miles and had this kind of mess.

Anyway, I'm really happy to report that I couldn't believe what I found under the car today. Nothing. After 4,000 miles driving, not a drop anywhere. I'm talking Sahara dry. Excellent!

I replaced the Mann filter with another and topped up with 6 quarts of Mobil-1 10W30. A new aluminum washer and drain plug torqued to 25ft/lbs and I'm set until 95,000 miles.

On to the tires and brakes. It's great how the jack lifts both ends at once. Makes rotating a piece of cake. Boots are all fine, sway bar links ok, nothing out of place or loose. The front pads have about 1/2" material each, the rears only 5mm. Haynes spec on minimum pad thickness on the rear has to be wrong. 3/4". I think I'll replace rear pads and rotors in a month.

I replaced the 02 sensor a couple of months ago and cancelled the CEL. Just for fun I checked for codes. None. Man this is great!

Tomorrow the dealer is open and I'll pick up a oil filler 0-ring, panel clips for the liftgate panel and the windshield's upper moulding. I'll also replace the dead passenger-side headlight wiper motor.

This car is great. My only bitch is the constant battle with interior noise. Rattles, creaks etc. Time to hit everything with silicone lube again.

Merry Christmas everyone.
--
Erwin in Memphis, '95 855t