Squeak driving me insane

[mbouse]

every Fiat is a rolling restoration. especially those of us who drive them like they were cars and not made of crystal.

yeah. well i guess vikings could have invaded cali forn i ay...

at least you know about the belt. that is an important thing to remember.

[nicktheviking]

While I have the attention of experts, I have a couple more questions:

For an initial "tune-up," what else should I replace? I've already ordered oil, oil filter, air filter, fuel filter, dizzy cap, ignition wires, spark plugs, brake rotors, front brake pads.

Also, I'm wanting to do a fluid refresher coming up.

If I remember correctly, I'll want DOT 5 brake fluid?

I have an auto, what sort of Automatic Transmission Fluid should I use?

[mbouse]

isn't that tranny out of a chevette? in other words, i dunno.

did you get the rotor when you ordered the dizzy cap? when you pull that cap, seriously inspect the leads for the magnetic pickup. i would be surprised if those wires don't have crumbling insulation.

I'd suggest new brake hoses all the way around, since you gotta bleed the brakes anyway. (should bleed brake fluid every other year). again, old rubber is bad rubber, and brake hoses have a tendancy to collapse and restrict fluid flow. did you know there are five brake hoses after the master cylinder?

at least inspect the guibo, if not out-and-out replace it. while you are down there, how about inspecting the center support bearing (encased in rubber) and the u-joints?

rear differential and steering box gear oils should be at least topped off, if not replaced.

[nicktheviking]

Should I order a new dizzy pickup as well?

[nicktheviking]

Does anyone have a good exploded pic of the front suspension? The pictures in my service manual aren't very good and I want to familiarize myself with the suspension.

[rlux4]

Check the cap on your brake fluid reservoir, it should be labeled Dot3.
Ron

[mdrburchette]

Here's a pic of the front suspension:


If you need me to email the pic, PM me.
You should use DOT 3 brake fluid and since the transmission is a GM T-180 I would use Dextron fluid.
It's a good idea to order a pickup even if you don't need it right now. Eventually the wires will break and you'll be stranded on the side of the road.

[pope]

Dot 3 and Dot 4 fluid are antifreeze based products and not oil based as most people think. They are compatible with each other. Dot 3 has a boiling temp of 400° and Dot 4 is 450°. Dot 4 also has some other inhibitor in it making it slightly better than Dot 3.

Dot 5 is silicone based, and only good if you start with a completely new or rebuilt brake system including brake lines. Not really compatible with Dot 3 or 4. There is a Super Dot 4 (designated as Dot 5.1) that is even better yet, and compatible with Dot 3 and 4.

[nicktheviking]

OK, so I jacked up the front and examined the suspension.

The wheels have no play, which is relieving. The suspension components look pretty tired. Almost all the bushings are cracked and decaying and everything is covered in a blanket of grime. I'm thinking of putting my minor rust repair on the back burner so I can replace the suspension components. Phooey.

My tires are cracked up pretty bad, so I may need a new set as well.

[nicktheviking]

Here's a pic of the front suspension:


If you need me to email the pic, PM me.
You should use DOT 3 brake fluid and since the transmission is a GM T-180 I would use Dextron fluid.
It's a good idea to order a pickup even if you don't need it right now. Eventually the wires will break and you'll be stranded on the side of the road.

Thanks, which manual is that from?

[So Cal Mark]

if you're going to lay under the car looking at the suspension, look closely where the crossmember mounts to the unibody. The nuts can loosen, and the unibody or crossmember can crack. If it's grimy, clean it and inspect for cracks

[kristoj]

I am just now catching up with this string, but I have to commend Mike on all the advice he has provided. He has touched on all the major components that you should go after to ensure your car is safe and reliable. At 28 years of age, you should assume every rubber part on the car is shot. The front suspension and brake hoses are also big-time safety items. I would also get after the fuel hoses and fuel filter -- the last thing you need is a 28 year old fuel hose busting open and spraying gasoline all over a hot engine. I know the temptation is to focus on sprucing up the cosmetics, but you are right in your thinking to put that off until after you have addressed to mechanical/safety issues.

[mdrburchette]

Thanks, which manual is that from?

it's from an original early model 124 Fiat service manual.

[mbouse]

which is another thing you should strongly consider buying yourself real soon. this forum is great at solving issues; however, it generally has two problems.. one is timeliness, the other is that it is pictorially inadequate for every problem.

getcherself a quality shop manual. those sources i mentioned are a great place to start looking.

[nicktheviking]

Thanks, I'm definitely going to invest in a good service manual. I have one now but its more of a photocopy job.

Any recommendations on service manuals? I see there are a couple different brands.

Also, headed off to the tire store today to get new tires installed--I see that as the most immediate threat. Next up is shopping online for new suspension components. There are also a few tools I don't have, that I need to find.