Spring maintenance and fluid transplant

[mstrjon32]

It's that time of year where I need to prepare the cars for another season of long drives, trips to the track, and my generally aggressive driving style. Not knowing the maintenance history of my Sky, and given that it is now 6 years old, I plan to replace all of the fluids:

• Coolant: 9 quarts, Dexcool
• Transmission: 2.75 quarts, Amsoil MTGQT-EA
• Differential: 1.25 quarts, Amsoil Severe Gear SVGQT-EA
• Brakes/Clutch: Amsoil DOT4 BF4SN-EA
• Power Steering: Amsoil Multi-Vehicle PS Fluid (PSFCN-EA), Not sure how much I need.

Now, changing the coolant seems a bit involved on this car, but there seem to be plenty of instructions on the web, so it shouldn't be an issue. The transmission and differential are also straightforward. The brakes are also straightforward, and I shall change the fluid using a power bleeder, which has always worked well for me.

But, dearest reader, I would appreciate any insight regarding changing the power steering fluid on this car, as well as the clutch fluid. I plan to flush the clutch fluid using the power bleeder, but is it easy to open the other end of the system? On the CTS-V the bleeder is very difficult to reach, is it a similar situation for this car?

For the power steering, I typically disconnect the low pressure return line at the power steering cooler and then feed fresh fluid into the system, but I don't know if this car has a cooler, or another convenient place to open the return line. Does anyone have any experience or tips for changing the PS fluid?

Also on my list:

1. Replace brake pads with Hawk Street Pads. Stock brakes still have material left, but I find their performance to be poor for any enthusiastic driving.
2. Decide on new brake rotors. Ideally zinc coated/cryogenic rotors, but I'd prefer not to have drilled or slotted rotors. Any recommendations welcome.
3. I need to replace the foam that holds the top down in the trunk. I have seen a few solutions on the forum, but if anyone has a particularly good solution, I would be interested.
4. I'd like to replace the fuel filter, any idea where it's located?
5. Any recommendations for convertible top cleaner/protector?
6. My gas door doesn't close completely. I haven't seen any one that had a similar problem, but if you have and you know how to fix it, I would be keen to know as well.
7. Replace the air filter. I already have a new element.
8. (Maybe) Buy an HPtuner and install the GMPP tune (and remove the annoying 149mph top speed limit from my CTS).

I also have a set of new Michelin Pilot Super Sports waiting to be installed. I may also buy a new radio this year, I would like to have European tuning.

Did I miss anything? Any feedback appreciated.

[marlboromike]

the fuel filter is in the gas tank..that eliminates that...the gasoline door has a rubber bumper..it is probably gone..just replace it. GM does not sell them individually..so take it off another beater car and fit it in...I forgot the name of the convertible top cleaner I used but it came back to new and my car is 7 yrs old...but any top cleaner will work fine. Some are less work than others.

[A14]

I use 303 brand rag top cleaner/sealer. When you seal it the water just blows away at speed! Very impressive stuff.

[DaveOC]

The other convertible top product is called RaggTop. I have used in on mine and it looked brand new after the treatment.

[TomatoSoup]

Brake and clutch fluid is combined, so change one you change both . Don't think there's much you can do about bleeding the clutch separately since the slave's inside the transmission housing. For the ABS you are supposed to use a device that opens up the solenoid, but most (all?) of us do it without that. If you're really anal, you could change and bleed the brakes; drive a few weeks and then change it again. But I doubt it's worth the effort.

[lllfly]

JohnRR & I found air in all the Sol,SKY's
Brake fluid change out. and poo JohnRR stated
that is what it look like. 1st time change out cars.
Total 5 cars.
We recommend fluid change out asap.
LLLFLY

[A14]

Originally Posted by lllfly

JohnRR & I found air in all the Sol,SKY's
Brake fluid change out. and poo JohnRR stated
that is what it look like. 1st time change out cars.
Total 5 cars.
We recommend fluid change out asap.
LLLFLY

Does anybody know what Larry just said?

Anyway, I can see why you don't want drilled rotors, but slotted actually serve a purpose. Heat diffusion and keeping the pads clean. DDM has some brake stuff! Some have even changed the lines to steel braided.