On Saturday, the local Pontiac dealer was having a free inspection clinic. I went to that (made an appointment weeks before), ate doughnuts in the dealership room, looked at how ugly the Aztek is, and recieved my inspection paper.

The paper saids that my engine leaks oil, trans fluid is dirty, and trans fluid leaks. I had a feeling something was up, seeing as there are some oil spots where I park my car. They also reccommended that my rear drums get serviced, to get a fuel system flush, and get my trans serviced. He said the rear brakes need to be "reset".

The car was serviced when it had 82,600 on it. It now has 96,600 on it. I am low on money. Is there anything I can do myself? I change my own oil, so I wonder if I didn't tighten the plug tight enough, or put the oil filter on tight enough. Maybe I can do the brakes by myself? I personally think the fuel flush is

 

if you can change your oil you can change your trans fluid and filter, it just gets a bit sloppy. i have no experience working on drum brakes though

 

Drum brakes are easy. just do one at a time though, so you can always take the other drum off and look at it. Other than that, buy all new springs along with new shoes, take your drums with you to Autozone or Pepboys and see if they need to be turned. When you take apart the brakes, there will be a lil threaded shaft with a spur in the middle between the bottom of the two shoes, take it out, take it apart, wire brush any dirt off of the threads, put some grease on the threads, and work it all the way in and all the way out many times, make sure it turns freely. When you reinstall this part, make sure its turned all the way in, but not tight, it still has to be able to move. Other than that, buy a haynes manual, it'll save you some hassle, and make sure you either buy a drum brake spring tool, or have some big screwdrivers. anymore questions, email me