New Owner

[fonti1992]

Hi everyone. New owner of an '04 AWD here. Black with the gray cladding. 118k miles; needs a little work.

Part of the purchase was knowing there's this community here, and all the help that it might provide. Not coming from much of a DIY background, but ready to get started. I'll definitely be back to pester with maintenance/service questions. So thanks in advance.

[Steve41337]

Congratulations! And a Happy 4th of July Holiday to You!

I'm a new Vibe owner and member here too and agree this is an incredible resource. Keep us posted on your progress.

[tpollauf]

Welcome to GenVibe .... And from way up there in Alaska Thanks for letting us know where you're from. Post pics of your Vibe when you get some free time. Lots of us here ready & willing to help you.

[Khaj]

Welcome! I'm also a new owner. I've had it for a week now and I love it. Congrats on the purchase. This group is awesome

[zbyers]

Welcome! As you can see from several of us, we own multiple Vibes so that should be a testament to what you're getting into!

If you're on Facebook, don't forget to join us on there. facebook.com/groups/Genvibe

[vibenvy]

Welcome to GenVibe! Post some pictures of your "new" Vibe when you get a chance !

[ImUrOBGYN]

Welcome.

[vibrologist]

Welcome!

[fonti1992]

Thanks for the welcomes everyone. I'll definitely get a couple quick picture up. I meant to have done that by now, but I seem to keep forgetting.

So far I've done just a quick once over of the interior with some simple green, though I need to goo-gone a couple spots and it could use a vacuuming, too. Did a transmission fluid change the other day. And rinsed off the rear differential - seems something's leaked and been collecting dirt/grime.

[zbyers]

Did a transmission fluid change the other day. And rinsed off the rear differential - seems something's leaked and been collecting dirt/grime.

The rear diffs are a bit prone to slight leaking. Usually the seals associated with it will need to be replaced. We are currently trying to do that on our AWD, but can't get the drain/fill plugs out on the rear diff. For now, we just keep spraying it with PB Blaster and trying it every couple days. Eventually we'll be able to get that done.

[fonti1992]

So here's a quick shot of my "new" Vibe:

FullSizeRender.jpg (109.55 KiB) Viewed 3070 times

Obviously fog lights are on the to-do list.I assume that's a fairly easy DIY.

The rear diffs are a bit prone to slight leaking. Usually the seals associated with it will need to be replaced.

I haven't checked since I cleaned it, but it had looked like the driveshaft side might have had a minor leak. But most of the gunk was on the axle sides, so I wasn't sure if it was the CV boots. Either way, how hard is the rear diff to DIY? considering my lack of applicable background and/or skill. Or would it smarter to have a shop do it?

[vibenvy]

Great looking Vibe! Thanks for posting a picture !

[zbyers]

I'm not too sure how difficult the rear diff is to work on. We have yet to open the plugs to check ours.

Here is a write up on how to change the fluid in the rear diff: viewtopic.php?t=24646

And how to check the front transfer case: viewtopic.php?t=30035

[fonti1992]

Thanks for the links. I'd definitely need to get a breaker bar for the bolts. But it looks like the seals need to be redone, and a cursory search on that process makes me inclined to take it in. But we'll see.

Did another transmission fluid change. I'll do the filter with the next one, once I figure out which of the three gasket options I need from Toyota parts. Removed the frayed out rear seat belts and cleaned out the rear seat and storage area, too.

[zbyers]

Did another transmission fluid change. I'll do the filter with the next one, once I figure out which of the three gasket options I need from Toyota parts. Removed the frayed out rear seat belts and cleaned out the rear seat and storage area, too.

AWD should have the 19 bolt pan, but I'm not positive. Count the bolts on your pan, then match it up with the bolt count the parts stores have. The filters through AutoZone are TF176 and TF177 (18 & 19 bolt, if I remember correctly)

[fonti1992]

AWD should have the 19 bolt pan, but I'm not positive. Count the bolts on your pan, then match it up with the bolt count the parts stores have. The filters through AutoZone are TF176 and TF177 (18 & 19 bolt, if I remember correctly)

Sorry for such a long delay here. Just wanted to say thanks for the help. It was 19 bolts, and I did stop by AutoZone for everything. Unfortunately I forgot to convert units for torque and ended up shearing off a bolt in the filter. So I ended up taking it in to the shop, where I had them fix that error and do the rear diff seals. But again, thanks.