Hi everyone, newbie to this siteàJust got rid of GM (97 Grand Am GT) and went foreign.

Surfing for a decent Montero website was a PITA and the two that I did find didnÆt have many posts. So happy to find a site with so much information, I am lovin this forum <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />!

Anyhow, I have this 02 Montero Sport 3.0 AWD that I love and want to get some advice on a few critical areas. I have an aftermarket warranty (good to 100K, currently sittin at 84,800 miles) that covers a large array of items and I am not aware of any previous maintenance that has or has not been done (- some maintenance I have had done to it searching for a vibration I have yet to locate in the driveline).

First thing on my mind is the car is from CAàdoes anyone know what items I have on this related to the CA emissions regulations (if any)?

What are your recommendations for the Timing Belt replacement? Since I got the car at 83,750 or so I am reluctant to replace the timing belt prior to 100K, any thoughts on this? Dealer says it doesnÆt ôlookö to have been done by looking at the bolts that have to be removed in the front of the engineàI donÆt like listening to the stealership.

Next I have a slight vibration that ALWAYS shows itself @ 20 MPH, no matter the gear so I have erased a tranny issue from my list. It seems more profound on the floor in the driver seat, and I also notice some vibration at speed (40-60 MPH). An ideas on how to run this down? The places I have taken it to give me the run around and donÆt have any ideas. The new tires have been balanced twice, and checked a third as well as rotated so I know they arenÆt the issue.

Lastly since I donÆt have a manual can someone tell me where the Fuel Filter is? Just want to change this out since I know this CAN be a fairly simple maintenance item.


Sorry for the lengthy post, if you have any tips or advice at all I would love to hear it. New to the SUV game and living in Colorado I really want to take advantage of the trails around here this summer!!! Maybe add a rear locker to my open diff some dayà


Thanks and regards! <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cheers.gif" alt="" />

Welcome!
They allow timing belt to go till 100k. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/lol.gif" alt="" /> Guess that answers your following question.

Check the U-Joints.

Even if you can doesn't mean you have to or it's necessary unless there is a problem. Although some people would disagree but it's really not a maintenance items, especially on not so old not so many miles truck. If it really itches it's on top of frame rail besides fuel tank.

That's always a good idea especially in CO wheeling.
<img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cheers.gif" alt="" />

Thanks for the response Alex!


It does, except for the question that still gets me, why? Is the rubber better in CA? <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cyclops.gif" alt="" /> That would be a suprise!

I'll prolly leave the fuel filter, but I like to know where things like this are so I don't have to pay someone $30 in labor.

On the U-joints, what can I expect as far as cost is concerned? If it isn't too bad I may just have this done ASAP (like today).


I'll second that, I went up and got my dumb ass stuck in snow last weekend cause one side would just spin right down to the bottom. Had to pay to get rescued <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/notooth.gif" alt="" />

Anyone know a good shop in Denver for my Sport?

Well, you'd want to check it first. If there is any play then replace. I believe U-joint (front one) replacement is rated at 1.7 hours for labor + parts (usually cheap) I did mine recently it was only $12 from NAPA. Of course I did it all by myself.

Where might I find the procedure for R&R of the U-joints?

here is my tiny write up on rear one. If you need to replace U-joint on front prob shaft you will have to drain t-case oil in order to remove it.http://www.4x4wire.com/forums/showflat.php?Cat=&Board=UBB69&Number=960612& <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/patriot.gif" alt="" />

Thanks Alex!

Looks like a good weekend project, other than the pitman arm puller what tools would be helpful? Any other tips for a newbie?

This would be my first Monty project, I apologize for all of the questions!

No prob. But first of all I would make sure U-joint is the problem and which one if so. Just get under the car, twist rear and front (don't forget you have full-time t-case) and see if you have any play in any of U-joints.

Also since you mention being stuck. I would check front and t-case skid plates. if they are bent in and touching front diff and t-case respectively you'll also feel vibration.