vecman

Hi,

My brother has a 2000 Cavalier and I want to tighten the handbrake cable for him because you really have to pull the lever all the way up for the brakes to catch. How do I go about tightening this cable??

Is there any sites (links would be really appreciated) that deal with maintenance on these cars??

The second thing is how often does the fuel filter have to be changed on these cars??

Thanks in Advance

Shortbus

Park Brake Cable Service/Adjustment

Notice
Parking brake adjustment is not necessary. This is a self adjusting system and damage may result from attempting to adjust or modify this system in any way. It may be necessary to adjust the rear brakes to obtain the proper tension in the system.

Fully apply and release the hand brake 4-6 times in order to self adjust.
The parking brake (2) is self adjusting.

Not that I know of.

There is no service interval for fuel filter replacement. Replacement is required only if the fuel filter becomes restricted.

Flatrater

John is right when he says their is no published time for a fuel filter change!! But I would like to add my experience to this. Fuel filters are relatively cheap and it is a good idea to change them no ore than 20K apart.

Let me tell you why i recommend this if your filter gets clogged and stops working so will the car it doesn't matter if you are at home or away from home you will get towed to a shop to get it changed and then you will have a tow bill to pay! Also with a partially restricted filter the pump is working harder than it should be and you could burn up the fuel pump. Which means now you have a tow bill, a filter and the gas tank comes down for a 500 dollar pump. So replacing your filter every 20 k is a good idea. Fuel filters are not warranty you pay the bill!!

Things that GM does not recommend but you should do!!!!

Flush your brake fluid-- It absorbs water from the air, not a good thing for metal brake parts. change at 50K

Flush your power steering system-- Its oil and gets old and breaks down. Change at 50K

Alignments-- GM has none!! I can live with this one!! If the car goes straight and tire wear good no need.

Spark plugs and wires-- good idea to change wires at 50k and plugs before 100K. The say the plugs will go 100K but it doesn't mean they will last that long every time.

O2 Sensors-- Also 50K change. The O2 sensor determines your fuel economy by measuring unburned O2 in the exhaust.

These are my guidelines I like to follow it doesn't mean you should but I always tell my customers to do their preventive maintenance to avoid a breakdown. And I always tell them it is not in the GM service schedule but its better to do it now then when it comes 0n the hook.

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