What did you do today to your 2003-2008 Pilot?

164504 Views 2525 Replies 98 Participants Last post by kellym, 5 d ago

Oh3CoPilot

Discussion Starter · Jul 5, 2020 (Edited)

Replaced NGK Laser Platinum spark plugs with NGK Ruthenium HX plugs on my 03'. Oil change with Amsoil 0w-40 Signature Series oil and Amsoil EA filter. Why 0w-40 instead of the recommended 5w-20? The 0w will flow a little faster on cold starts in the winter and the 40 will protect much better on 90F+ (outside air temp.) summer days.

Also, I called NGK and verified that sparkplugs.com is an authorized distributor/seller (they didn't have them listed on their website) so, I get real plugs and not counterfeits. Yes, there is a whole world of fake/counterfeit auto parts out there and I would recommend not buying auto parts off of Ebay. If you're not buying directly from the stealership, definitely go to the manufactures website and look up their authorized distributor/seller's and if they don't have this information posted give them a call.

Here are some fun for the whole family spark plug pics:

See less See more

4

Reactions: 3

1 - 20 of 2526 Posts

mschflbn

· #618 · May 14, 2021

Today I went to do a restore kit on the headlights. I got started and realized I wasn't making a dent in the sealant that the prior owner applied (it was cracking and yellowing). I ultimately ended up pulling out my orbital sander with 220 grit and wet sanded it that way before starting the 3m kit. There's still some scratches in it that I couldn't get out (lack of varied degrees of sandpaper) but it looks a ton better than before! It took about 2 hours to just do one. Once I get the other done, I'll be sealing them again with the Meguiar's spray.

My dad also just sent me the photo of his black 08 Pilot and he just put on matte black running boards today. Looks pretty sharp!

See less See more

3

Reactions: 3

mschflbn

· #623 · May 17, 2021

So yesterday I tackled my passenger side axle. It actually wasn't too bad. There's a member on here who said to tear off the inner boot and use vice grips on the metal after putting the axle back in, effectively making a makeshift slide hammer. It worked phenomenally well. Today, I tackled front brakes and rotors. That sucked. I've always had issues with the set screws, and I just drill them out. Well, today, my Phillips bit twisted and broke off in the screw and none of my bits could drill it out (apparently they're the same hardness of metal). So, I tried a dremel after a ton of bits, and broke tons of bits there too. Then I tried a torch. Don't know why but that didn't work either. Then I pulled out the angle grinder. And it took quite a while and a lot of sparks, but the turd came off. Here's some progress pics. For reference, I put in a Napa CV axle, Wagner coated rotors and Bosch brakes.

See less See more

4

Reactions: 2

mschflbn

· #626 · May 17, 2021

Krayziefoo said:
Same thing happened to me when I did the brakes after buying this 2008. The rotors looked like they were 10 years old! I got lucky with the set screws using the manual impact driver, but almost stripped one.

I think I'm going to go buy one from Lowes before I do the rears. That sucked 🤣 and now I need a lot of drill bits to replace my broken ones.

mschflbn

· #628 · May 21, 2021

Got the rear brakes and rotors done today. Got the manual impact hammer for the set screws. Turns out the right tool makes all the difference-go figure!

Reactions: 2

mschflbn

· #639 · May 24, 2021

andywatson said:
You don't need to keep using those screws on the rotors. Their only purpose is to hold the rotor onto the hub while the vehicle is being assembled at the factory, or while you're putting the caliper/pads on, but you can temporarily use a lugnut for that task. There's no good reason for anyone to continue using the two screws in the rotors because they cause way more problems than they're worth.

Yep-I left em out when I put it back together!

mschflbn

· #640 · May 24, 2021

This weekend I did lower control arms, front sway bars and the front sway bushings. Nothing was too bad except the driver's side bushing. Even unbolting the subframe I couldn't get enough flex for my socket. I ended up using a prybar to pry the bracket up after unbolting the front. Used a lot of silicone spray and a screwdriver and hammer to force the old one out. The new one I had to cut some of the non needed rubber that sits outside the bracket off and then got it in with lots of silicone and a hammer. Then to line the bracket hole up I had to use a giant C clamp. I don't recommend this method - but it worked and nothing broke. 🤷‍♂️ I figure if it breaks down the road I'll take it somewhere to be replaced 🤣. Drives a ton better now! This forum was a ton of help for these projects too!

See less See more

Reactions: 2

mschflbn

· #642 · May 24, 2021

Krayziefoo said:
Awesome. It's going to be a few months before I tackle my front suspension, but if you notice the difference driving I can't wait to as well!

Yeah man, there was so much clunking and loosey-goosiness beforehand. Everything is nice and tight up front now. It's great!

Reactions: 1

mschflbn

· #646 · May 24, 2021

plplplpl said:
Logical. But not enough for us OCD folks.

This is supposed to be one of the worst years ever. Ahchoo! View attachment 149002

I had some adjustable upper rear control arms, but they seized because I neglected to lube them and then they became just as nonadjustable as the OEMs they replaced. So I switched back to regular nonadjustable ones. Not happy with the negative camber I'm eyeballing again, though, I've ordered and received another pair of adjustable upper rear control arms. This time when I install them, I'll try not to be a neglectful nincompoop and remember to lube them regularly even if they don't need any further adjustment.

You, too, huh? [Sorry, I just couldn't contain myself from including myself as well. Must be... well, you know.)

Sorry I'm too late to help you, but the job can be a lot less unpleasant if you use a half moon wrench.

GEARWRENCH 14mm x 16mm 12 Point Half-Moon Reversible Double Box Ratcheting Wrench - 9853 - Combination Wrenches - Amazon.com

Search Results For "Half Moon Wrench"

Robot or human?

I didn't even know that was a thing 🤦‍♂️ haha. I'll keep it in mind for the future! 😁

Reactions: 1

mschflbn

· #664 · May 28, 2021

Today I did the PS inlet O-Ring. Very tight space. I ended up getting my 12 point wrench at it by angling the handle down instead of to the side. Seemed to help give a little extra room. 👍

Reactions: 4

mschflbn

· #671 · May 31, 2021

CPTDaniel said:
Valves are all adjusted, engine feels great. Anyone else get their hood latch stuck shut after they took it loose from its mount? I just need to figure out why it's stuck shut. The release handle in the cab works fine, but it doesn't seem to be actuating the rotating lock mechanism that holds the hood fully shut. It's stuck in the closed position, and I don't see why it won't move. Thankfully, the hood isn't fully closed so I can get it open at will, just can't get it to accept the bar part of the latch.

Anyone have any thoughts on this?

Does it do anything to try to pop the hood from inside? Maybe a dumb question 🤷‍♂️

Reactions: 1

mschflbn

· #672 · May 31, 2021

Today I sealed my headlights with Meguiar's headlight sealant. Nothing special. But I put up a trampoline!

Reactions: 2

mschflbn

· #690 · Jun 3, 2021

New inner and out tie rods done today. For the life of me I couldn't get much budge out of the new lock washer on the inner tie rod, even with my giant plumbers pliars. I have an alignment scheduled for tomorrow so I'm going to ask them if they'll slip the boot off and stake it for me. Hopefully they don't charge a ton for it. 🤷‍♂️

Reactions: 3

mschflbn

· #692 · Jun 4, 2021

Washed the ol guy today, got an alignment (and the got my locking washers bent over my inner tie rods for 100 bucks - worth it for my sanity) and put on a turtle bumper sticker. Because his name is Sherman. And he's a turtle because he's old and slow 😂.

See less See more

Reactions: 5

mschflbn

· #702 · Jun 7, 2021

Today I dremeled all the rust spots and hit it with Honda touch up paint. I suck at touch up painting, but hey, all the rust spots are now more matching than brown rust spots 🤷‍♂️ I also removed the old door edge film that was cracking flaking and looking terrible. Looks a lot better now for sure. And I tried to install my new rear sway bar links but I got sent the set for a 2nd Gen, so try try another day.

See less See more

4

Reactions: 5

mschflbn

· #704 · Jun 7, 2021

Yeah I'm not sure how it happened, but that roof line had the majority of the rust on it.

mschflbn

· #710 · Jun 8, 2021

Washed the ol guy and gave him his first wax since we got him. Also, did the meguiar's trim restore. Not optimistic about how long it will last, but I don't mind doing it every wash 🤷‍♂️.

See less See more

Reactions: 5

mschflbn

· #713 · Jun 8, 2021

Glad it was nothing more nefarious! And if I'm honest I always google the order because I forget 😂. Shot in the dark donor neg to sad car unpainted metal, donor pos to sad car pos?

Reactions: 1

mschflbn

· #733 · Jun 12, 2021

I didn't really do anything TO the pilot today, but it was my first forray into towing. He did great!

See less See more

Reactions: 2

mschflbn

· #783 · Jun 27, 2021

Finally got the power steering cooler and transmission cooler I bought months ago installed today. Need to go get more tranny fluid now. Didn't think I lost that much and added in my extra 1/4 quart I had lying around and only got on the tip on the dipstick. I'm guessing it mustn't have been filled all the way by the last place that Serviced it for the prior owner. Also got new fog lights installed finally while I had the bumper off! Also, why are there so many stupid plastic button clips things. 🤷‍♂️

See less See more

3

Reactions: 5

mschflbn

· #827 · Jul 2, 2021

Changed the brake fluid today. Who knows when it was last changed. Kids are home schooled and we started the semester today (starting year round schooling) so I took em out for shop class and they got to be my assistants! And, they learned it shouldn't look like Shrek pee.

See less See more

Reactions: 4

1 - 20 of 2526 Posts