Pontiac 1998 Grand Am Owner's Manual page 335

Part C: Periodic Maintenance
Inspections
Listed below are inspections and services which should
be performed at least twice a year (for instance, each
spring and fall). You should let your dealer's service
department or other qualified service center do these
jobs. Make sure any necessary repairs are completed
at once.
Proper procedures to perform these services may be
found in a service manual. See "Service and Owner
Publications" in the Index.
Steering, Suspension and Front Drive Axle
Boot an.d Seal Inspection
Inspect the front and rear suspension and steering
system for damaged, loose or missing parts, signs of
wear or lack of lubrication. Inspect the power steering
lines and hoses for proper hook-up, binding, leaks,
cracks, chafing, etc. Clean and then inspect
the
drive
axle boot seals for damage, tears or leakage. Replace
seals if necessary.
Exhaust System Inspection
Inspect the complete exhaust system. Inspect the body
near the exhaust system. Look for broken, damaged,
missing or out-of-position parts as well as open seams,
holes, loose connections or other conditions which could
cause a heat build-up in the floor pan or could let
exhaust fumes into the vehicle.
See "Engine Exhaust" in
the Index.
Engine Cooling System Inspection
Inspect the
hoses and have
them replaced if they are
cracked, swollen o r deteriorated. Inspect all pipes, fittings
and clamps; replace as needed. Clean the outside of the
radiator and
air
conditioning condenser. To help ensure
proper operation, a pressure test of the cooling system and
pressure cap is recommended at least once
a
year.
Throttle System Inspection
Inspect the throttle system for interference or binding,
and for damaged or missing parts. Replace parts as
needed. Replace any components that have high
effort
or excessive wear. D o not lubricate accelerator
and
cruise
control cables.
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