GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only
Makes 🢒 Chevrolet 🢒 1998 🢒 Monte Carlo 🢒 General Information 🢒 Maintenance and Lubrication 🢒 Periodic Maintenance Inspection

Perform the following inspections and services at least twice a year (for instance, each spring and fall). Make sure any necessary repairs are completed immediately.

Steering, Suspension and Front Drive Axle Boot Seal Inspection

    • Inspect the front and rear suspension and steering system for damaged, loose or missing parts, signs of wear, or lack of lubrication. Refer to Suspension Component Inspection in Front Suspension.
    • Inspect the power steering lines and hoses for proper hook-up, binding, leaks, cracks and chafing. Repair as needed. Refer to Power Steering System Inspection .
    • Clean and inspect the drive axle boot seals for damage, tears or leakage. Repair as needed.
      • For drive axle inner joint and seal replacement, refer to Wheel Drive Shaft Inner Joint and Boot Replacement in Wheel Drive Shafts.
      • For drive axle outer joint and seal replacement, refer to Wheel Drive Shaft Outer Joint and Boot Replacement

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.

    • For exhaust system clearances, refer to Exhaust System Clearances in engine exhaust.
    • For exhaust leakage diagnosis, refer to Exhaust Leakage - Not OBD II in engine exhaust.
    • For exhaust noise diagnosis, refer to Exhaust Noise in engine exhaust.

Cooling System Inspection

Caution: NEVER spray water on a hot heat exchanger. The resulting steam could cause personal injury.

Notice: Compressed air or water can be used to clean the radiator fins. Do not exceed 138 kPa (20 psi). Pressure over 138 kPa (20 psi) will damage the radiator.

    • Clean the outside of the radiator and air conditioning condenser.
    • To help insure proper operation, pressure test the cooling system. Refer to Cooling System Leak Testing in Engine Cooling.
    • Pressure test the pressure cap. Refer to Cooling System Leak Testing in Engine Cooling.
    • Inspect all of the hoses. Replace hoses that are cracked, swollen or deteriorated. Inspect all pipes, fittings and clamps. Replace as needed.
      • For radiator inlet hose replacement , refer to Radiator Inlet Hose Replacement in Engine Cooling.
      • For radiator inlet hose replacement, refer to Radiator Inlet Hose Replacement in Engine Cooling.
      • For radiator outlet hose replacement , refer to Radiator Outlet Hose Replacement in Engine Cooling.
      • For radiator outlet hose replacement, refer to Radiator Outlet Hose Replacement in Engine Cooling.
      • For throttle body heater inlet hose replacement, refer to Throttle Body Heater Inlet Hose Replacement in Engine Cooling.
      • For throttle body heater outlet hose replacement, refer to Throttle Body Heater Outlet Hose Replacement in Engine Cooling.

Throttle Linkage Inspection

Notice: Do NOT lubricate accelerator or cruise control cables. Lubrication will destroy the protective coating on these cables.

Inspect for the following and replace as needed:

    • Missing parts such as retainers or clips.
    • Interference of linkage or cable conduit to critical components such as fuel lines, brake pipes or harness leads.
    • Proximity of cable to exhaust system and other heat sources (check for melting and/or discoloration).
    • Cable kinking, avoid sharp bends of the cables.
    • Clearance of throttle system moving parts throughout their travel from other stationary components.
    • Damage of components due to cable kinking, severe abrasion or misalignment.