Help. I recently took my 2004 Xterra in for the 45000 mile service at
a local Nissan dealer. My truck had not been serviced at 30000 so i
figured at 48000 I should do something before I really need serious
maintenance. Everything up to that point were merely oil changes every
3000 to 4000 miles and the occasional topping off of fluids. There was
one occasion where the AC compressor gave out. I could not turn the
clutch mechanism by hand so I figured the bearings failed. It was a
daunting task but with the help of my mechanic friend and an after
market part purchased at Ebay I managed to spend less than $300 for
everything not to mention the sweat I put into it.

So going back to the original story, I take it into the Nissan dealer
just to get a free inspection and therefore a listing of all the
maintenance needed. The final write-up quoted me a price of $1029
which of course I did not agree to. All I had them do was change the
front brakes and give me a 4-wheel alignment for around $300. The rest
of the work I would do myself.

Here are some of the questions I have:

1. Assuming that they checked all four brakes and deemed the back
brakes to be alright in terms of pad wear, why am I suddenly hearing a
squeal every now and then? This happens after a cold start when i
drive after several yards. Once it's warmed up then the squealing
stops.

2. A tune-up was suggested in the write-up. What size socket do I use
for the spark plugs and how do you get the sixth spark plug out. It's
positioned towards the rear and such that access to it is next to
impossible. Besides changing the spark plugs what else is involved in
the tune-up for a 45000+ mile service?

3. I tried changing the automatic transmission fluid but I couldn't
drop the pan down because the front end of it is attached to an
aluminum pipe that seems to branch all the way to the cooling system.
Therefore I only managed to change the fluid and not the filter. How
do you disengage the pan from this aluminum pipe after removing almost
all the  bolts around the pan?

4. The write-up suggested cleaning of the fuel-injectors for around
$140. So far all I've done was pour a whole bottle of Prestone fuel
injection cleaner into the tank. I've noticed some improvement in
performance compared to the previous. Is this all I need to do or is
there more involved?

5. How do I access the draincock for the radiator so that I can change
my coolant? There does not appear to be easy access to it short of
reaching up and turning counter-clockwise over a drain pail.

6. Lastly, the write-up also suggested changing the in-cabin micro air
filter for some ridiculous amount. How do I access this part for
replacement?

All other suggestions would be sincerely appreciated.

Thank you!