I bought my 2000 last month with 18,000 miles. I learned about the thrust bearing issue with some of the 99 & 00 models so I jacked her up and tried the clearance check as described somwhere on the web. The instruction is to pry on the crankshaft pulley to ckeck for end play. However, there is a sheetmetal shield between the block and pulley that prevents getting a pry bar on the pulley iteself. The shield yeilds to light pressure and I do not want to bend it. So I just grabbed the pulley with my hand and pusshed/pulled with all my strength. It did not seem to budge at all. Based on this I am assuming I do not have excess end play.
Any comments apreciated but especially from any who have tried this DIY check.
In case you are wondering, yes, I have an intense fear and loathing of dealership service departments due to past experiences. thanks, Bob