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 External Leakage
Check. |
| • | Clean and inspect the drive axle boot seals for damage, tears
or leakage. Repair as needed. |
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 noise diagnosis, refer to
Exhaust Noise
in engine exhaust. |
Engine Cooling System Inspection
Inspect the hoses and replace if they are cracked, swollen or deteriorated.
Inspect all pipes, fittings and clamps; replace as needed.
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.
Important: The radiator and A/C condenser should be kept clean for proper system
performance. Cleaning is recommended at least once a year.
Inspect the front surface of the radiator and A/C condenser. Insects,
leaves, debris, etc. can affect the performance of the radiator and A/C condenser.
If the front surface of either or both of these components is found
to be in need of cleaning, the unwanted material can be removed by performing
the following:
| • | Ensure that the engine is off and cool. |
| • | Blow compressed air through the radiator from the rear surface
of the radiator toward the front of the vehicle. |
| • | If compressed air is not available, use a water hose to force
water through the radiator from the rear surface of the radiator toward the
front of the vehicle. |
| • | To help ensure proper cooling system pressure performance, a pressure
test of the cooling system and pressure cap is recommended at least once a
year. 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. |
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. |
Brake System Inspection
Notice: A low brake fluid level can indicate worn disc brake pads which may need to
be serviced. Also, if the brake system warning light stays on or comes on, something
may be wrong with the brake system. If the anti-lock brake system warning light stays
on or comes on, something may be wrong with the anti-lock brake system.
Inspect the complete system. Inspect the brake lines and
the hoses for the following:
Inspect the disc brake pads for wear. Inspect the rotors for surface
condition. Inspect other brake parts, including the calipers, the parking
brake, etc.
The brakes may need to be inspected more often if driving habits or
conditions result in frequent braking.
