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
in Power Steering System. |
| • | 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. |
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,
refer to
Radiator Cleaning
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 heater hoses/pipes replacement, refer to Heater Hoses Replacement
in HVAC. |
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
Inspect the complete brake system.
Inspect the brake lines and hoses for the following:
Inspect the disc brake pads for wear and inspect the rotors for surface
condition.
Inspect other brake parts including the calipers, parking brake etc.
Check the parking brake adjustment.
The brakes may need to be inspected more often if driving habits or
conditions result in frequent braking.
