Listed below are inspections and services which should
be performed at least twice a year (for instance, each spring and fall). A
dealer's service department or qualified service center should perform
these inspections. All repairs should be completed at once. Whenever
fluids and lubricants are added or changed, use the proper fluid or lubricant.
Refer to
Fluid and Lubricant Recommendations
.
Steering, Suspension and Front Drive Axle Boot and Seal Inspection
Inspect the front and the rear suspension for the following:
| • | Signs of wear or lack of lubrication |
Inspect the power steering lines and the hoses for the following:
Inspect the drive axle boot seals for the following:
Replace damaged, torn or leaking seals.
Exhaust System Inspection
Inspect the complete 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 diagnosis, refer to
Exhaust System Inspection
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.
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.
For information on cleanint the front surface of radiator and A/C condenser,
refer to
Radiator Cleaning
in Engine Cooling.
Throttle System Inspection
Inspect the following:
| • | Missing parts such as retainers or clips. |
| • | Interference of the linkage or cable conduit to critical components
such as fuel lines, brake lines, harness leads, etc. |
| • | Proximity of the cable to the exhaust system and other head sources:
check for melting and/or discoloration. |
| • | Cable for kinks and sharp bends. |
| • | Clearance of the throttle system moving parts throughout their
travel from other stationary components. |
| • | Damage of the components due to cable kinking, severe kinking,
severe abrasion, misalignment, etc. |
Replace high effort or excessively worn cables.
Drive Axle Inspection
Check the front/rear axle fluid level, add the proper fluid as needed.
Check the constant velocity (CV) joints and axle seals for leakage.
Transfer Case Inspection (Automatic Four Wheel Drive)
Check every 12 months or at oil interval changes, add the proper fluid
as needed.
Check the transfer case vent hose for kinks and proper installation.
Brake System Inspection
Inspect the complete system.
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 brake system for proper operation. Refer to
Hydraulic Brake Diagnostic System Check
in Hydraulic Brakes.
Inspect the brake lines and the hoses for the following:
Inspect the disc brake pads for wear. Inspect the rotors for surface
condition. Inspect the drum brake linings for wear and cracks. Inspect other
brake parts, including the calipers, the wheel cylinders, the 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.
