Steering and Suspension 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:
Tire and Wheel Inspection
Inspect the tires for uneven wear or damage. If there is irregular or
premature wear, check the wheel alignment. Inspect for damaged wheels.
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.
Engine 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.
Inspect the hoses and replace if they are cracked, swollen
or deteriorated.
Inspect all pipes, fittings and clamps; replace as needed.
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.
Throttle System Inspection
Throttle system (includes accelerator and cruise control) should operate
freely without hesitation between full closed and wide open throttle.
Important: The accelerator and cruise control cables should not be lubricated under
any condition. Throttle system components causing hesitation or sticking should
be replaced.
Inspect the following:
| • | Missing parts such as retainers or clips. |
| • | Interference of the linkage or the cable conduit to critical components
such as fuel lines, brake lines, harness leads, etc. |
| • | Proximity of the cable to the exhaust system and other heat sources:
check for melting and/or discoloration. |
| • | Cable kinking. Avoid sharp bends of cables. |
| • | 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. If any of the above conditions exists,
reroute, adjust, or replace as needed. |
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 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 park brake,
etc.
The brakes may need to be inspected more often if driving habits or
conditions result in frequent braking.
