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, test the wheel alignment. Inspect for damaged wheels. For
tire diagnosis information, refer to
Abnormal or Excessive Tire Wear
in Suspension General Diagnosis.
For wheel alignment diagnosis information, refer to
Preliminary Alignment Inspection
in Wheel Alignment.
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 inspection diagnosis refer to
Exhaust System Inspection
in Engine Exhaust.
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 and replace the radiator hoses if they are cracked,
swollen, or deteriorated.
Inspect all of the pipes, the fittings, and the clamps and replace as
needed.
Important: The radiator and the A/C condenser should be kept clean to ensure proper
system performance. Cleaning is recommended at least once a year.
Inspect the front surface of the radiator and the A/C condenser. Insects,
leaves, debris, etc. can affect the performance of the radiator and the A/C
condenser.
If the front surface of either or both of these components requires
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, a pressure test of the
cooling system and pressure cap is recommended at least once a year.
Throttle System Inspection
The throttle system (including the accelerator and the cruise control)
should operate freely and without hesitation between full closed and wide
open throttle.
Important: The accelerator and the cruise control cables should NOT be lubricated
under any circumstance. Any throttle system components causing hesitation
or sticking should be replaced.
Inspect for 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.
Inspect for melting and/or discoloration. |
| • | Cable kinking. Avoid sharp bends in cables. |
| • | Clearance of the throttle system's moving parts throughout their
travel from other stationary components. |
| • | Damage of any components due to cable kinking, severe abrasion,
misalignment, etc. If any of the above conditions exist, see your dealer for
a rerouting, adjustment, or replacement recommendation. |
Brake System Inspection
Inspect the entire brake 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 surface condition
of the rotors. Inspect all 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.
