4WD Maintenance

Maintenance 4WD

By Ben Broeder

The vast majority of breakdowns that I see have all stemmed from simple, easily identifiable issues that have been neglected.

As we all begin emerging from travel and social restrictions, more of us as are looking to explore the vastness and wonder that is Western Australia. However, the distances and rough terrain will place significantly more wear and strain on your 4WD than the usual trip to the shops or the school run.

Operating your 4WD around town and even out on the open highways doesn’t generally put too much strain upon its various components. But driving that same vehicle, heavily loaded for your off road trip and operating on not so pristine road surfaces, will most definitely have your 4WD earning its keep. Likewise, minor issues and worn out components on your vehicle may not be so evident when operating ‘on road’. Many components can be within an inch of their life, then as soon as you get into some punishing terrain ... bang! Show’s over and you’re up for an expensive outback recovery.

Minor repairs, like drilling out a snapped bolt, may seem a pain, but as they say, a stitch in time saves nine. Many manufacturers have different servicing criteria based upon operating conditions and ambient temperatures. These are elements that a 4WD specialist will be well versed in.

How dO I know WHaT’s nOt Up tO scratcH on my 4WD?

Generally speaking, all good mechanical workshops, especially those specialising in 4WD vehicles, will keep your vehicle in good order and make you aware of any components that require attention, or ones that are nearing the end of their life. I can’t understate the importance of using a mechanical workshop that you trust and that specialises in understanding 4WD vehicles. Many of these reputable outlets will also provide ‘pre-trip inspections’ for you so you can rest assured of a professional’s opinion on the state of your vehicle. Even when you do utilise a mechanical workshop that ticks all the boxes and that you trust, it’s still important as a 4W driver to have a basic understanding and appreciation of both the mechanical and electrical components on your vehicle. After all, on extended trips in remote areas, you probably won’t have the benefit of your local workshop in tow. Basic visual inspection of your vehicle is important before setting out on any trip, as well as an important daily task when operating your vehicle in remote areas. As they say, a stitch in time can save nine.

wHat dO I cHeck and HOW Do I know gOoD from bad?

Whilst some of these items may vary from vehicle to vehicle, we have compiled a general guide of what to look for and how to conduct a few basic checks in your own driveway. But always remember, if in doubt, seek professional advice from suitably qualified tradespeople.

As complex as modern vehicles are, the majority of faults or failures which may be brewing can be picked up early, with a little observation and a little know-how. CHECK HER OIL

All jokes aside, this is often overlooked. It’s best to check the engine oil when the vehicle has been left sitting for an extended period and on level ground. • Too low of a level may indicate a leak or that the engine is consuming oil due to poor engine condition or incorrect oil grade for the operating conditions of the engine. • Too high of a level could indicate other issues with your vehicle, such as issues with the fuel system. • Colour, smell and feel can also indicate issues ranging from a leaking cooling system, head gasket or fuel system issues. Also keep in mind if your vehicle has a catch can installed, to be sure to check the oil level and drain if necessary. If you feel your catch can is filling up more than usual, consult your local 4WD mechanical workshop as this can be an indicator of bigger problems.

Catch cans come in many shapes and forms now. If you have one, keep note of how much oil it catches and be sure to drain it regularly. Keep regular check on fluid levels, such as your engine coolant. They can alert you to a fault before it becomes a big problem. ENGINE COOLANT

Check your coolant level and condition. You must do this when the engine is cold. Your vehicle will most likely have a marked level on the coolant reservoir indicating the suitable coolant level. Remember most newer vehicles will have a separate coolant reservoir to the actual tank on the radiator. • Coolant doesn’t last forever. Its properties and effectiveness wear out over time. You must replace your coolant, as you would your engine oil at specified intervals. If you are unsure, coolant test strips are available, or consult your local workshop. • Keep an eye on your coolant level regularly, if you notice your vehicle is starting to consume coolant, it’s an important warning sign that something is about to go bad soon. Potentially a head gasket issue, failing water pump or another leak developing somewhere.

Always top fluids up to the specified maximum levels. This way it’s easy to spot a leak in a system. This brake reservoir has been losing fluid, a tell-tale sign that something needs attention ASAP.

HYDRAULIC FLUIDS

Equally as important as keeping your 4WD going, is making sure that it stops. • Like coolant, brake fluid doesn’t last forever either. Most manufacturers specify intervals which the fluid should be changed. There are also brake fluid testers, which can check the moisture content of your brake fluid to indicate if it requires changing. • Not all brake fluids are the same! Be careful, ensure you use the correct type of fluid that is specified for your vehicle. Getting it wrong can be very costly. • Keep an eye on fluid levels. If you need to be topping up your brake or clutch fluid, it’s an early warning sign that a seal or hose may be leaking somewhere, or potentially a failing slave or master cylinder. Power steering fluid is equally as important to keep an eye on. Fluid in poor condition will place extra wear upon components. Likewise, seeing things like a metallic shine or metal flakes in the fluid are a sure sign your power steering pump or steering rack is on its last legs. Something as simple as a leaking or split radiator hose has the potential to not only destroy your engine, but to also leave you stranded. Not only should you carry spares for these parts, but you should regularly check their condition. Sometimes it can be hard to tell good from bad on these components without the relative experience. • Check hoses for any cracks, splits or wear marks on them. Also feel their condition to ensure they are still supple and not hard or brittle. • Check belts have the appropriate tension applied. If your vehicle has a serpentine belt system with an automatic tensioner, visually inspect the tensioner while the engine is running and make sure it stays relatively stable, not moving about all over the place. • Check for cracks, deformation and wear in belts. Serpentine belts can be hard to determine wear on, there are gauge blocks available to check the amount of belt wear or consult your local mechanical workshop. • Check for leaks or slight weeping around the ends of hoses.

BATTERY & ELECTRICAL

To properly determine the condition of your vehicle's battery, alternator and starting system, this can only be done by a suitably

There’s certainly no shortage of plumbing in a modern engine bay. Be sure to regularly inspect every inch of it.

trained professional with the right equipment and the right knowhow. However, there are a few basic checks you can perform yourself to ensure things are in tip top condition. • Most vehicles have ‘maintenance free’ batteries now - ones that do not require electrolyte levels to be topped up or checked. If yours isn’t maintenance free, ensure the battery electrolyte level is at the indicated correct level. If not, top up with distilled water. • Check and clean the condition of your battery terminals. Many no-start issues have been attributed back to nothing more than just dirty terminals. • Ensure all battery cabling and the battery itself are firmly secured to the vehicle and not rubbing on any parts of the vehicle. • If your vehicle appears sluggish to start, have your battery and charging system checked immediately. Generally speaking, batteries don’t fail without warning. There will be warning signs long before your battery gives up the ghost if you pay attention to your vehicle, or have it regularly checked.

Many vehicle maintenance tasks can be performed at home, but using a professional workshop is much quicker, trouble-free and gives you peace of mind.

Check tyres not only for tread depth, but for lumps, bumps, uneven wear and any deformations. TYRES & WHEELS

Tyres seem an obvious item to check on your 4WD, however there is quite a lot more to check than just the tread depth and tyre condition. Your tyres can give indication to other potential failures which could be on their way. • Check tread depth - the minimum tread depth is 1.5mm. Also check the tyre for cracks or deformities. • Check for uneven or unusual wear on your tyres. Uneven wear is a sure sign of either wheel alignment issues, bearing failure or a potential suspension failure. • Check your tyre pressure. Keep in mind the pressure specified in your vehicle manual will be for a stock vehicle in stock configuration on stock tyres. Differing loads and tyres will dictate slightly differing pressures for road use. • Check the condition of your wheel rims themselves as well. When operating at low pressure off road, there is increased potential for wheel rims to be bent, which can affect the sealing of your tyre to the rim. Also be sure to check the wheel is securely fastened to the vehicle. • Always ensure wheel nuts are torqued to manufacturers specifications. Insufficient or

uneven wheel torque can cause the wheel nuts to loosen and ultimately the wheel to come loose. • Check there is no free play of the wheel to the vehicle. When jacked up, if you can get side to side or up and down movement of the wheel, this can be an indication of a failing wheel bearing or other similar issue. TIME FOR A REST …

All these checks may seem like hard work, but believe me, every minute spent doing these checks in your driveway can very well save you many hours stranded in the bush. So why not have a well-deserved break. While you are having a break sitting down next to your 4WD, it's well worth having a crawl under to take a look. Whilst under there’s plenty you can check on to ensure your next trip goes without a hitch.

General checks:

• Look for oil leaks. Even a slight weep of oil is an indication that something needs attention sooner rather than later. • Don’t dismiss what seems like a minor oil leak as a minor issue. It could be the warning sign of something much worse about to occur. • Check any wiring beneath the vehicle is secure and in good order. • Ensure fuel lines, brake lines and any other hoses or lines are secure and not rubbing on other components. • Remove any excess dirt, mud or spinifex from anywhere you find it. Many modern diesels have fuel coolers and if these become clogged up it can cause issues with the vehicle's fuel system.

Suspension:

• Check shock absorbers for oil leaks or damp patches. • Inspect suspension bushes for cracks and wear. • Check springs for corrosion and visual condition. If something doesn’t look right it can be an indication of imminent failure, particularly with leaf springs.

Propeller shafts and driveline:

• Grab hold of the propeller shafts, check for excessive rotational play as well as check for excessive lateral or up and down movement. • On IFS vehicles, check the condition of the driveline boots and clamps. A failed boot can soon lead to much bigger and more expensive failures. Also whilst under there, be sure to check the chassis for excessive corrosion or potential cracks and other failures. These can be difficult to spot in time, so regularly checking your vehicle over is best practice.

Spinifex and mud can easily build up in hard to see and reach places on your 4WD. Build up these materials are not only a fire risk, but have the potential to cause mechanical failures as well.

If in dOUbt, seek professIonal aDvIce

Mechanical workshops that specialise in 4WD vehicles have all the right gear, the right advice and most importantly the right experience to best pick up on any potential issues early. There are many scenarios where we have had to perform very expensive repairs to customer vehicles as they, or another repair agent, haven’t spotted or acted upon early warning signs. Keep a close eye on your vehicle. If you find something you aren’t sure about, don’t fall into the trap of asking on forums - seek professional advice. I don’t know of any 4WD workshop who would refuse to take a look at something and advise you if it needs further action. If you aren’t completely sure, or aren’t as mechanically experienced as you’d like to be, it’s well worth booking your vehicle into your local 4WD mechanical workshop to have a pre-trip inspection. Many workshops even offer such inspections either free, or at discounted rates as a service to their customers.

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