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CHAPTER 10 Vehicle Maintenance Inspection

Engine,Transmission, and Exhaust The engine, transmission, and exhaust have a number of items that need to be visually inspected. Inspect the following items as described. ■■

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The engine: Look for torn or cracked motor mounts, coolant hoses, and belts (FIGURE 10-56). The transmission: Look for torn or cracked mounts, and faults or looseness in the clutch mechanism or shift linkage. The exhaust system: Check for signs of exhaust leaks, corrosion, or deterioration, including the exhaust hanger mounts. A good way to check the integrity of the exhaust pipe is to try to squeeze it along its length with a pair of arc joint pliers. If it is squishy, then it needs to be replaced. Check the condition of any heat shields.

Other Items ■■

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The parking brake cables: The cables are encased in a housing that attaches the parking brake lever or pedal to the rear brakes. Check for rusted, frozen, broken, or crushed cables. The fuel tank: The fuel tank is metal or plastic, depending on the vehicle. Inspection should include the filler tube and hose, the vent and fuel delivery lines, and the fuel tank straps and protective shields. The fuel tank must be secure and fuel lines inspected for damage or abrasion.

▶▶TECHNICIAN TIP When checking the fuel tank, any odor of gasoline indicates a leak. Keep checking until you find it. It is not normal for modern-day vehicles to have any odor of gasoline.

To perform an under-vehicle inspection, follow the steps in SKILL DRILL 10-12.

▶▶ Exterior Vehicle

Inspections

LO 10-05  Perform exterior vehicle inspection.

FIGURE 10-56  Lower radiator hoses get neglected and need to be

inspected.

A periodic inspection of the vehicle’s exterior can prevent troubles that may cause safety or operational concerns. It is much better to discover a problem such as a worn tire or broken taillight bulb during an inspection than when the car is broken down on the side of the road, or the driver is pulled over by the police. A small percentage of owners check their own vehicle for problems, but most depend on the service technician to do it for them. Any time the vehicle is in the shop for maintenance or repair, you should perform this inspection.

SKILL DRILL 10-12 Performing an Under-Vehicle Inspection

1. Safely raise and secure the vehicle at a comfortable working height. Work systematically. Pay particular attention to any fluid leaks.

2. Check the steering parts. Grasp the front and rear of the tire and pivot it to detect wear in the steering components. Grasp the tire at the top and bottom and pivot it to detect movement in the wheel bearings or ball joint. Look for missing or torn rubber boots around the tie-rod ends and steering rack. Inspect the rack bushings and other rubber suspension bushings.

3. Inspect all four shock absorbers for signs of damage or leaks. Check the brake hoses and lines for signs of cracking, abrasions, or bulging.

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