Repair 7

Routine Fluid Checks and Preventative Maintenance

The differential allows the drive wheels in your 2WD or 4WD car, truck or SUV to turn at different speeds. Proper lubrication of the gears is imperative for the safe and optimum performance of your vehicle. Checking the rear differential fluid every 15,000 miles for a "gummy" consistency will prevent costly repairs and can even extend the life of your drive-wheel tires.

Todays Vehicles Are Designed for Low Maintenance

Todays automobiles last longer. Technology has given them more sophisticated engineering, cleaner-burning fluids and low-maintenance designs. Frequently checking the differential fluid is unnecessary because of these advances. Checking the fluid during 30,000- and 60,000-mile maintenance visits is more than adequate--with a complete fluid change at 90,000 miles.

Bottom Line

While preventative maintenance is the key to the life of your vehicle, you can avoid spending unnecessary time by simply checking the fluid during each oil change. If you have an older vehicle that is used for towing heavy loads long distances, checking the fluid every 15,000 miles or so is recommended. If you are driving a newer vehicle--one that is five years old or less--a check of the fluid during 30,000- and 60,000-mile maintenance visits will suffice.

Turning a brake rotor is a process in which a machinist smoothes the surfaces of the rotor that is contacted by the brake pads. Consumers should understand when a brake rotor can and cannot be turned, as well as the advantages of turning the rotors.

When Rotors Cant Be Turned

Brake rotors should only be turned when the rotor can be smoothed but stay within manufacturers specifications. Most brake rotors will have the minimum thickness measurement stamped into the rotor. The information is also available in service manuals. Rotors with deep cracks should be replaced and not turned.

When Rotors Need Turning

Rotors do not need to be turned on a regular basis, but only when the rotor is showing signs of damage. Brake pads that were not replaced in a timely manner may cut deep grooves into the surface of a rotor. The rotor may also wear unevenly, resulting in a wavy surface. Brake rotors may also corrode, leaving the surface rough. All of these problems can be corrected by turning a rotor.

Advantages of Turned Rotors

The primary reason to turn rotors is to save money, as turning a rotor is less expensive than replacing it. Properly turned rotors will have a smooth surface that will improve braking distance, reduce brake noise and vibration, and increase brake pad life.

The Tongue Weight

The tongue weight is the downward force that the tongue of the trailer applies to the hitch of the tow vehicle. This will affect the height of your trailer hitch, and it should be 10 to 15 percent of the total trailer weight.

Gross Towing Weight

Gross towing weight is the weight of a fully loaded trailer. Distributing the weight on the trailer will adjust the tongue weight and height of the trailer hitch. Sixty percent of the load should be on the trailer floor in front of the axle.

Bottom Line

Trailer hitch height from the ground should be around 15 to 18 inches. This can be adjusted with the tongue weight and gross towing weight. The tongue weight must be in balance for a safe towing vehicle.

There is no room in your hydraulic power steering system for air. If you dont bleed your power steering of air, your power steering is almost useless because the system cant compress the air like it would power steering fluid.

Effects

If your steering becomes difficult, or your vehicle makes noise when you steer, there may be air in the power steering system. Making turns or parallel parking will usually make these issues more noticeable.

Causes

Low power steering fluid may be the problem. However, filling the power steering reservoir may only fix the problem temporarily. If there is a leak in the system somewhere, your fluid level will just drop again and the problem will return.

Considerations

If you recently changed any part of the power steering system, such as the pump or pressure hose, you probably want to bleed the system. In most cars, this is an easy process, but you may want to hire a professional.