Four wheel drive trips can take many weeks planing and preparing your vehicle for the rigors of outback travel. Vehicle maintenance is essential for all vehicles weather it be Mum’s shopping run-about or Dad’s 4WD (or vice versa).
Where to begin
Following a 4WD trip it is a good idea to completely clean out the vehicle and to thoroughly clean it, both inside and out. Remove interior mats and carpet and wipe down interior surfaces which will probably have a coating of dust. Portable fridges should be wiped down any screws tightened and left to air.
Hose the vehicle down, paying particular attention to removing the accumulation of clay and mud from under guards, spinifex from the radiator and any other item that may have become wedged in the running gear under the vehicle. Wash the engine down with a commercial degreaser, or visit a service station that has a high pressure cleaner. Once clean it is time to get under the vehicle and check the differential, gearbox, and transfer case oil levels. Note any discoloration. If the trip involved extended periods in the water, there is every chance that water will have entered some of the drive line components. Using the recommended oil grade for the diffs, gearbox and transfer case replace them all with the correct amounts. To refill the transmission you made need an oil syringe which are available from most automotive shops . Most drain plugs can be undone with a socket or spanner and be easily drained. While underneath the vehicle grease the universal joints, drive shaft splines, steering arms and tie-rod ends. Check for any damage such as chassis cracks, frayed or twisted clutch or brake lines and hoses, Loose spring U-bolts, oil leaks brake cylinder leaks, and anything that looks out of the ordinary.
Post trip under vehicle check list
Springs: Check tightness of bolts, bent broken or missing center bolts. Condition of shackle rubbers, bent or damaged shackles, Twisted or distorted spring and main leaves. Shockers: Check fixed rubber bushes, sings of damage to outer casings, Sings of oil dampness, ie; indication of future failure. Brakes & Fuel Lines: Check for crushed, kinked or loose lines. Flexible hose, etc. for cracks and loose fittings. Sing of fluid or fuel seepage. Steering: Check for tie-rod for bends and damage. operation of steering dampers. Drive train: Check splines, universal joints and drive shafts for sings of damage (bends or dents). Front and rear diff housing for leaks at pinion and seals. Engine transmission: Check thoroughly for oil leaks around lower engine area, oil filter, front and rear oil seals. Same for gear box and transfer case seals.
