They are inflated for added payload capacity. Wheel BearingsWheel bearings must be well lubricated with wheel bearing grease only. Helper pneumatic 'bags are also used to assist heavy payloads while towing. Sway BarSway bars are also known as stabilizer bars, anti-sway bars or anti-roll bars. Balancing is done by adding lead weights to a pinpoint location on the wheel to counter-balance it. Synthetic Oil and Synthetic BlendsMost late-model truck manufacturers have specified using 5W30 synthetic motor oil. When you feel pulsing during braking, this indicates that your brake rotors are probably warped. They should be checked for wear just like the wheel bearings. The helper 'bags are inserted between the rear axle housing and frame rails. Sway bars are located at the front or rear or both front and rear. It's highly resistant to viscosity breakdown. Single-grade oils have 11 viscosity grades, such as 0W and 5W, and 20 and 30. Take the rotor(s) to your local automotive parts store or shop and have them turned. Water Wetter can reduce coolant temperatures up to 20 degrees, and it is compatible with new antifreeze. Idler ArmThe idler arm is the pivoting support for the steering linkage, and it consists of a rod that pivots on a bracket attached to the frame of the truck on one end and supports a ball joint on the other end. Under-sized brakes will cause excessive wear, heat and brake fade. They help eliminate suspension body roll when cornering.
Reading the ground strap will indicate the heat range condition of the spark plug. Truck tires should be rotated every 5,000 miles. The synthetic oil flows more easily in cold weather without loss of prime when the oil is cold. The suspension components of you truck are constantly being worked under load and stress. Diesel engines rely on compression to raise the temperature of the air to a point where the diesel will combust spontaneously when introduced to hot high pressure air. Also high mileage on the bushings will cause them to wear out.Fuel delivery systems are much improved by electronic fuel injection (EFI). These numbers are referred to as the "weight" of the single grade motor oil. The opposite end is enclosed in a lever, the torsion key, and mounted perpendicularly to the bar that is attached to a suspension lower control arm. Dry cell batteries are high current car/truck audio power cells. The pivot holes of the upper and lower control arm ball joints and steering tie rods should be checked for any play or hole elongation (oval shape) of the steering knuckle/ball joint hole. A worn ball joint in a Pitman arm will cause play in the steering wheel and progressively get worse. The ideal mark continues to the beginning of the bend of the ground strap. Over InflationOver inflating a tire will cause the tread footprint to crown or convex, causing the center of the tread to be higher than the shoulders, making the center of the tread wear more rapidly than the shoulders. If the idler arm is fitted with grease fittings, they should be lubricated with a grease gun during each oil change. Centrifugal force is multiplied the further the outer wheel/tire rotating mass is from the wheel's center axis. Engine Fluids OilOil is graded in different weights of viscosity (thickness). But they all identify dimensions and performance standards that allow you to compare tires more accurately and efficiently. Lubricating oil creates a film between surfaces of abutting, moving parts to minimize direct contact, decreasing heat caused by friction and reducing wear of internal components.
Torsion BarOne end of a long metal bar is attached to the truck's frame.It's one thing to own and drive a bad-ass truck or SUV, but it's just as important to keep that bad-ass-looking truck or SUV running and performing at its optimum potential. It's best to check under cool conditions before driving. A normal spark plug should burn with a brown or light gray color. EFI works fairly simply and the system is divided in three categories: fuel delivery system, air-induction system and the electronic control unit. These systems have less restriction than the factory units, meaning increased flow rate and velocity. Vibration tends to break down the vertical lead plates inside the casing and these batteries have to be mounted vertically.Air IntakeTo improve airflow into the throttle body, install an aftermarket air intake system. Spark Plugs (Gas)Change spark plugs between 50,000-100,00 miles. Brake FluidBrake fluid should be changed every two years, and if you tow regularly, every year. Doing so will give your truck optimal torque power up to 15 percent and improve fuel mileage. Check the weights to make sure they have not come off the wheel. The number and letters may appear to be confusing at first glance. The heat that is generated by the glow plugs is directed into the cylinders, warming up the engine block immediately surrounding the cylinders.High Mileage oils tend to be of a thicker viscosity and treat and condition seals and prevents leaks. The control arms, spindles, rearend and axle housing are supported by springs. If the gap is not set correctly, it will affect the spark burn of the air/fuel mixture. Larger wheels and tires will add increased rotating mass that will affect acceleration and braking. Control Arm BushingsWorn control arm bushings are mostly caused by misalignment of the front suspension.
Radial tires must be rotated front to back on each side of the truck only. Pitman ArmThe Pitman arm is a linkage attached to the steering box that converts the angular motion of the steering or sector shaft into linear motion necessary to steer the front wheels. More air entering the engine increases the efficiency of the combustion process, creating more horsepower and torque. Adding Water Wetter reduces or eliminates bubbles or vapor barrier that form on hot metal surfaces in the cooling system. When tightening lug nuts always tighten in a crisscross pattern. Coolant or Antifreeze Change it every three years or 30,000 miles. Glow Plug (Diesel)Instead of spark plugs, diesels use a heating device called a glow plug to help the engine start. Check the electrode and ground strap to see how they are burning the fuel. A ball joint will make loud noises when it begins to wear out; the noises start out as minor clicks felt in the steering wheel, which then increase to loud thumps and clunks as the ball joint continues to wear. Wheels and TiresAfter mounting your wheels and tires always have them spun-balanced to ensure proper wear. The spring action is controlled by shock absorbers. TiresProper tire inflation pressure is very important to a tire's wear and life expectancy. The air filters can be cleaned and reused. BalancingAfter they're properly mounted, make sure the wheels and tires are spun-balanced to obtain maximum tread wear. If the mark is just cosmetic cream jar Manufacturers at the tip of the electrode, it's also too cool. If you use your truck to tow a boat, check them more often because water can cause the grease to break down and attract contaminants and rust. SuspensionThe truck frame is the carrying component that supports the engine/transmission, body and interior, which in turn are supported by the truck's suspension. If you feel any movement or play in the tire, check the wheel bearings. Installing larger bakes, calipers, brake pads and rotors will give you much greater braking performance; more gripping surface means increased stopping power. When rotating tires always check for tread wear and tire pressure. Never finish tightening with an impact gun. BatteryYour truck's battery is a vital component of the electronic power and charging system. BrakesWhen installing larger wheels and tires it's a good idea to install larger brake calipers and rotors. To check their condition, grab the tire from the top backside and pull and push it back and forth. Change belts every 100,000 miles; it's good practice to save used belts in your truck, just in case.Keeping a maintenance log book can help you organize your service scheduling by recording your mileage between changes in powertrain fluid, oil/filter, coolant, transmission/screen, differential, power steering and brake fluid. The vertical action of the wheel suspension travel causes the torsion bar to twist on its own axis and is resisted by the bar's torsion resistance.Under InflationUnder inflation causes the tread footprint to concave, causing the outside shoulders to wear more rapidly than the center of the tread. It is important to maintain and service your truck on a regular basis. Synthetics can also go longer between oil changes. It also provides continuous high pump output. Recheck the gap between the electrode and ground strap with a gap gauge.Ball JointsBall joints hold the front suspension together by linking the suspension's steering knuckles to the control arms, allowing the wheel and suspension to sway and move as the truck is moving and turning. Making upgrades will improve performance, comfort and safety. Other important consumable items to check under the hood are fuel filter, fuel pump, belts and hoses, which are vital to your vehicle's operation. If the annealing mark continues the entire length of the ground strap, it's too cold. When the electrical current is activated, the glow plug heating element heats up due to its electrical resistance.
The lightweight fluid avoids power loss, or drag, on the engine and helps prevent high-temperature steering fade and effortful steering at low temperatures. A common symptom of a worn ball joint is uneven tire wear do to suspension misalignment. Glow plugs have the same characteristics as a toaster. Steering KnuckleThe steering knuckle contains the wheel hub or spindle and attaches to the suspension components' upper and lower control arms. The Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) developed a numerical code system for grading engine oils according to their viscosity characteristics. It also reduces cylinder head temperatures. Under the HoodEngineToday's engines with less cubic inch displacement are producing more torque and horsepower and are getting better fuel mileage than the larger cubic inch displacement engines of the past. Numbers 0, 5, 10, 15 and 25 are labeled "W" which designates "winter" and is used for cold winter starts. Air FilterYour driving conditions on and off-road will dictate the longevity of the air filter.. You may also hear excessive tire noise when turning or feel clunking from the steering wheel when you step on the brake. When you change the distributor cap and rotor, it is best to change the ignition wires. Ignition Wires and Coil CablesIt is essential to maintain ignition wires and check them periodically. Increasing wheel/tire combinations creates a greater rotating mass. This means that it takes more torque to begin the wheel/tire rotation and more braking energy to stop the increased rotating mass, causing standard size factory brakes to wear faster. In the custom truck world, we have seen pneumatic (air) 'bags or air spring systems that are use to achieve lower than low ride height and static dropped stances. You might just need to tighten the wheel bearing castle nut, or they might need to be replaced. When going with a larger wheel/tire combination it's a good idea to install larger diameter brake rotors and calipers.Power SteeringPower steering fluid improves wear protection, resists thermal breakdown, evaporation and foaming of fluid. Engine BeltsCheck belts regularly, both separate belts and serpentine belt, for dryness, cracking, cuts, shredding or delamination. Brake RotorsBrake rotor warping is caused by extreme heat due to over-braking. When you replace the worn bushings make sure to get the front suspension realigned. Sidewall 411Your tire's sidewall includes a variety of vital information.
The SAE designation for multi-grade oils includes two viscosity grades, the most common of which is 10W-30. Check with the wheel manufacturer for proper torque specs. The conventional lead acid batteries have been used in the automotive industry for many years. Ignition wires are susceptible to engine heat under the hood. Tie Rod EndsWhen you feel a lot of play in the steering wheel before the tire begins to turn, it's likely that the rod ends are worn. It's a good idea to check the wheel bearings every time you rotate the tires. If the ground strap shows an annealing (heat) mark where the ground strap changes color, it's too hot. These deep cycle power cells produce 600-3,800 watts of power and can also be mounted in non-vertical positions. Hub BearingsLike a wheel bearing, the hub bearing also supports the weight of the truck. Another symptom is excessive drifting from side to side while driving straight.