I'm doing the manual suggested 45k maintenance, and it dictates "inspection " of the following:

Tie Rod Ends
Steering Gear Box and Boots
Suspension Components
Driveshaft Boots
Brake Hoses/Lines
Exhaust System
Fuel Lines
Underbody

I looked and... "Lo & behold, everything IS there!!!"

What should I be looking for during these "Inspections?"

 

Tie Rod Ends - check for excessive play and wear

Steering Gear Box and Boots - again, check for play and wear on the boots.

Suspension Components - Your tires should be included in this check. Check your power steering hoses. Check your shocks/struts and springs. Check wheel bearings. Check ball joints.

Driveshaft Boots - looks for rips and tears. I think there is a recommended interval to service these, but I'm not 100% sure.

Brake Hoses/Lines - pretty self-explanatory what to look for here.

Exhaust System - same. Make sure there are no cracks. Make sure all the hangars are sturdy.

Fuel Lines - inspect for dry rotting lines. Make sure everything is secure.

Underbody - Look over all of the bushings under your car. Look for rust or rotting spots in the chassis and suspension. Anything that looks out of place and you are unsure of, have a certified mechanic look at it for you.

 

Thanks a lot for the thorough reply. I'll put it to good use.

 

Thanks blue, thats really useful cause I need to those things as well.

 

Good luck checking the power steering hoses...

 

someone with initiative should make a DIY for the 45k maint with pictures included. Pictures of what to look for (bad things) would also be great.

I would do it but i'm at work, but maybe later if no one beats me to it.

 

What's so bad about the power steering hoses? Am I missing something...?

 

I was thinking the same but you beat me to it


There are no hoses, it's electrically assisted steering. You can check the wires

 

very, very useful, will go and do that this coming weekend on mine, having covered 82,000 miles!

 

we have electric power steering assist.

no hydraulic lines to check