Safety Warning
DIY auto repair can cause serious injury, fire, or vehicle damage. These guides are for informational purposes only. Always follow OEM torque specs, wear PPE, and consult a certified mechanic if you are unsure. You are solely responsible for your safety.
General Maintenance
- INSPECT STEERING LINKAGE & GEAR HOUSING
- Check the steering wheel free play (See ON-VEHICLE INSPECTION ).
- Check the steering linkage for looseness or damage.
- Check that the tie rod ends do not have excessive play.
- Check that the dust seals and boots are not damaged.
- Check that the boot clamps are not loose.
- Check that the steering gear housing is not damaged.
- Check that the connector are properly connected to the steering gear housing.
- INSPECT BALL JOINT AND DUST COVER
- Inspect the ball joints for excessive looseness.
- Jack up the front of the vehicle and place wooden blocks with a height of 180 to 200 mm (7.09 to 7.87 in.) under the front tires.
- Lower the vehicle until the front coil spring has about half its ordinary load. Place stands under the vehicle for safety.
- Check that the front wheels are pointing straight ahead. Use wheel chocks on all 4 wheels.
- Using a lever, pry up the end of the lower arm. Check the amount of play.
Maximum ball joint vertical play: 0 mm (0 in.)
If there is any play, replace the ball joint.
- Check the dust cover for damage.
- Inspect the ball joints for excessive looseness.
- INSPECT DRIVE SHAFT BOOTS
- Check the drive shaft boots for loose clamps, grease leakage, kinks or damage.
- CHECK TRANSAXLE FLUID
- Visually check the transmission for fluid leakage. If oil is leaking, find the cause and repair it.
- INSPECT TRANSFER OIL (4WD)
- Visually check the transfer for oil leakage. If oil is leaking, find the cause and repair it (See ON-VEHICLE INSPECTION ).
- INSPECT DIFFERENTIAL OIL (4WD)
(See DIFFERENTIAL OIL (FOR 4WD) )
- INSPECT FRONT AND REAR SUSPENSION REFERENCE CHART - FRONT AND REAR SUSPENSION INSPECTION - 1 Of 2
Type See procedures Front Suspension See ADJUSTMENT Rear Suspension (for 2WD) See ADJUSTMENT Rear Suspension (for 4WD) See ADJUSTMENT
Use the Manual With the Right Hardware
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When to See a Mechanic
Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:
- • You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
- • Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
- • The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
- • You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
- • You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.
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