"BJ" (benjamin-bignell)
09/04/2015 at 20:46 • Filed to: None
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"BJ" (benjamin-bignell)
09/04/2015 at 20:46 • Filed to: None | 1
| 4 |
I have some doubts about my front brakes, so I took some time this morning to check them out. The left looked good, but the flex hose has some damage and needs to be replaced.
On both sides the boots on the steering rods (tie rods?) are dark with fluid. Is this power steering fluid, something to worry about?
On the right side, the pads look good but they’re flaking. I suspect that this caliper is partly seized - a common problem with this truck - could it be overheating that caused this?
And finally, I did a headlight restauration with a cheap $15 Turtle Wax kit. After 20 minutes, I had a clean headlamp case that was “good enough”.
Before:
During:
After:
I also cleaned the newer headlight casing on the other side with the clarifying goop, looks good!
And finally, my smashed front skid. I can’t wait for the new RCI skids to arrive!
That’s it. The truck is in good shape for 10 years in Quebec.
JGrabowMSt
> BJ
09/05/2015 at 11:05 |
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Get braided steel brake flex lines. Pricey, but will not fail over something so small.
Also, control arm bushings look like they’re finished.
As for the inner tie rod, have you ever done anything with the power steering? It could be nothing, it could be some other fluid, or it could even be a leaky seal on the ends of the rack. More investigation required.
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BJ
> JGrabowMSt
09/05/2015 at 14:44 |
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SS lines are on the menu. There are 6 to replace on the truck, will be worth it.
For the control arm bushings, you might be right. I didn’t notice any movement or noise while driving.
When I do the brakes I’ll take a look at the steering rack. I haven’t worked on it at all.
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JGrabowMSt
> BJ
09/05/2015 at 23:50 |
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In my experiences, control arm bushings dont really ever make noise until theyre practically rotted away.
Ball joints clunk when bad, sway bar links clunk as well, but much louder.
When you switch over to SS brake lines, keep an eye on the reservoir and the pedal feel. If anything is funky, bleed the brakes again until its normal. In one extreme case, Ive seen the booster and reservoir begin to leak after switching the lines over. The excess pressure had nowhere to go, so it went backwards to the top end.
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BJ
> JGrabowMSt
09/06/2015 at 07:59 |
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Thanks for the tips!