When purchasing a 4WD vehicle, it is essential to inspect it thoroughly before buying. An inspection can help you identify any potential issues that need to be addressed before committing to the purchase. Whether you are looking for a used 4WD vehicle or you are interested in purchasing a new one, you must be aware of its overall condition.
There is no need to worry if you do not know where to start. We have listed a few pointers below that may help you along the way.
The Bearings
Wheel bearing failure can be detected with a trained ear. The recognisable grinds, squeals, and wails never add up to something positive. However, in order for the normal person to inspect these components, the vehicle must first be raised using a jack or hoist. You can locate movement by moving the wheel back and forth towards the chassis. You can also locate noises by spinning the wheel in the opposite direction.
The Dust Ingestion
Due to frequent dust absorption in some four-wheel drive vehicles, worn turbochargers and a variety of engines may require complete rebuilding or replacement. Any dust that can be seen on the opposite, clean side of the air filter is cause for concern and ought to be looked into further. Once the dust has penetrated an engine, the engine is said to be “dusted,” and this can cause excessive wear on the cylinders, which leads to low compression, increased oil consumption, and decreased performance.
The Exhaust Gas Recirculation
Another common problem is the accumulation of soot in the exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) system that leads to blocked inlet manifolds. It can be difficult to identify this on the kerb of someone’s property, but common indicators include poor power and abundant black smoke. A time-efficient procedure may correct and get everything back in functioning order. This is additional good news, as your mechanic’s flat rate or hourly rate might also drive up your costs.
The Fuel Injectors
Fuel injectors are standard equipment for all common rail diesel engines. They are susceptible to wear and tear just like every other component of the engine, and as a result, they will eventually need to be replaced. The cost to replace one of these injectors is typically close to $400. This can be a significant financial burden. Bearing in mind that your engine has a certain number of cylinders, you should use the same number of injectors. Test them out whenever you could to avoid any inconveniences in the foreseeable future.
The Oil
Dirty or contaminated gear oils are hard to rule out without first performing a comprehensive checkup, but having them inspected is still a good idea. Metal, water and dirt, or even the use of the wrong lubricants, can reveal a great deal about the history of the vehicle.
The Condition of the Panel
While we all wish for honesty from car sellers and dealers all the time, it is still a good idea to check for recent panel maintenance or fresh paint. Remember that not all repairs are beneficial, as it can be challenging to identify quality fixes that are unlikely to cause problems in the future. There’s a good reason why people still use the magnet method over the panels.
Most vehicles involved in a significant collision are considered total losses by their insurance companies and cannot be repaired. But, with older vehicles, sloppy repairs made to cover up corrosion or dents that have become bogged down can very rapidly become visible again and bring the new owner a lot of grief.
On the inside of the car, taking a peek beneath the cabin seals and factory plastic trims might provide you with information about the previous owner’s driving history and the quality of the aftermarket electrical work done on the vehicle.
The CV Joints and Swivel Hubs
Leaking swivel hubs are easily identified by the apparent oil and grease residue leaking externally on the swivel hub; a visual check can generally pick this out. Moreover, keep an eye out for recent pressure cleaning of this area.
By performing a visual inspection of CV (Constant Velocity) Boots, you will be able to identify any grease splatter that may be present on the boot or in the surrounding region. The purpose of the boot is to maintain lubrication and cleanliness within the joint. If these are damaged in any way, it is a sign that the CV Joint itself may have sustained additional damage. Keep in mind that each drive shaft has two boots attached to it.
Try the four-wheel drive high range and check out the low range as you’re looking at other models of four-wheel drive automobiles. If you pay attention to the sounds it makes, you can quickly tell whether it is performing as it should or has been damaged. Locate a local gravel dirt road that has tight U-turns. These U-turns will put a load on the four-wheel drive system and cause it to make loud clicking noises if the CV Joints have been damaged.
Turns to the left and right made at low speeds might also generate noises from the suspension system. It is also a good time to test out any aftermarket differential lockers that the car may have if it has any of those installed. Also, while you’re out and about, be sure to take some time to check the condition of your brakes.
The Uni Joints
As was previously indicated, there are many regions that are simpler to evaluate when the car is lifted, and universal joints are included in this category. You can determine whether or not the universal joint has excessive play by physically adjusting it with your hands. Dry universal joints have the propensity to generate a screaming noise, and they can also cause the car to vibrate in an unexpected way. It would not be ideal to travel on a weekend trip with a broken Universal Joint; thus, having a mechanic assist you with this matter would be a good idea.
Conclusion
Inspecting a 4WD vehicle prior to purchase is a crucial step in ensuring that you’re buying a reliable and safe vehicle. All 4WD vehicles have certain components that require special attention, such as suspension, brakes, engine, transmission, and tyres.
Additionally, other notable things to look out for include checking for rust, inspecting interior components, and examining the vehicle’s paperwork. Taking the time to inspect a 4WD vehicle before a purchase can save you a lot of time and money in the long run.
If you wish to undergo a 4WD car inspection in Sydney and all the major suburbs, look no further than our services here at GPS Vehicle Inspections Australia. We are Sydney’s #1 car inspection service with more than 25 years of experience, and we provide mobile services all over Sydney, Wollongong and Blue Mountains. Book your inspection today and get the comprehensive report within 24 hours of the inspection.
