Basic Chassis and Running gear

It is a good idea to learn some of the parts of the chassis and running gear so that you prepare the vehicle for the rigors of the outback,so that you don’t end up at the side of the road in some desolate part of the country.Hopefully by doing some basic preparation it may save you from this trauma.

The wheel bearings are a very commonly overlooked part of the cars running gear and are often the cause of vehicle brake downs in outback areas.Heat,wear and lack of lubrication prove a fatal combination for wheel bearings.A simple regrease and re-tension will,in most cases prevent this from happening.If they are beyond repair they are a relatively cheap part to replace.If when you jack up the vehicle up there is excessive movement when the wheel is moved outwards with a limited degree of force then this is an indication that the wheel bearings are worn or need re-packing.Another indication of worn bearings is a grinding noise which may emanate from the offending wheel.This may only be evident at a certain speed or whilst turning a corner in a certain direction.

Shock absorbers have an important role to play in the handling and ride comfort of the vehicle.Since you are planning a long trip it is a good idea to check the condition of the ones on the car you have purchased or are considering purchasing.Typically a car with worn shock absorbers will rebound over bumps in the road surface and will continue bouncing after the bumps.Braking and cornering are also affected by worn shock absorbers.It may not be within your budget to replace the shock absorbers,so if you can get a good used set then these may have to suffice.