Maintenance Inspection

There are a lot of write ups and discussion on changing fluids, greasing zerks, changing plugs, cleaning MAF, etc. for regular maintenance.

There is also a list of items that need to be inspected - ball joints, dust covers, brakes, lines, suspension bushings, tie rods, dust seals, steering gear housing oil, and so on. How do you inspect all of these and what do you look for that tells you they've gone bad?

Sorry to be extremely newb but since I'll be doing a lot of my own maintenance, I want to inspect the truck myself.

 

Every once in a while I'll drive without the radio to listen for random things squeeking or rubbing. With bearings and bushings, that's a quick way to tell if ones on it's way out or already gone. When you have the front end jacked up, try to shake the wheel without moving the truck to see if there's any play.

Park in the same spot if you can, concrete is best. That way you'll notice if there's an oil colored stain where you park and then you can search for the leak.

Most of the stuff you've listed, when they fail, you'll know it. It'll make a horrible sound that would be tough to ignore. The others, just give a visual inspection. Brake lines (metal) should be leak free, watch for rust eating them away, rubber lines should be flexible and free of cracking.