4WD trucks are revered for their ability to traverse even the most difficult of terrains. But even these powerful off-roading vehicles can break down, and when they do, you need to be aware of what might be the cause of the problem. Here are 3 reasons to have your 4WD truck serviced.
Chassis issues
If the chassis of your 4WD truck has suffered from severe beating over the lifespan of the vehicle, it could be a source of problems. Chassis outriggers usually get cracked when they are subjected to hard driving, overloading, and disregard. In these inclement cases, the chassis outriggers will affect the performance of the mainframe of your truck. What is more, metallic chassis components may eventually catch rust when exposed to wet climates. Most rust attacks will take place on the underside of your vehicle, which is part of the chassis.
Therefore, you should protect vulnerable areas with some rustproofing material. If corrosion has already happened, the affected surfaces will need to be cleaned and smoothed. After that, the metal will need to be protected by applying rustproofing paint or an extra rubber-based coating.
Vacuum leaks
Given that 4WD trucks require vacuum lines to work, the presence of a fluid leak in the lines can culminate in drivetrain failure. The vacuum switch is a common soft spot for leakage because they contain seals that can become loose over time. Most often, leaks can be spotted on the front ball joints, under the bonnet, or on the surface on which the car is parked. Vacuum leaks originating from seals located inside the vacuum switch can cause failure of the interlocking hub to engage or disengage from the dashboard of your truck. To fix the problem, the switch will need to be removed, disassembled and cleaned up.
Locking hub problems
The most notorious malfunction often experienced here is a failure of the hub to lock or unlock. The presence of rust, mud or faulty components inside the hub can make it impossible for the front wheels to engage onto or disengage from the front axles.
When your locking hub is faulty, it may generate some grinding noises when you attempt to shift gears. But that is not always the case and you might not be forewarned of any problem until you are stuck in deep mud and find out your front wheels aren't turning. Typically, more frequent hub maintenance is required for four by four trucks because they are often used for off-road driving.
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