Virtual Mechanic

Power Steering – Fluid Level
Checking the power steering level is an easy task. You need to check 2 things with the power steering. 1: that the power steering fan belt is in good condition and that there’s no squeaking on a full lock or a high pitched screech and 2: that the power steering fluid is not descending. If you find that the fluid is descending over a period of time, say, a week or a month, you have a serious leak. Power steering fluid leaking can be serious. Please note that it is a highly flammable fluid just like transmission fluid. If you do notice that the fluid is descending you need to have that leak repaired ASAP to prevent any damage or a possible underbonnet fire.

Engine – Oil Leaks – Rear Main Seal
 PURPOSE
The rear main seal is at the rear of the crankshaft, sealing the oil inside the engine and preventing it from leaking outside the rear of the crankshaft. The rear main seal is designed to last at least 100,000kms. Unfortunately, with a longitudinal motor, rear main seals may only last 60,000-80,000kms.

THINGS TO LOOK FOR

When checking for oil leaks it’s always good to check underneath the vehicle around the rear of the engine, making sure it is around the rear main seal and not around the top of the head. Sometimes a leaking rocket cover gasket may be the cause, if after replacing the rear main seal, there is still oil leaking. The best way to check any seal is to give the engine a complete steam clean but be very careful not to spray the steam around any ignition componentry or carburettor as this will affect the ignition system and also may cause a non start.

IS IT EXPENSIVE TO REPAIR?

The rear main seal itself costs around $15.00 but the labour can cost around $350.00 as it can be a full day’s job with some vehicles, because either the engine or the transmission has to come out, to replace the seal. Some rear main seals may cost $700.00 depending on the type of seal fitted. It may be a sealed unit or a wick seal. A wick seal is the worst seal because it is very difficult to fit and to ensure that there is no leaking.

Engine Immobilizer – Remote
Checking the remote immobiliser operation is easy. The most important thing is that if you have 2 of these units interchange them each week as they may have a rechargeable operation around the ignition assembly. If you find that the battery is becoming a little flat or that the actual mechanism itself is quite loose or not working every time, get this inspected and rectified ASAP. There is nothing more frustrating than the immobiliser not working and not being able to start the vehicle because of that little component that seems so insignificant but which can cause a major breakdown just when you’re in a hurry to catch the 6 o’clock news!

Ignition System – Key Operation
Ignition key operation. When you notice that this humble little key becomes a little bit worn you want to go to your favourite locksmith to get another key cut. This is a bad mistake! A lot of ignition key problems originate with a new key. If you have to replace that ignition key you need to replace the locket barrel at the same time. This will prevent the ignition barrel from locking up. 
 
 More information On Basic Car Maintenance CD Rom

Electrical System – Horn

Checking the horn operation may seem like an easy task. The most important thing about the horn is that it works when you want to get someone out of the way. It’s no good if you have to wiggle the horn switch or knob to get it to operate. It must work all the time because those pedestrians, they need to hear that horn if they want to get out of the way!