Hey guys, What prep work would you do to a VR commodore before a long run? I will be driving approximately 11,000kms in 9 days with a light weight trailer. Ive recently done a service including oil/oil filter, power steering fluid, coolant, brake fluid, fuel filter, air filter, fan belt, spark plugs as well as new heavy duty battery, clucth, brakes, rotors, tyres, suspension, radiator, water pump, alternator, fuel pump, coil pack, leads, heater tap and exhaust. Apart from a fuel pump issue im trying to sort out at the moment, the car has been running very well. The car has done 140,000kms. Question is, do i need to change/fix/inspect things like wheel bearings, diff, drive shaft, engine compression etc? what else could break in a car of this age? Ive checked for error codes and nothing is reported (apart from code 12, which is normal). The car doesnt blow any smoke, doesnt appear to be using any oils and starts easily/runs smooth. Ill be taking my tools as well as spare fan belt, water pump, jump starter battery, jerry can + fuel, oil and things like flash light, drinking water, GPS etc. Would just like some advice before i get out on the open road. Cheers
To be honest, youve nailed everything you would need to do! You could do a compression test, would only reveal blown H/Gasket or Worn Rings. Its normally the high use things, ie. Cooling Systems, Spark, Belt etc. You seem pretty on the ball with prevention management! Nice work aZk. EDIT: Have you done a transmission service? the extra load of the tralier will effect it.
Yeah your right on the money there. I would check the front wheel bearings like you suggested, the passenger side is prone to wear out first. When mine went I just had to keep on driving until I got to a Holden dealer. And that was around the 140,000km mark...
Cheers, I try to fix things before they brake Its a manual transmission, what do i need to check? When i had the clutch done they replaced things like thrust bearing, gaskets etc and i assume (i should probably check though) that they checked the oil etc. Is there a guide on how to do this? I might have a look around the forum for some instructions... I havnt had to do it before, does it require special tools? Thanks for the replies, Errol
I'd consider changing the gearbox oil if you dont know when it was last done, but that isnt going to spoil your trip Only other thing I would consider is change all radiator & heater hoses, or keep spares of each with you
Yeah mate, a easy method is jack up the passenger side and grab the top and bottom of the tyre and see if it's got any play in it...To replace it you will need a Allen key set, and a open ender for the brake caliper as far as I know. It would pay to buy a Gregory's Manual for you travels. (Can't remember if it's in there but should be, it's a Good Holden Owners Bible Lifesaver anyhow.) When my front hub bearing went it was really noisy on the road especially going 60km...And I think I could feel it through the steering. I just went to Holden and got the last and only one they had and drove to my granny's and ripped out the old one and put the new one in no time.
