Introduction

General information This Chapter is designed to help the home mechanic maintain his/her vehicle for safety, economy, long life and peak performance.

The Chapter contains a master maintenance schedule, followed by Sections dealing specifically with each task on the schedule. Visual checks, adjustments, component renewal and other helpful items are included. Refer to the accompanying illustrations of the engine compartment and the underside of the vehicle for the locations of the various components.

Servicing of your vehicle in accordance with the mileage/time maintenance schedule and the following Sections will provide a planned maintenance program, which should result in a long and reliable service life. This is a comprehensive plan, so maintaining some items but not others at the specified service intervals will not produce the same results.

As you service your vehicle, you will discover that many of the procedures can - and should - be grouped together because of the particular procedure being performed, or because of the close proximity of two otherwise unrelated components to one another. For example, if the vehicle is raised for any reason, the exhaust can be inspected at the same time as the suspension and steering components.

The first step in this maintenance program is to prepare yourself before the actual work begins. Read through all the Sections relevant to the work to be carried out, then make a list and gather together all the parts and tools required. If a problem is encountered, seek advice from a parts specialist, or a dealer service department.

    See also:

    Brake components check (Every 36 000 miles or 3 years)
    1 Inspect the thickness of the friction linings on the disc pads and brake shoes (as described earlier in this Chapter) at the intervals specified. 2 The rigid and flexible hydraulic pipes and ho ...

    Flywheel/driveplate - removal, inspection and refitting
    Note: New flywheel securing bolts must be used on refitting. 1.8 litre (R2A type) 1 Refer to Section 26, Chapter 2, Part A but also note the following points. 2 The flywheel/driveplate securing b ...

    Engine dismantling, examination, renovation and reassembly - general information
    Dismantling 1 It is best to mount the engine on a dismantling stand but if this is not available, stand the engine on a strong bench at a comfortable working height. Failing this, it will have to ...