4WD CLUB

ATOC Workshop visit maintenance discussion day

 

 

Dates

Saturday 13th August 2011

 

Event Organiser

Vince Bosua & Aaron Carlton

 

Attendances

 

 

 

Visitors *

 

Aaron Carlton - host

Vince Bosua - Prado

Neil West - Landcruiser

Ian Day - Hummer

Brian McLean & sons - Nissan

Kate McCracken & Roy Anderson - Nissan

Ken Good, Amanda & Mick - Nissan

Dave Sidebottom – Nissan

 

 

Another good roll-up for the vehicle maintenance discussion and workshop tour. A great THANK YOU to Aaron for making his time and facility available to us for the half day session. The ATOC workshop facility is an impressive show of what an effective workspace should be congratulations on your workshops presentation Aaron!

 

  

 

 

The session started with Aaron talking about the common preventative actions vehicle owners can undertake and the importance of knowing the service history of the vehicle. When was the oil changed out, how long since the bearings were re-packed, where has the vehicle been, etc. The importance of having a good mechanic do the servicing so they understand the vehicle and understand the model/brand types and their related issues could not be overstated to ensure ongoing reliability.

 

Aaron took the time to discuss each members vehicle on the hoist and pointing out not only the maintenance things to undertake as part of 4wd ownership, but also the common things that cause problems and the importance of regular and proper preventative maintenance. Each vehicle had some generally small defects highlighted with owners jotting down a list of items to be looked at or rectified.

 

Although there were a number of Nissans in attendance, the range of engine types and models made for interesting comparison and highlighted some unique items for each vehicle model.

 

 

All members were pleased to have had the opportunity to see under their vehicle and receive first hand some advice on what should, could or must be addressed to keep their vehicle in working order. Some received more advice than others and some had timely issues pointed out that could affect vehicle stability or control.

 

 

 

 

Neil received some advice regarding a crack in his front end mount which will see him back to his mechanic before heading off across the Nullabor in 2 weeks time (very timely!). Sid was heard making arrangements with Aaron to rectify a tail-shaft issue (in back to front) and some coil spring mounts starting to show signs of cracking, using some of Aarons replacement coil spring mounts units. Half the Nissan owners will be arranging replacements to their front bump-stops (a common problem).

 

Aaron pointed out the lack of sealing that occurs between Nissan Air Box and the Snorkel fitting inside the mudguard panel. Ken, Brian and Roy were shown the problem on their vehicles. As the airbox is rubber mounted, flexing causes the joint through the inner guard wall to not seal effectively.

 

Aaron also discussed the importance of engaging the lock position of Nissans Automatic front hubs when undertaking any off road activity. This ensures you have full engagement when driving rearwards and prevents any costly replacement (currently about $800) should the unit fail through lack of use in off road conditions. The auto function is more intended for occasional off dirt usage such as across grassy areas etc.

 

A great day, lots of information, many ideas exchanged, great knowledge provided on Nissan & Toyota vehicles, and a detailed knowledge of specific vehicle parts and replacement products. (What was that diff bolt part number again??)

 

 

From all the members that attended, again a great big THANK YOU Aaron.

 

 

Report by Vince Bosua