Table of contents: Instruments and electrical equipment ↓ Suspension and steering ↓ Engine and chassis ↓ Checking the brakes ↓
Instruments and electrical equipment
1. Check the operation of all control and measuring instruments and electrical equipment.
2. Make sure that the instrument readings are correct, check the operation of all consumers, turning them on one by one.
Suspension and steering
1. Note all signs of abnormal steering, suspension, vehicle handling, and check how the vehicle "holds the road."
2. While driving, pay attention to any noises and vibrations that appeared that were not present before.
3. Check the smoothness of the steering, note any "jerky" or stiffness that you feel when turning the steering wheel. Note any noises that occur when driving on a bumpy road.
Engine and chassis
1. Check the traction qualities of the engine and the operation of the clutch (on cars with manual transmission), transmission, differential and axle shafts.
2. Note any unusual noises that occur when the engine is running, when the clutch is engaged/disengaged, and when the transmission is operating.
[Data taken from this portal: NISSANBOOK]
3. Check the stability of the engine at idle speed, the absence of dips and jerks during acceleration.
4. Check the operation of the clutch - the pedal should move smoothly over its entire travel length, without sticking, the car should move off without jerking, and the pedal travel should be normal. Listen to the sounds made when the clutch is disengaged.
5. On cars with a manual transmission, check that the gears are engaged completely, smoothly and quietly; the gearshift control lever should move smoothly and be clearly fixed when the gear is engaged.
6. On cars with automatic transmission, check the smoothness of gear changes and the absence of jerks. The engine speed should not increase between gear changes. With the car stationary, check the precision of the gear selector locking in all positions. If any defects are detected, contact the car service.
7. While driving slowly in a circle with the steering wheel turned all the way, check for metal-on-metal clicks coming from the front of the car. Turn the steering wheel all the way the other way and listen again. If you hear metallic clicks, the axle joint is worn out. In this case, the axle shaft assembly with the CV joints should be replaced.
Checking the brakes
1. Check the uniformity of braking - when you press the brake pedal, the car should not pull to the side. When you press the brake pedal sharply, the wheels should not lock prematurely.
2. There should be no vibration in the steering wheel when braking.
3. Check the operation of the handbrake. The wheels should lock with a relatively small lever stroke. The handbrake should hold the car securely on the slope.
4. Check the operation of the brake booster as follows: With the engine off, press the brake pedal 4-5 times to let air in, then, without removing your foot from the pedal, start the engine.
5. After starting the engine, the pedal should move forward slightly in response to the increase in vacuum in the booster. Stop the engine after two minutes. If you now press the brake pedal again, you should hear a hissing sound from the booster. After 4-5 presses of the brake pedal, the hissing should stop and you should feel increased resistance.