Category: Maintenance

  • Are Mechanics Lug Nut Challenged?

    The lug nuts that came with them are an acorn style nut. They’re a bit longer have a metal cap enclosing the end. It turns out the extra depth is necessary because the mounting holes on the wheels are recessed. They’re pretty deep. The length is needed so that there’s enough surface area of the…

  • Maintenance, Repair, and Upgrades: The Whisky’s 2023 Saga – Part 5

    Another Rubicon trip was in the books. In spite of the drag link failure, the locker failure, and a yet to be diagnosed issue on the way back down the mountain, I only missed one night and part of one day of the trip. But I wasn’t home yet. Back to Big O Tires, Placerville…

  • Synergy Drag Link

    As described in an earlier post, the nut on the steering knuckle end of the drag link came loose and ultimate fell off while I was driving. This caused me to lose ALL steering at 70mph on…

  • Helluva 12 Months

    Wow, a full year since the last entry. Well, it’s been a helluva past 12 months. So, let me get back to it and see if I can update a few things. Steering Issues: 4/13/23 After a weekend trip to Cougar Buttes a couple of weeks ago I began having steering issues. On hard left…

  • Windshield and Turn Signal Lamp

    A couple of maintenance items got done today. First, I got a new windshield put in. On my drive between Dodge City and Kansas City I got hit by some debris coming off trucks. Picked up two more chips in the windshield, both of which had the potential to crack. Fortunately I have my comprehensive…

  • Engine Tick, Running Hot, New Compressor

    I’m a little behind on the updates so I’ll try to catch up. The Cougar Buttes weekend went well. The front locker worked as expected.  All worked well and no issues tackling the usual obstacles. I did notice some fluid leaking after a while, but it looked to be coolant. When I checked the reservoir,…

  • Bolts and Front Axle

    I’ve got some repairs handled, finally. This weekend I’m going to do a couple of days out at Cougar Buttes with the SoCal Zen Jeepers. I’m going to baby it a bit as this will be the first time out since October. It’s also the first time out with some of the recent repairs so…

  • Oil Change Drip Leads To Driveshaft Bolt

    After my last oil change I had a lot of oil dripping from different spots.  This has happened before.  Sometimes the technicians get a little sloppy when draining.  A bunch of oil pools on top of the skid plates and it drips making it look like there’s an oil leak.  A couple of days ago…

  • Battery Pack Not Charging from 12VDC

    Saturday I took a little time to look at the 12VDC issues.  Dometic PLB40 Battery Pack: Not charging from DC: The fuse in the DC charging cable for the Dometic turned out to be fine.  When I check continuity through the cable the positive was fine, but the negative was open.  I found the side…

  • Front Locker and Axle Replacement

    Front Differential: Locker The dealer got back to me about a week ago.  The company that handles the extended warranty sent out their own inspector.  I’m told they’ve approved the claim.  It will be to replace the ENTIRE front axle.  There’s one part that is on back order so it’s probably another month or a…

  • Kansas/Arkansas Road Trip

    I’m on the Kansas/Arkansas road trip with the Jeep.  On the first day I had a momentary traction control blip.  That’s only once over about 1,100 miles so far.  It’s pulling slightly to the left.  This makes me wonder if there may be an alignment adjustment needed.  That could do it. I also notice that…

  • Air Bag Light and Front Locker

    Russell Westbrook Jeep got in touch today.  They were right on time, by the way.  They said it would be Friday or possibly Monday because they were so busy.  The air bag light was due to…