Basic 4WD Maintenance Checks at Home : [ What You Can Do Yourself ]

[@gavinchapple825]

Mate it’s as though you know try hard 4wders and campers like me are out there and need great help. Your vid’s are so perfect for me! Keep up the good work!

[@timbates4wdadventures]

Gday Gavin That’s wicked mate that you found some helpful tips in this video. At least you’re having a go. Some of the east maintenance task now, might save you with bigger issues out in the bush. Thanks mate for your feedback Cheers Tim

[@PatrolAdventuresAustralia]

I've got a couple of solar panels on the roof of the pergola. Simply run through an Anderson plug Y splitter with one directly into the dc/dc charger on the camper trailer and the other to the Auxilary battery on the car via a regulator nice and close to the battery. Free power during the winter months and to the car on weekends. Great video as usual Tim. Love your work mate, Peter

[@timbates4wdadventures]

G'day Peter, Thats a top set up you have made to keep all of your batteries charged up. Sounds like it works a treat. Thanks mate for your reply. Cheers Tim.

[@EveryRoadAdventures]

Good tips there Tim. As a mechanic myself I agree with you and would go as far to say that everything you mentioned should become part of regular maintenance and not just wait for time away from the tracks. Also I recommend having a quick crawl around underneath your 4wd to check for things like oil and water leaks. Keep up the good work mate, love the channel. 👍

[@timbates4wdadventures]

Every Road Adventures Gday mate, I total agree mate. Sometimes the simple checks not found, can turn into expensive fixers. Funny you mention about checking under your 4wd, I’ve made a video today from the under side. Lol Thanks a lot for your reply and feedback, I greatly appreciate it Cheers Tim.

[@EveryRoadAdventures]

Tim Bates 4wd Adventures no problems. Good stuff, hopefully we will be back out exploring in no time.

[@timbates4wdadventures]

Every Road Adventures absolutely mate. Things are heading in the right direction.

[@user-wd5mx9ec3p]

16 just brought myself a 4wd no idea what I’m doing but this video helped a lot thank you

[@timbates4wdadventures]

G'day Tyson, Thanks mate for checking out the video. Thats great you have found it helpful. If you have any questions or i can help you out with getting started, let me know mate. Having a 4WD is unreal, the lifestyle that comes with them is just the best. I have a few more tips videos coming up. Thanks again mate. Cheers Tim.

[@trackerrzz_3130]

I’m 18 and just got my first 4x4 and can’t wait for all the adventures It will bring

[@timbates4wdadventures]

@@trackerrzz_3130 Tops tuff mate. Let's hope its not long, before can all get out in the bush. What 4x4 have you got mate? Cheers Tim.

[@trackerrzz_3130]

Tim Bates 4wd Adventures just a 2005 hilux the first of the newer shape ones

[@timbates4wdadventures]

Trackerrzz _ That’s great mate. Wicked 4wd for your first one. That will take you on some pretty amazing adventures mate. Heaps to see.

[@davidcraemer8227]

Keep a small note book in the cubby to keep a record of the date and the odometer reading when what was checked or changed. Also good as a reminder to get something fixed next time you see your mechanic.

[@timbates4wdadventures]

Great tip mate with keeping tabs of things by having a note pad handy and write down dates and when things were done is a good idea. Thanks mate for your reply. Cheers Tim.

[@4bnewb969]

Some more good tips Tim. 👍👍 I test my winch periodically, but running it long enough to generate heat to combat condensation was something I was not aware of. I know what I will be doing this weekend! Cheers..

[@timbates4wdadventures]

G'day mate, Yeah running the winch out and back in, is one good way of getting some heat inside the winch and helping to dry out any condensation build up. Im glad you found the video helpful mate. Cheers Tim.

[@atoieno]

At regular intervals, I engage low range and the centre diff (LR Defender) and drive on a slippery surface to make sure the linkages are working and just to keep lubricants circulating.

[@timbates4wdadventures]

G'day Mark, Thats sure some other good pints that you make mate. Specially if your 4WD is left in the garage for a long period of time. Thanks mate for your reply. Cheers Tim.

[@4x4EastCoast]

Hey Tim I'm loving your channel. I only found it a couple of weeks ago. I just got my gu back after being off the road for 5 weeks while getting the head replaced. So watching your videos has kept me sane while I've been without my truck. Keep up the great work 👍🏼

[@timbates4wdadventures]

Thanks mate for your feedback, i do appreciate it. The head gasket went on my Patrol last year, back up and running like new. Hope we can all travel again soon mate. Cheers Tim.

[@davidtorcello3765]

Great tips Tim... Won’t be long before comrade Dan let’s everyone out to play in the bush

[@timbates4wdadventures]

G'day David, Lets hope we get some good news on restrictions being lifted. Thanks a lot for your reply mate. Cheers Tim.

[@timbates4wdadventures]

@SPENCE Victoria mate

[@stendecstretcher4983]

I think Dan is doing a good job.

[@rebeccaeagle1954]

I also check all the fluid levels, cabin filters, tyre condition and rotate if needed

[@timbates4wdadventures]

Some good extra maintenance tips you have listed Rebecca. Thanks heaps for those. Cheers Tim.

[@jamiesullivan8900]

Hi tim, Another great vid mate! Just want to reiterate how important it is to generate heat in a winch as you done! As a well maintained and working winch is a life line

[@timbates4wdadventures]

G'day Jamie, Just running the winch out and back in with generate enough heat inside the winch to help dry out the internals. Repeat the process a couple of times if you like. Just a good practice to do a few times a year. Thanks mate for your reply. Cheers Tim.

[@lukereid7178]

Another great video Tim, and the fact that you take the time to reply to everyones queries and comments is awesome. Love your dedication mate!

[@timbates4wdadventures]

G'day Luke, Thanks mate for your feedback and reply. I get back to pretty much everyone that replies. I look at it, that if someone is taking the time to write a reply, the deserve a reply back. Thanks again mate, Chees Tim.

[@fordfalcon85]

G'day Tim. You forgot to mention check your points & condenser, timing and tune your carby lol. Only joking, not so common anymore, but my old 79 Hilux has them.

[@timbates4wdadventures]

Hahah :-) Chris, Mate those parts of the motor you mentioned take me back thats for sure. We would tune our own motors by listening to the motor while tuning the distributor one way of the other. Lol Soon as it idled smoothly, that was enough. Lol Thanks for your reply mate. :-) Cheers Tim.

[@fordfalcon85]

@@timbates4wdadventures Haha, yep Dad has told me similar stories with his speedway cars and his old HR. I must admit as much as they are a headache at times, I do enjoy working on my older cars, they are easier to work on that's for sure, but maybe not so reliable as the modern stuff 😉

[@timbates4wdadventures]

@@fordfalcon85 Yeah thats it mate. Pros and cons for older Vs newer motors. But it was fun mucking around with Ol red 186's and the 253 V8. To build a motor back then to go fast, it would be off the road for weeks with bigger pistons, cams and head work Now days you drop your car off in the morning, a performance tune goes in, and you drive out that afternoon. Lol

[@fordfalcon85]

@@timbates4wdadventures Yeah thats right mate. Everything is done on computers these days.

[@timbates4wdadventures]

Chris spot on mate.

[@GregPalmer2]

Very good young felah,l've been doing the same thing but with two four wheel drives,Daihatsu Rocky and my land rover county both are old timer diesels,just finishing up putting a timing belt in the old Rocky and find it was frayed,lucky me,would love to buy a new 4x4 but relying on dealers makes me nerves.

[@timbates4wdadventures]

Thanks mate for your feedback. I greatly appreciate it. Thats great you are doing a lot of your own mechanical checks and work. See how you go in getting that new 4wd down the track. Cheers Tim.

[@DaVo_74_23]

The kind of everyday advice that's so appreciated Tim 😉

[@timbates4wdadventures]

G'day David, A few simple tips that could become expensive if they go un checked. Thanks heaps mate. Cheers Tim.

[@anthonycoleman1909]

Great tips Tim. Wish I had a shed. That is a luxury item where I live in Melbourne.

[@timbates4wdadventures]

Anthony Coleman No worries mate. That’s great you found some of the tips helpful Thanks for your reply mate. Cheers Tim.

[@GrantSchumacher]

Great vid Tim. Especially liked the grease-nipple tips - best practical video demo I've seen on that. Lighting was great. I'll get my grease gun out this weekend! Cheers.

[@timbates4wdadventures]

G'day Grant, Thanks mate for your feedback. Thats great you enjoyed it. Have fun with that grease gun on the weekend mate. Cheers Tim.

[@paulkenny7363]

Great tips Tim would love to see a segment on winches, which one to buy, what type etc.

[@timbates4wdadventures]

G'day Paul, Im using the Carbon Winch. Great company and product range. I'll look into winch options down the track mate. Thanks a lot for your reply mate. Cheers Tim.

[@marksomerville1275]

Hey Tim.. can of wd40...Do all your moving bits,..suspension, door locks, etc, etc. Stops those annoying squeaks on a long trip.

[@timbates4wdadventures]

G'day Mark, Yes mate, the good Ol WD40 works a treat on annoying squeaks. I use it quite a bit on door hinges and things. Thanks mate for your feedbcak. Cheers Tim.

[@Nick-sd7um]

Interesting how you have grease points in those 2 parts of your front drive line, I don't seem to have them on my GU. Good tips for any one into 4wd'ing though.

[@timbates4wdadventures]

Those two points i had the grease gun on were part of the steering links. But, both ends of the drive shafts have greasing points. Thanks mate for your reply and feedback. Cheers Tim.

[@Nick-sd7um]

@@timbates4wdadventures sorry I should have been more specific I meant the steering links. Mine are just flat on top with what looks like perhaps rubber caps on them. I might have read somewhere that you could take these rubber caps off and install grease nipples like you have on yours but yet to be confirmed.

[@timbates4wdadventures]

Nick Ahh righto. I’ve not seen the type that you mention with flat tops and rubber caps. I do like the greased joints. Might be something for you to look into mate. They do move a lot. Cheers Tim.

[@chriscoyne4827]

Great video Tim I'm always checking the same things but I always check my breaks and my gear box oil just to make sure. I do all my own work on my car as I'm a diesel mechanic lol so no dramas there for me mate.

[@timbates4wdadventures]

G'day Chris, A good list of a few extra items you have mentioned. Certainly handy being a diesel mechanic so you can do all of your maintenance. I get by with the basic, does the job. Thanks mate for your reply. Cheers Tim.

[@stendecstretcher4983]

I think you men brakes not breaks as in tea breaks.

[@kristineharrower7813]

We use our solar panel for our batteries in the rear of the Hilux and on the main when needed.

[@timbates4wdadventures]

Thats it. The good ol solar panel comes in very handy, even for at home when the 4wd isnt being used a great deal. Thanks for your reply and feedback. Cheers Tim.

[@longy6612]

great video mate. gearing up to hopefully hit the bush in 2 weeks

[@timbates4wdadventures]

Thanks mate for your reply. Might see you on the tracks in a couple of weeks. Cheers Tim.

[@alexanderpirpiris3810]

Lockdown sucks but on the bright side it has provided some much appreciated time to get things like this done on my hilux & plenty of mods haha. Great video, have come to really love your content mate!

[@timbates4wdadventures]

G'day mate, Yeah that sure is one good thing thats come out of lock down. Getting into some much needed checks on the 4wd before we are set loose soon. Lol Thanks heap mate, im glad you are enjoying the video content thats coming through the channel. Cheers Tim.

[@rossdrayton5476]

Great tips Batesy. Any chance you could do a segment on how to use a multi meter? Cheers mate.

[@timbates4wdadventures]

G'day Ross, Thanks heaps mate for your feedback i really appreciate it. I will have a look into the multi meter video mate. Cheers Tim.

[@MynameisGeoff82]

Yet again, another great informative video Tim! I'm big on preventive maintenance, doesn't take much time and much easier to fix things on a nice concrete floor then out in the bush! (Not to mention it would ruin ya trip)

[@timbates4wdadventures]

G'day Geoff, Yeah spot on mate, a few basic checks at home can save a lot of trouble out in the bush. Thanks a lot for your reply mate. Cheers Tim.

[@dylanmoncrieff8180]

Great video bates hopefully we can get back out in the bush in the next 2 weeks

[@timbates4wdadventures]

Thanks mate. Fingers crossed we can get back out again very soon. Cheers Tim.

[@dylanmoncrieff8180]

@@timbates4wdadventures yeah if we can, going straight out there

[@timbates4wdadventures]

@@dylanmoncrieff8180 Hope so mate.

[@joseexpeditocolaresfilho9908]

Manutenção preventiva é essencial para o bom desempenho de um veículo. Parabéns! 👏👏👏 BRASIL 🇧🇷

[@timbates4wdadventures]

G'day mate, Yeah preventive maintenance now could save you a lot of money later on. Thanks for your reply mate. You have a top day from Brazil. :-) Cheers Tim.

[@daveallen4878]

If a 4wd sits around for a few weeks or months even in the cold weather without being started , its best just take the negative of the battery so there is no drain. Like this You will only need to charge battery every 1 to 2 months...

[@timbates4wdadventures]

G'day Dave, Yeah righto. Handy tip about the battery. Thanks heaps mate. Cheers Tim.

[@kristineharrower7813]

I also check our air filter after being on a dirt track

[@timbates4wdadventures]

Yeah for sure on checking the air filter, after a big day out on dusty tracks. They can get pretty clogged up with dust. Thanks for your reply Kristine. Cheers Tim.

[@leroy3169]

Good tip tim. Didn't know you have solar setting. Can you show us your set-up? I am thinking to have one. Stay safe!

[@timbates4wdadventures]

G'day mate, The solar panel has clips that clip onto the battery terminals. Charges the battery that way when the panel is out in the sun. Does that answer your question mate? Cheers Tim.

[@leroy3169]

@@timbates4wdadventures thank you so much tim!! Helps a lot!!

[@timbates4wdadventures]

@@leroy3169 Top stuff mate. Thats great it helped you out.

[@Dezezez1]

Gday Tim, thanks for the vid mate. Couldn’t help but notice how nice your bull bar looked. Unless it actually is new, what do you use to keep it looking like it’s fresh out of the box??

[@timbates4wdadventures]

Dezezez1 Gday mate. That great you enjoyed the video. The bullbar is about 3 yrs old. I keep it like new with good ol tyre shine. Works a treat. Thanks heaps for your reply and feedback. Cheers Tim.

[@Dezezez1]

Tim Bates 4wd Adventures thanks mate!

[@timbates4wdadventures]

Dezezez1 no worries mate.

[@Dezezez1]

Thanks for the tip Tim - bullbar has come up looking a treat! Also noticed you’re rocking the AVM hubs - have you encountered any issues with them? I think my OE auto hubs on my GU are on the way out so looking at replacing with manual hubs but have heard mixed reviews about the AVM hubs

[@jamezxh]

Great video mate covering the essential basics 👍

[@timbates4wdadventures]

Thanks Jim, i appreciate your feedback mate. Cheers Tim.

[@alexcross7739]

Hi Tim, Any chance of a rig rundown of your patrol. I’m fairly new to watching your posts so apologies if you have already done it. I’ve got an old Toyota, so always looking for ideas. Regards Alex

[@timbates4wdadventures]

G'day Alex, I do have one video showing some of the mods on my Patrol. It was filmed a while ago and a new one is due. I have quite a few changes planned for my Patrol, and i will film the changes. Thanks heaps mate for checking out my channel, i appreciate your feedback. Ask anything you need info on mate. Cheers Tim.

[@alexcross7739]

Tim Bates 4wd Adventures Thanks Tim, I’ll have a look. I spotted the red recovery points on the front of your patrol when you were using the winch. I haven’t got them on the toyota, but nor do I use it to it’s full potential. I’ve never even completely unwound the winch cable. So I’ve got a few things to learn Regards Alex

[@Australian_Outdoor_man]

Once again mate, Great tips and info. Thank you.👍🍺🇦🇺

[@timbates4wdadventures]

Australian Outdoor Man Thanks mate. I appreciate your feedback. Cheers Tim. 🍺👍

[@specificgamer_2439]

Nice content tim,but it makes me jealous whenever i see your GU,as of now what suspension do you have and how much lift? cheers from the philippines,keep safe travels

[@timbates4wdadventures]

SpecificGamer_ 24 Gday mate, Great having you dropping in from the Philippines. The suspension under my GU is from Dobinsons. Great setup. It’s a 3in lift. Rides really nice. Thanks for your reply and feedback mate. Cheers Tim.

[@brucefleming1743]

Cheers Tim another great video

[@timbates4wdadventures]

Thanks Bruce, i appreciate your feedback mate. Cheers Tim.

[@regwarren4wd943]

Good video Tim

[@timbates4wdadventures]

G'day Reg, Thanks mate for your reply and feedback. Cheers Tim.

[@specificgamer_2439]

Another question Tim,you mention you have transfer case reduction fitted on,with this no need to regear diff ratio if you fit 35s or 33s?thanks again cheers

[@timbates4wdadventures]

G'day mate, Yes i have a 43% reduction in the transfer case. With 33s that i have. I find it's not needed to change diff gears. 1st gear is insanely good for slow crawling. If i went to 35s, i would pretty much loose all of the bennifit that i have now. Then you might want to look at changing diff gears with 35s. Thanks mate for your reply. Cheers Tim.

[@diggo1962]

thanks tim btw my new plb is on its way

[@timbates4wdadventures]

G'day mate, Thats great you have gone out and pick up a PLB. They an absolute must item as part of your safety gear when out camping. Thanks a lot for your feedback mate. Cheers Tim

[@whitedogproductions6153]

Nice work man

[@timbates4wdadventures]

Thanks mate. Cheers Tim.

[@abdullahal-shimri3091]

Use coolant not water in radiator. Water will rust everything out.

[@Leon-lp9fl]

Thank,s Tim.

[@timbates4wdadventures]

No worries mate. Cheers Tim.

[@poeyd9624]

You forgot to check the Blinker Fluid Tim

[@timbates4wdadventures]

Im not sure what the blinker fluid is. Cheers Tim.

[@lukewilson828]

I've got a smaller 40watt solar panel that just sits on my dash out of the weather throughout winter! Couple Anderson plugs that I unplug if needed. Any experience with keeping panels inside the cab during summer? I'm concerned it might damage the panel if it is getting too hot. Cheers

[@timbates4wdadventures]

Thats not a bad idea mate, with the small solar panel on your dash. Do you have it set up like that when you're driving? I've only ever run my solar panel on the outside. Thanks for your reply mate. Cheers Tim.

[@lukewilson828]

@@timbates4wdadventures No, with the anderson plugs makes it easy to remove and secure it somewhere safe when driving around. Cheers

[@timbates4wdadventures]

Luke Wilson ahh yeah righto mate. Still sounds like a handy set up.

[@corz114]

Quick question; What grease do you recommend?

[@timbates4wdadventures]

G'day mate, Im just using a premium heavy duty grease. Im using that all the way through. Thanks for your question mate. Cheers Tim

[@jase6827]

I remember when your name first came to my attention..... and it was your Camper trailer

[@timbates4wdadventures]

Jase Gday mate, I think you mean the XTrail camper trailers. Cheers Tim.

[@jase6827]

@@timbates4wdadventures Thats the one mate the A1 . Im a CT enthuists mate.

[@timbates4wdadventures]

Jase Yeah righto mate. Was a while ago now since I did and camper trailer promos.

[@jase6827]

@@timbates4wdadventures along time ago now. pretty sure you were the only that had independent suspension on a small trailer let alone a trailer back then Tim

[@timbates4wdadventures]

Jase Yeah righto. The camper trailer business wasn’t mine though. I only promoted the XTrail range. They made a great camper trailer.

[@SwampySi]

I've noticed my Cranking battery is dropping from full down to under 12v in about 4 days.. Do you think it needs replaced? I did have a problem where it dropped too low to start the Gu (dropped to under 8v) and RACV had to jump start it.. It's since been on a charger for 48 hours which brought it back to full, but it only lasts 3-4 days of standing still..

[@timbates4wdadventures]

G'day mate, If your battery is loosing charge that fast after being charged back to full. Fair chance it has a dead cell inside the battery. If you can, i would be looking to replace that one. Thanks for your reply mate. Cheers Tim.

[@wietsswanepoel5252]

If it go's flat after 4 days most likely that u have a draw on your vehicle.

[@jimbo4838]

Maybe some diesel algae additive

[@timbates4wdadventures]

G'day Jim, Is that for diesel thats sitting in the tank for a long time? Thanks for that mate. Cheers Tim.

[@jimbo4838]

@@timbates4wdadventures Yes that would prevent algae forming, something like Chemtec Diesel Power additive

[@timbates4wdadventures]

@@jimbo4838 Yeah righto. Great tip mate.

[@jimbo4838]

@@timbates4wdadventures maybe also keep the fuel tank full to prevent water condensation forming