Two Questions
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Two Questions
I looked through the thread titled "Read First" but didn't find what I was looking for.
What's the shock absorber looking thing on the steering arm called? This is on a 2wd F450 and it is leaking. I won't feel so stupid when I go to the parts house if I know what I'm asking for. The other question is; can I inspect for break pad wear on the F450 without pulling the wheels?
What's the shock absorber looking thing on the steering arm called? This is on a 2wd F450 and it is leaking. I won't feel so stupid when I go to the parts house if I know what I'm asking for. The other question is; can I inspect for break pad wear on the F450 without pulling the wheels?
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The shock-like part on the steering system is a steering stabilizer. You probably can check the brakes to a certain extent without taking the wheels off, but you won't see the inner pad, just the outer. Just a note: whatever you have on the outer pad you will likely have a good deal less on the inside one. So, it really isn't that accurate of a check. It is best to pull the wheels off and really give them a good look if you are concerned.
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Thanks, I don't know when to be concerned, 40,000 miles, I guess I should take a look. I was doing the other maintenance, oil, air, fuel and grease and I could see that outer pad which didn't look bad and it got me to wondering if you could go by it. I was looking at a pile of used brake pads from big rigs and the mechanic said that they could be checked visually, they have indicator groove on them.
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From: Stockton USA
The steering Stabilizer that's attached to the Tie rod assembly is cheap and easy to change - just bolts on and off - replacements widely available.
Check your manual for the wear limits on your brake pads. Usually you have to take off the wheel to get a good, accurate look. Not sure if there is a wear mark on the stock pads, or not. If your rotors are in good shape, the pads are also easy to change with just a couple of common wrenches/sockets.
Get some high quality replacement pads - at 40K miles, you are probably getting close to the wear limits, depending on how you use your truck. Letting the pads wear down too far will affect performance, and risk putting gouges in the rotors.
Check your manual for the wear limits on your brake pads. Usually you have to take off the wheel to get a good, accurate look. Not sure if there is a wear mark on the stock pads, or not. If your rotors are in good shape, the pads are also easy to change with just a couple of common wrenches/sockets.
Get some high quality replacement pads - at 40K miles, you are probably getting close to the wear limits, depending on how you use your truck. Letting the pads wear down too far will affect performance, and risk putting gouges in the rotors.
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