Ok so I have a 2012 jku with 22000kms on it. At 101 it was mentioned that oil changes should be done more frequently when offroading. I go once a month currently. What other fluids should I be checking/changing more frequently? And how frequently? Thanks in advance.
Post by 8 inches longer, again on May 28, 2013 21:22:57 GMT -4
Checking the fluid in your diff housings is certainly a good idea if you spend any amount of time in water deeper than, say, the middle of your wheels. I don't really have any hard rules to how often I change it, it sort of depends on how much time I spend underwater. Gear oil can be expensive, but the expensive stuff doesn't protect any better than the cheap stuff when it has water in it, so I just buy a bucket of the cheap stuff and change it more frequently...maybe a couple times a year.
Other than that, I just check my power steering, brake fluid, and coolant levels regularly and make sure they're all normal. Depending on how hard you push your rig, chances are you are pushing these systems a little bit above where they would normally be working on the road, so just keep an eye on them. For example, consistent high revs of 5000rpm or higher (say, for 30 seconds or more) are going to start heating up an engine so you want to make sure your cooling system is working at its best. Forcing a steering system to push big tires around through the rocks at slow speeds is also harder on power steering, so again just make sure your levels are normal.
One other thing that isn't a "fluid" but is still an important consumable is your air filter. Offroading (especially following other rigs on dusty roads) is wicked hard on an air filter, so I usually replace mine about twice per year. At least inspect it every couple of months or so if you wheel frequently, you can tell if it needs changing.
Checking the fluid in your diff housings is certainly a good idea if you spend any amount of time in water deeper than, say, the middle of your wheels. I don't really have any hard rules to how often I change it, it sort of depends on how much time I spend underwater. Gear oil can be expensive, but the expensive stuff doesn't protect any better than the cheap stuff when it has water in it, so I just buy a bucket of the cheap stuff and change it more frequently...maybe a couple times a year.
Other than that, I just check my power steering, brake fluid, and coolant levels regularly and make sure they're all normal. Depending on how hard you push your rig, chances are you are pushing these systems a little bit above where they would normally be working on the road, so just keep an eye on them. For example, consistent high revs of 5000rpm or higher (say, for 30 seconds or more) are going to start heating up an engine so you want to make sure your cooling system is working at its best. Forcing a steering system to push big tires around through the rocks at slow speeds is also harder on power steering, so again just make sure your levels are normal.
One other thing that isn't a "fluid" but is still an important consumable is your air filter. Offroading (especially following other rigs on dusty roads) is wicked hard on an air filter, so I usually replace mine about twice per year. At least inspect it every couple of months or so if you wheel frequently, you can tell if it needs changing.
On the note of changing the air filter. Does anyone know where you can get the cleaner for a K&N filter? Pretty sure that mine needs a cleaning, I haven't done it since I got it last summer.
Chris & Donna 03 TJ Rubicon, 32's, Roof Racks and all the Goodies a Rubi has. 97 ZJ Laredo, 235's, ProComp 2" BB & SkyJacker Nitros.
On the note of changing the air filter. Does anyone know where you can get the cleaner for a K&N filter? Pretty sure that mine needs a cleaning, I haven't done it since I got it last summer.