On my new purchase

[sidvail]

Any advice on what I should do now that I've purchased a my first (used) explorer XLT? Not that I got it from a shady dealer - but I'd just like to know a bit more about what I bought. What kind of check up, tune-up, inspection, etc should I have done now that it's mine?

I've already noticed little things and sounds that make me wonder - so any advice on what my next step is would be appreciated. Brand new brakes on the front - but I swear I hear metal on metal from the back. I will pull them this weekend to check - and replace if necessary. Strange - but the sound can not be heard from outside the vehicle - only inside.

'99 XLT, 5.0 V8, Leather powered seats. 6 Cd changer stereo.

Should I just do an all over inspection? Just to be safe?

Sid

 

[bill06447]

Should I just do an all over inspection? Just to be safe?

Sid

Always go with your gut. You answered your own question

Bill

P.S. I always do an oil and filter change on a "new-to-me" vehicle regardless of what the sticker or seller says

 

[koda2000]

whenever i buy a used vehicle, the first thing i do is get the wheels off and inspect the brakes for wear and leaks. then i check the shocks, suspension parts and exhaust system for wear and the engine trans and radiator for leaks. once i'm satisfied it's safe to drive i go upstairs and check the engine compartment for leaks, worn belt(s) and hoses. check the oil and fluid levels for level, color and smell. if i don't have maintenance records (usually don't) i do a major service on the vehicle and then i know it's good to go.

 

[sidvail]

I like that. I did a cursory inspection of the engine compartment and everything looks very good and very clean to me - though I could probably miss something and not even know it. I'm doing the wheels this weekend and will check everything else under there while I'm at it. Will give the tires the wiggle check also to see about the bearings.

How about all the parts that need to be greased? Do I look for anything in particular?

Appreciate the input guys - I really want to do this right this time, and take care of my own vehicle. I've always relied on the shops for this and want to change that.

 

[koda2000]

I like that. I did a cursory inspection of the engine compartment and everything looks very good and very clean to me - though I could probably miss something and not even know it. I'm doing the wheels this weekend and will check everything else under there while I'm at it. Will give the tires the wiggle check also to see about the bearings.

How about all the parts that need to be greased? Do I look for anything in particular?

Appreciate the input guys - I really want to do this right this time, and take care of my own vehicle. I've always relied on the shops for this and want to change that.

if the truck still has OE ball joints there are no grease fittings. if you have AWD/4WD there may be a grease fitting on the front drive shaft or u-joints. otherwise there's nothing to grease. jack the front wheels off the ground by the lower control arms and check for any play at 12/6 o'clock for worn ball joints, and 3/9 o'clock for worn tie rod ends. these are common issues, but not that hard or expensive to repair if you do it yourself.

 

[h0und10]

how many miles on your xlt?

 

[sidvail]

143,000.

I definitely need a rear brake job - the pads are almost gone. Front was done the day I bought it, so they are good. I also noticed a leak somewhere around the transmission. Not to the point that it drips - but the transmission housing has a substance on it. not quite wet - but not dry either. Oil pan looks clean. Little bit of rust underneath, but no where else.

Engine compartment looks damn near brand new. Very clean - to the point that I think some new parts must have been recently added. Most rubber seems fresh and pliable, hoses, etc. Air intake is pristine. Even some of the tanks (steering fluid, wiper, coolant) seem new. Maybe it got in a wreck and was repaired?

 

[Dave 1955]

143,000.

I definitely need a rear brake job - the pads are almost gone. Front was done the day I bought it, so they are good. I also noticed a leak somewhere around the transmission. Not to the point that it drips - but the transmission housing has a substance on it. not quite wet - but not dry either. Oil pan looks clean. Little bit of rust underneath, but no where else.

Engine compartment looks damn near brand new. Very clean - to the point that I think some new parts must have been recently added. Most rubber seems fresh and pliable, hoses, etc. Air intake is pristine. Even some of the tanks (steering fluid, wiper, coolant) seem new. Maybe it got in a wreck and was repaired?

Who knows but hey if it was you may have some new parts.
The front wheel bearings can go bad and seem fine..but they will make your abs act up.
So if you get that pulsing deal with the brakes on dry roads it could be a sign the bearings or bearings are going to go . Both my explores did that..not that hard to change though if it happens to yours.
Check the sticky here if that day comes..not really if it's when..lol.