In winter, it pays to make sure your truck is in tip-top shape to take on snow and cold weather. And if you live in a rural area where the winters are rough, you might even want to consider turning your truck into a makeshift snowplow. In this episode, Weekend Mechanic host Bruce Bonebrake installs an economical, hitch-mounted snowplow -- one that requires no expensive hydraulics or complicated mechanics -- on a GMC work-truck. Before taking on that project, however, he first goes through some basic winter-maintenance procedures and tips. A TSB item on the truck, the intermediate steering shaft, is removed, serviced and lubricated. The throttle body is also removed and cleaned. In this first segment, he checks fluids and replaces a bulb on the truck's running lights. Materials:
In addition to standard auto-mechanic's tools (wrenches, ratchets, extenders, screwdrivers, nut-drivers, torque wrench, etc.) and the snow-plow and hitch kits, the only specialty tools that will be needed for the projects in this episode are a fish wire (figure A), engine-degreaser spray, steering lube-kit and a level. An air-compressor and set of pneumatic tools is optional, but may be very helpful for this project.
DIY Difficulty Rating for the Projects: In summary, the projects shown in this episode are relatively basic and straightforward. We gave them a difficulty rating of 2 on a 5-point intermediate-level scale. It took us about 8 hours to finish the projects shown. Depending on the nature of the problems you might uncover, your work time could vary.
The problem: Our project vehicle, a 2002 GMC Sierra, simply needs some routine maintenance to make it ready for winter driving. Later, we install a hitch-mounted snowplow on the front of the truck for medium-duty snow-clearing on drives and roadways.
Replace the bulb by snapping it back into the socket, and reinstall the socket. The replacement bulb for this vehicle is a 14-volt bulb (not a 12-volt).Reinstall the headlight assembly.Turn on the power at the ignition switch and check the light for proper operation (figure F).Tip: After changing the bulb, you can check the daytime running-light by shining a flashlight on the ambient-light sensor.
In the segment that follows, we continue with winter maintenance and take care of a TSB (technical service bulletin) item on our GMC truck -- a steering intermediate shaft.Important: Included in this segment are the steps in this automotive procedure as shown in the episode. These steps are general guidelines that are applicable to most vehicles. With any particular vehicle, there may be procedures, specifications, settings, tolerances, components, etc. that are specific to that vehicle. There are also variations according to the type and brand of repair-kit you select. Always consult your vehicle's service manual when undertaking significant automotive repairs, and read and follow the manufacturer's directions and precautions that come with your kit or replacement parts.
Safety Alert: As a standard safety precaution, always disconnect the vehicle's negative battery cable before you begin work on any electrical or mechanical components.
Safety Alert: Always dispose of automotive fluids (antifreeze, motor oil, transmission fluid, etc.) and other toxic substances responsibly. Most auto center offer recycling of automotive fluids.
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