The Maintenance Routine - Tech File

13 While the race car is still on jackstands, fire it up and observe. Check the engine, transmission, and rearend for any fluid leaks. Have someone sit in the driver's seat and turn the steering wheel through its full range of movement. Look for any problems, such as leakage or interference with any steering components and the chassis. Let the engine warm up and listen for any expensive metal-to-metal sounds coming from the engine. If the car is too loud, think about building a set of shop mufflers that you would only use for this operation.

14 Once the race car is ready, install the tires you will use to establish your setup. These tires should be set to a known air pressure so you are getting the stagger you will be using for the next race. It is here that you make your initial setup for the next race. You'll also install your baseline setup. You will adjust the race car to get the wheel weights where you want them and to obtain the correct shock settings, camber and caster settings, and toe-in. You can do this with confidence, as you know the rest of the race car is ready to go.

ConclusionThis order of operation is just a suggestion to get you started. You may want to reorder these steps to fit your particular style. The concept is to ensure that the race car is clean, the weights are set, and the car is ready to be placed on the lift or jackstands. The maintenance schedule is the starting point. You may want to start at one end of the car and work toward the other, or possibly work on the car based on the various systems-the rearend, brakes, wheels, transmission, driveshaft, driver's compartment, and so on.

The real takeaway is that by utilizing a process with definite steps and a defined order, you will drive out variation. A checklist is a great tool for establishing order and discipline, but it also helps you remember a component that would otherwise be forgotten. In the long term, this will also save time and help you to better prepare your race car.

The wheel and the related hardware may not seem like maintenance items, but they are. The hub and any spacers that are installed under the wheel must be checked for damage or broken parts. This is a simple visual check. Also, make sure the studs are clean and the threads are free of any damage. Check the lug nuts as well.

Once the maintenance portion is completed, you can start working toward setting up the truck for the next race. That way you are sure the truck is ready to go from a mechanical perspective. Now you can make the necessary changes for the next race. This may be more extensive if the next track you are going to is different from the last one you raced on. The changes may include gearing, suspension, and steering geometry.

Now it's time to do your final weight check and set the weights where they will be required for the next track and the next race.

While the engine is cooling down, wipe down the racer and get ready to load it for the next race. You can load it in the trailer or let it sit in the garage. Either way, be assured that you have completed the maintenance process and set up the vehicle for the next race. When you get to the track, all you need to do is fine-tune your setup.