Contents: Vehicle identification ↡ Electrical equipment ↡ Foot brake (pedal) ↡ Steering and suspension ↡ Shock absorbers ↡ Exhaust system ↡
Vehicle identification
Vehicle number plates must be in good condition, securely fastened and legible.
The identification plate (VIN) must be clearly legible.
Electrical equipment
Turn on the ignition and check the operation of the horn.
Check the operation of the windshield wipers and washers, inspect the wiper blades; replace damaged and worn brushes. Also check the operation of the brake lights.
Check the operation of the parking lights and license plate lights. The lenses and reflectors must be securely fastened, clean and undamaged.
Check the operation and adjustment of the headlights. The headlight reflectors should not be dull and the lenses should not be damaged.
Turn on the ignition and check the operation of the turn signals (as well as the control lamp on the instrument panel) and hazard warning lights. Turning on the turn signals and brake lights should not affect the indicators - if this happens, it is usually caused by a poor connection to the "ground" of the rear headlights.
Check the operation of the rear fog lights and, at the same time, the indicator light on the instrument panel or on the switch.
Foot brake (pedal)
Inspect the master cylinder, brake lines and booster; check for leaks, corrosion, loose fittings or other defects or damage.
[Article borrowed from the web portal: www.MercedesMan.ru]
The master cylinder reservoir must be securely fastened and the fluid level must be between the upper (A) and lower (B) marks.
Inspect both front brake hoses for cracks or deterioration of the rubber. Turn the steering wheel fully left and then fully right to ensure that the hose is not in contact with the wheels, tires, or any part of the steering or suspension. Press the brake pedal firmly and check the hoses for any bulges or leaks of fluid that occur under pressure.
Steering and suspension
Have your assistant turn the steering wheel slightly from side to side until the steering gear just begins to transmit this movement to the wheels. Check for excessive play between the steering wheel and the steering gear, which would indicate wear or poor fastening of the steering column joints, the coupling between the steering column and the steering gear, or the steering gear itself.
Have your assistant turn the steering wheel more vigorously in both directions until the wheels just begin to turn. When this is done, inspect all the joints, levers, rods, and fasteners of the steering gear. Any component that shows signs of wear or damage should be replaced with a new one. On vehicles equipped with power steering, also check the tightness and condition of the power steering pump, drive belt, and hoses.
Check that the vehicle is level and at approximately the same height as when driving.
Shock absorbers
Press down on each corner of the car in turn, then release. The car should rise and then return to its normal position. If the car continues to rise and fall, then the shock absorber is faulty. If the car does not return to its original position at all, then this also means the shock absorber is faulty.
Exhaust system
Start the engine and ask your assistant to plug the muffler outlet pipe with a rag. Check the entire system for leaks. Repair or replace with new sections that have a leak.
