General Maintenance Information18
Determining Your Vehicle’s Maintenance Needs
Off-Road Maintenance
If you own a Land Cruiser or a four-wheel-drive RAV4, Sequoia, Tacoma, Tundra
or 4Runner, you should check the following items daily whenever you drive off-
road through deep sand, mud or water:
•Brake lines and hoses
•Brake linings/drums and brake pads/discs
•Differential oil
•Drive shaft bearings (Land Cruiser)
•Engine air filter
•Steering linkage and boots
•Transfercase oil
•Transmission fluid or oil
•Wheel bearings (Land Cruiser)
For all four-wheel drive vehicles except RAV4, you should also lubricate the
propeller shafts daily.
General Maintenance Information20
Explanation of Maintenance Items
Drive Belts
Inspect for cracks, excessive wearand oiliness. Check the belt tension and
adjust if necessary. Replace the belts if they are damaged.
Drive Shaft Boots
Check the drive shaft boots and clamps forcracks, deterioration and damage.
Replace any deteriorated or damaged parts and, if necessary, repack the grease.
Selected models also require periodic inspection of the drive shaft bolt for proper
torque. A qualified technician should perform these operations.
Engine Air Filter
Replace at specified intervals. When performing inspections, check for damage,
excessive wear and oiliness, and replace if necessary.
Engine Coolant
Drain and flush the cooling system and refill with an ethylene-glycol type
coolant. Inspect the radiator and condenser for leaves, dirt and insects and clean
if necessary. A qualified technician should perform these operations.
Engine Oil and Oil Filter
Replace the oil filter and drain and refill the engine oil at specified intervals.
For recommended oil grade and viscosity, refer to the
Owner’s Manual.
Engine Valve Clearance
Inspect for excessive lifter noise and engine vibration and adjust if necessary.
Aqualified technician should perform this operation.
Exhaust Pipes and Mountings
Visually inspect the exhaust pipes, muffler and hangers for cracks, deterioration
and damage. Start the engine and listen carefully for any exhaust gas leakage.
Tighten connections or replace parts as necessary.
Fuel Lines and Connections, Fuel Tank Band and
Fuel Tank Vapor Vent System Hoses
Visually inspect for corrosion, damage, cracks and loose or leaking connections.
Tighten connections or replace parts as necessary.
Fuel Tank Cap Gasket
Visually inspect for cracks, deterioration and damage and replace if necessary.
Nuts and Bolts on Chassis and Body
Re-tighten the seat-mounting bolts and front/rear suspension member retaining
bolts to specified torque.
