4x4 Servicing & Repair

If your 4x4 needs an urgent repair, a new timing belt , brake pads or just a general service and oil change and you're looking for a garage or mobile mechanic in the Gateshead area then use our simple form to arrange a quote; Perhaps you need a specialist mechanic or a garage in the Gateshead area experienced with diagnosing common 4x4 problems or with the OBD equipment to identify & reset factory service faults and take care of those service warning lights
You can complete our simple enquiry form in less than 30 seconds

If your 4x4 has broken down or you need an important 4x4 milestone service or general maintenance in the Gateshead area it can be quite stressful choosing a mechanic familiar with your 4x4 model or type of Repairs repair if you haven't had time to build up a relationship with a local garage
Use the form to find a local garage to repair and maintain your 4x4

4x4 Repairs Gateshead

4x4 Parts: Supply & Fit

4x4 Autoelectrics
4x4 electrical faults diagnosed - OBD fault finding - 4x4 engine fault codes checked & service lights reset - ECU problems, key coding and CANBUS systems checked

4x4 Oil Change & Filters Replaced
4x4 Air filters, pollen filters; oil filter & fuel filter replaced, engine oil changed - Multigrade or Synthetic oils

4x4 Alternators
Replacement 4x4 alternators fitted

4x4 Exhausts
4x4 Engine manifolds, Front box, Back box, catalytic converter and exhaust pipes for 4x4 Exhausts fitted & welded

4x4 Body Panels
Replacement 4x4 panels fitted & sprayed to match - Light 4x4 Panel damage repairs

4x4 Starter Motors
Replacement 4x4 Starter motors installed

4x4 Tyres
Steel wheels, alloy wheels and tyres repaired and replaced with cheap tyres, run-flat tyres or low profile & performance tyres depending upon your budget and driving requirements. Part-Worn tyres may be available for your 4x4 model

4x4 Cooling System
Replacement 4x4 radiators fitted, cooling system pipework inspected for leaks and cooling fluid replaced to keep your 4x4 engine at its optimal operating temperature

4x4 Paint Resprays
Paint resprays for minor scratch damage to the 4x4 paint surface or coating; Custom paintwork to make your 4x4 different using metallic paints, pearlescent pigments or company colours.

4x4 Performance Spares
OEM 4x4 parts fitted or replaced with alternative performance parts

4x4 Brakes
Routine 4x4 servicing, replacement 4x4 brake pads & discs fitted, 4x4 hydraulic pipework and joints inspected, repaired or replaced for a complete braking system overhaul

4x4 EGR Valves
Replacement 4x4 EGR valves - ensure the exhaust gas recirculation system is functioning correctly on your 4x4 - The EGR valve helps your 4x4 burn fuel more efficiently by recirculating a portion the exhaust gas through combustion chamber and helps reduce 4x4 engine emissions; a broke or sticking EGR valve can be the cause of an MOT failure due to excessive emissions

4x4 Suspension System
4x4 replacement shock absorbers & springs fitted for front or rear suspension problems, broken springs. Custom suspension systems installed, lowering springs fitted

4x4 Engines
4x4 Engine repairs, cylinder head skimming, valves & pistons

4x4 Clutches
4x4 clutch repairs Gateshead - Checking for leaks and repairing-replacing the clutch master-slave cylinder and fitting a new 4x4 Clutch kit

4x4 Timing Belt - 4x4 Cambelt
4x4 Timing Belts replaced as part of a planned 4x4 service or if the Timing Belt on your 4x4 has snapped then a full engine inspection for valve & piston damage

4x4 Gearboxes
4x4 Manual & Automatic gearbox servicing & repair - Fitting a new or reconditioned 4x4 gearbox

4x4 Electrical Components
4x4 electrical faults repaired using 4x4 OEM components - 4x4 sensors checked e.g. Lambda sensors, air flow meters etc

4x4 Fuel Pumps
Often replaced at a milestone service if the fuel pump is operated by the Timing belt

4x4 Garage Services - 4x4 Hydraulic Braking System Servicing and Repair

The brake pedal controls the Master Cylinder (a fluid filled hydraulic piston) that transfers stopping power to the brakes

The enforced contact between the brake pads and brake drum or brake disc increases friction to slow down or stop the vehicle

4x4 brakes can last for thousand of miles depending on use and regular service

Braking increases hydraulic brake fluid pressure

The hydraulic brake fluid is a non-compressible liquid so braking pressure is transferred via the brake pipes to the wheels and operates a slave cylinder piston that forces the brake pads against a brake drum or brake disc

Modern 4x4 braking systems use hydraulic links to transfer stopping power

4x4 Disc Brakes and Drum Brake Systems

Drum Brakes, if fitted, are usually found on 4x4 rear wheels

Drum Brakes are an older system than 4x4 disc brakes and use two half moon shaped brake shoes that move outwards during use to apply a frictional stopping force against the inside of a brake drum

Hydraulic braking pressure forces a brake calliper to press the brake pads against the disc to apply the necessary stopping force

In hydraulic braking systems, braking pressure operates a slave cylinder

4x4 disc brakes have a pair of high friction brake pads mounted either side of a brake disc

4x4 Brakes - 4x4 Brake Servicing and Maintenance

If the 4x4 brake discs warp then they should be replaced immediately

The brake pads on your 4x4 should wear first

4x4 Brakes will safely function correctly without the need for replacement for many thousands of miles

if the 4x4 brakes overheat and are allowed to cool with pressure still applied for m the brake pads/shoes then it is possible for the disc to warp.

4x4 brake discs will wear and need replacing eventually and should be inspected for pitting

4x4 Brake Inspection Elements

Adjust handbrake

Handbrake function and travel

ABS warning light operation

Correct brake pad movement and level of wear

Lubricate Hand Brake Linkages

Hydraulic brake pipe fittings and joints for corrosion and leaking

Auxiliary handbrake shoes where appropriate

Wheel cylinder condition

Clean and remove brake dust and loose corrosion and dirt from drums

Replace Brake Fluid if necessary

Brake drum condition

General brake disc condition

Hand brake linkage condition

And carry out the following maintenance of your 4x4 braking system:-

Brake calliper operation

Brake pipe Condition

Top Up Brake and Clutch Fluid Levels or

4x4 Steering System

The tyre tread is rapidly removed from the inner or outer tyre edge of your front tyres

The tyres will need to be replaced much sooner than necessary until the steering rack is adjusted to bring your wheels into correct alignment

Common symptoms of 4x4 steering alignment problems include:-
Vehicle Drift - Your 4x4 tends to pull left or right when travelling in a straight line
Modern Power steering and Drive by Wire Systems do not have the same mechanical linkages between the steering column and drive wheels making it difficult to 'feel' how the steering is performing.

One of the first signs of a potential problem with your 4x4 steering system is uneven tyre wear

Your 4x4 steering inspection can include:-

Steering Linkages for wear and corrosion

Correct Tyre Pressure - inc Spare

Tyre Condition - inc Spare

Power Steering Reservoir Levels and Top Up

Steering Rack Gaiter condition

4x4 Tyre wear and wheel alignment

Wheel Bearings for wear - play or noise

Correct wheel nut torque to manufacturer's recommendations

Steering Condition

Correct wheel balance, including spare

4x4 Brake Servicing: Brake Discs, Pads & Hydraulics

The brake pedal is attached the Master Cylinder; a fluid filled hydraulic piston.

Brakes can last for thousand of miles depending on use and regular service.

Braking increases hydraulic brake fluid pressure.

Modern braking systems use hydraulic links to transfer stopping power.

The hydraulic brake fluid is a non-compressible liquid so braking pressure is transferred via the brake pipes to the wheels and operates a slave cylinder piston that forces the brake pads against a brake drum or brake disc.

The enforced contact between the brake pads and brake drum or brake disc increases friction to slow down or stop the vehicle.

4x4 Timing Belt or Cambelt

High compression diesel engines are normally interference engines

If the timing belt snaps it will most probably cause serious engine damage. The camshaft stops turning with some of the valves left in the open position. In a Free Running Engine there is enough clearance between a fully open valve and the piston head to avoid serious damage. In an Interference Engine there is no clearance and the engine relies upon accurate timing to keep the valves and piston head separated. With a broken timing belt; the inertia helps the crankshaft to rotate freely forcing the pistons to strike the open valves resulting in damaged valves, pistons, and possibly even damage to the cylinder head

The Timing Belt synchronizes the camshaft to the crankshaft position ensuring the valves open and close at the correct time in relation to the piston. Some vehicles use a cam chain in place of the belt or a timing gear system instead

The toothed belt connecting the engine crankshaft to the camshaft is known as the Cambelt or Timing belt

Timing belts must be replaced at a specified manufacturer's interval. The timing belt should also be inspected regularly and replaced immediately if there is any evidence of cracking or fraying cuts or excessive wear

Often it is prudent to replace a combination of items associated with the timing system. Most of the needed 4x4 parts can be obtained as timing kits containing the appropriate timing components; such as: 4x4 timing belt
timing belt tensioners
timing belt tensioner idler roller
front lower crank shaft seal
water pump gasket

Generally 4x4 belts should be replaced every 60,000 miles or less. So, if you have just bought a secondhand 4x4 that has 40,000 to 80,000 miles then it is important to know if the timing belt has been replaced or needs replacing. Check the 4x4 Owner's manual for your model for the recommended changing frequency

Since 4x4 Timing Belts are hidden inside the engine they tend to be forgotten when purchasing a used 4x4

4x4 Clutch Replacement Gateshead

Disengaging the clutch acts on heavy-duty release springs to isolate the pressure plate so that the disc is no longer pressed against the flywheel

The pressure plate comprises heavy-duty release springs, a metal pressure ring acting as a high friction surface to interact with the clutch disc, a thrust ring (or thrust fingers) for the release bearing, and release levers

The centre of the clutch disc has a spline pattern that matches splines on the power input shaft of the transmission system

Engaging the clutch forces the clutch against the flywheel transmitting power from the crankshaft to the transmission shaft

When the clutch is dis-engaged the clamping force is removed so the clutch disc spins with the flywheel and no power is transmitted

The 4x4 clutch disc is, not surprisingly, a disc with each side covered in a high friction material. It is designed to engage with the high-friction surfaces of the pressure plate and flywheel. It is also designed to transmit power to the4x4 transmission system

4x4 Clutch failure often occurs when one or more of the high friction surface materials wears out on the disc. Even when the pressure plate is engaged and a clamping force is applied, there is no longer sufficient friction to transmit power without the clutch slipping. Normally the 4x4 clutch disc and pressure plate are replaced. Replacing the 4x4 Clutch is a major operation and it is sometimes advisable to replace a number of items, often supplied as a 4x4 Clutch kit:-
4x4 clutch disc
pressure plate
release bearing
pilot bearing - bushing (when required)
internal 4x4 clutch slave cylinder

4x4 Engine Efficiency - Fuel Injection

4x4 Fuel Injection
Fuel injection systems mix fuel with just the right amount of air for optimal combustion & energy release in an internal combustion engine

LPG Petrol or Diesel Metering
Fuel Injection systems have replaced carburetors for the accurate mixing and delivering of petrol, lpg or diesel fuel in modern 4x4 vehicles

EFI - Electronic Fuel Injection
The 4x4 fuel injection system is controlled by a mini-computer or Electronic Control Unit (ECU) that assimilates data from a series of temperature sensors and oxygen or lambda sensors providing feedback to help optimise fuel efficiency and power under a variety of conditions

4x4 Engine Mapping
The 4x4 ECU controlling engine performance is pre-programmed with software containing embedded data on engine performance for different combinations of engine speed and acceleration

4x4 Re-Mapping Gateshead
The 4x4 ECU can be replaced with a programmable ECU or re-mapped to electronically alter the engine performance characteristics

Gateshead Maintenance - 4x4 Oil Change

Oil Composition
Engine Lubricating Oil is composed of hundreds of chemicals; some can interact chemically, polymerise, oxidise and break down with the extreme conditions of temperature & shear forces pulling the oil molecules apart in your 4x4 engine thus, changing the lubrication properties.

Oil & Filter Change
A new 4x4 oil filter and oil change shouldn't need a specialist 4x4 engineer and is minimal compared to the cost of an Engine Rebuild; with regular maintenance and routine servicing working out cheaper than disaster recover when your 4x4 engine fails

Anti Oxidants
Preventing internal engine oxidation in your 4x4 motor is the job of sacrificial anti-oxidants present in the lubricating oil; Anti oxidants are sacrificed to protect your engine and will eventually be depleted making it necessary to change your oil regularly

Synthetic Oil Change - Gateshead
Modern synthetic oils can last longer than old petroleum based multigrades because they are more inert with a laboratory designed molecular structure and fewer natural catalytic impurities that increase oil breakdown compared to the cheaper engine oils

Moisture Scavengers - Detergents - Acidity Regulators
Moisture scavengers, detergents and acidity regulators prevent all kinds of contaminants degrading and abrading the internal moving surfaces of your 4x4 engine minimising the effects that water, particles, and fuel combustion residus can have on 4x4 performance
Once they have absorbed the maximum amount of water and other contaminants; the risk of corrosion and failure in your in your 4x4 engine increases

Oil Change Frequency
The mechanics rule of thumb with traditional multigrade engine oils used to be "change the oil every 3000 miles" but many vehicle manufacturers indicate 5000 to 7000 miles. Initially, follow the 4x4 recommended oil change guidelines to ensure you validate your warranty.

Oil Change Masterclass
Keep a small amount of the engine oil used in your next oil change in a sealed container; then when you check your oil level with the dipstick you can compare the lubricity or lubricating properties of the oil against your fresh oil:- If the oil on the dipstick seems thin compared to your reference oil sample; it may be time to get an oil change to keep your 4x4 running smoothly

Gateshead Exhaust Fitting 4x4

The exhaust pipework helps muffle and deaden the noise from the fuel combustion process

Corroded exhaust pipes allow fumes and noise to escape; increasing the risk of poisonous carbon monoxide entering the cabin and significantly increasing noise making detection an easy task

The 4x4 exhaust system allows poisonous gases from the fuel combustionto vent into the atmoshpere away from the driver and cabin

Explosions from the instantaneous ignition of the compressed fuel and air igniting in the combustion chamber creat a lot of noise that needs to be silenced in the urban environment