Forum: HoseHeads Sprint Car General Forum (go)
Moderators: dirtonly  /  dmantx  /  hosehead

Walking around today watching some of the work going on with the cars. Several guys setting valve lash, 1 doing maintenance on torsion bars and stops. Is there anybody on this board that knows what gets maintenance on the per race or per week schedule? 

Here is a short list....  I worked on a car for years but had ChatGTP refresh my memory.

Engine / Fuel System

• Change or inspect engine oil and filter as required by engine builder

• Cut open/inspect oil filter for metal

• Check oil for contamination or unusual appearance

• Check oil tank level, lines, fittings and breather system

• Inspect fuel filter/screens

• Inspect fuel lines, fittings, pump and shutoff

• Check injection linkage and return springs

• Inspect spark plugs / replace plugs

• Check plug wires and ignition connections

• Check headers for cracks, loose bolts and damage

• Check valve lash on the engine builder’s prescribed interval

• Inspect cooling system, radiator, hoses and clamps

• Clean radiator thoroughly

Rear End / Driveline

• Check/change rear-end oil on the team's interval

• Inspect rear-end oil for metal

• Check torque tube

• Inspect torque ball and driveline components

• Grease/service driveline components as required

• Check rear axle for straightness/damage

• Inspect rear hubs and bearings

• Check rear-end mounting hardware

• Inspect wheel nuts, studs and beadlocks

Front End / Steering

• Inspect front axle for bends/cracks

• Check kingpins

• Check steering arms

• Check tie rods and rod ends

• Check drag link

• Inspect steering box and mounting bolts

• Check steering wheel quick-release

• Inspect front hubs/bearings

• Check torsion arms and stops

Suspension

• Inspect all four shocks

• Check shocks for leaks or bent shafts

• Inspect shock heims/rod ends

• Check torsion bars for damage

• Clean and inspect torsion bar stops

• Check radius rods

• Inspect Jacob's ladder/W-link components depending on car

• Inspect birdcages

• Check suspension bolts and hardware

• Recheck baseline ride heights/block heights before next race

Brakes

• Inspect brake pads

• Check rotors for cracks/warping

• Inspect calipers

• Check brake lines and fittings

• Check master cylinders

• Verify pedal feel

• Check brake fluid level

• Inspect inboard rear brake assembly

Wheels & Tires

• Check tire circumference/stagger

• Record tire measurements

• Check wheel condition

• Inspect beadlock rings and bolts

• Check wheel centers for cracks

• Check wheel nuts/studs

• Clean mud/dirt from wheels

• Set tires aside based on remaining life and intended track conditions

Wings & Body

• Inspect top wing for cracks/bends

• Inspect wing posts and sliders

• Check wing cylinder and hydraulic lines

• Inspect nose wing

• Check body panels and dzus fasteners

• Inspect hood

• Check nerf bars

• Check bumpers

• Check sideboards

• Make sure wing angle/travel operates correctly

Clean the car thoroughly and inspect the chassis under good lighting. Pay particular attention to:

• Motor plate area

• Front axle/chassis pickup areas

• Torsion tube areas

• Rear-end mounts

• Shock mounts

• Radius-rod mounts

• Wing mounts

• Seat mounting area

• Any weld showing cracking or paint/powder coat separation

Safety Equipment

• Inspect belts and mounting points

• Check seat mounting hardware

• Inspect headrest/head surround

• Check fire bottle/system

• Inspect fuel-cell/bladder area

• Check throttle pedal/linkage

• Verify throttle returns freely

Electrical

• Check MSD/ignition wiring

• Inspect connectors

Those young bucks dragging that stuff up and down the road and performing that routine in steaming hot hotel parking lots don't get paid enough. 

Wow that's quite the list. Yeah those crew guys are the workhorse of this sport. Also its not like your doing all that in a nice air conditioned shop, your in some random parking lot or track.