armandodiaz

First off:
I've search the forum for my answer, and read through the buyer's guide. But didn't find anything specific.

My question; When looking over a potential car, is there a quick and easy way to check the thrust bearing?
I read the posts on using the dial guage or taking it for a PPI. But I can't expect to take every car apart or take every car for a PPI.

I also saw the post of checking the dipstick for shiny flakes.
Is this the only way?

Maybe I can hold a screwdriver to the rear of the engine and my ear then listen for grinding?
Is there anything to look for when driving?
I also read about letting the engine come up to temp then driving?


In the end, I guess my queston would be: what are the early, early signs of TBF.

Thanks.

dcrasta

PPI Is worth the time and effort and is the 'best' way. Any seller that does not agree to a PPI should be regarded suspiciously.

Grinding noises and metal flakes are also indications however the 'grinding' noises can also be caused by bad Torque tube bearings, or other failures of the torque tube.

Metal flakes are always a bad sign in oil.

All of the things you indicated are signs of TBF, however a savvy seller could change the oil. PPI is the best.

Mrmerlin

if there are metallic flakes in the oil you will see them,
drip the oil onto a black piece of cardboard look at the oil in the sun.
even if the oil has been changed there will be enough specs to contaminate the new oil as it will also be flushing out the lifters ,
check the oil after it has been run

armandodiaz

I thought of this, but also thought, by running the engine, then taking for a test drive, it should be enough for the dipstick to collect flakes.