Casting vs. Forging - What's the Difference? Casting and forging are two different methods of metal fabrication. Both processes have been around for thousands of years, but what are the differences between the two metalworking methods? What is Casting?Casting is the process of pouring molten metal into a mold or die and allowing it to cool and harden so that it takes the shape of the mold. The pro...

What are the different types of nut splitter ? Nut splitters can have either a screw action or hydraulic action, with a ring-frame or C-frame design. Ring frame nut splitterAs the name suggests the frame of a ring-frame nut splitter forms a ring that completely encircles the nut you wish to remove.This type of nut splitter will often lack a flat anvil opposite the chisel, instead using the inside ...

What Is a Pneumatic Valve? From vehicles to industrial tools, there are many products that use pneumatic systems. This means the system takes compressed air and uses it to control energy as it moves through the system. However, without pneumatic valves, these products don't work the way they're supposed to. Learn more about these valves. What Does a Pneumatic Valve Do?Pneumatic valves serve three ...

How to Check an Oil Pressure Switch Knowing how to do an electrical repair like replacing a pressure switch Square D can save you time, money and hassle. Follow our guide for how to check an oil pressure switch. Square D Pressure Switch OverviewA Square D pressure switch is the common way to control pressure in a water pump or air compressor. An air compressor operates at higher pressure, while a ...

How Does a Transmission Work? When you get behind the wheel of your car or truck and put it in gear, you expect it to move. Take a closer look at vehicle parts diagrams, and you see that the transmission plays a role in making this happen. It's a complex part with an important job. Transmission BasicsYour car or truck's transmission is part of its drive train. It's purpose is to transfer power pro...

How to Use Marvel Mystery Oil As a Motor Flush Marvel Mystery oil was founded in 1923 by Burt Pierce in Chicago Illinois. Many vehicles at that time had ongoing problems with clogged carburetor jets due to poor refining processes. Marvel Mystery oil became well known for cleaning these jets and increasing engine performance. Marvel Mystery oil can be used in the fuel tank and mixed with the engine...

How To Replace Oxygen Sensor Easy step by step guide on how to replace an automotive engine exhaust oxygen sensor P0135, P0141, P0147, P0155, P0161 and P0167, this information pertains to most cars. Before beginning, park the car on level ground and allow to cool, block the tires to prevent the vehicle from moving. Lift the car with a floor jack in the manufacturers recommend position, use jack st...

What is s Drum Brakes A drum brake has a hollow drum that turns with the wheel. Its open back is covered by a stationary backplate on which there are two curved shoes carrying friction linings. The shoes are forced outwards by hydraulic pressure moving pistons in the brake's wheel cylinders , so pressing the linings against the inside of the drum to slow or stop it. Each brake shoe has a pivot at ...

How to Troubleshoot A/C Problems in Freightliner Trucks Freightliner AC systems are much larger than most vehicle systems, and they use a larger condenser and an air compressor to cool the air. An evaporator is used on freightliner trucks as a heat exchange medium to move the heat generated by the system away from the air conditioning unit. The most common problem with a freightliner AC system is ...

How to Replace the Spark Plugs in a Crossfire The Chrysler Crossfire is a 2-door coupe sports car with a 3.2 liter in-line V6 engine with an overhead cam, three valves per cylinder and six spark plugs. There are three spark plugs on the right side of the engine and three spark plugs on the left side of the engine. Before you install the six new spark plugs in the Chrysler Crossfire, you will need ...

When Is It Time to Replace Ball Joints? Worn ball joints allow too much movement in the suspension, so the driver may feel more vibrations — or hear squeaks or rattles on bumpy surfaces or when turning — caused by looseness in the suspension. Other signs of worn ball joints include uneven tire wear and steering that wanders instead of going straight. So when is it time to replace them? Well, becau...

How to Bleed the Brake Master Cylinder Besides the brake lines, you need to bleed the brake master cylinder when you remove it for repairs to ensure proper operation. Most manufacturers include bleeding instructions with their rebuilt or new units. But you can also use your hand-held vacuum pump. Use the next steps as an alternative bench bleeding method to ready the brake master cylinder before y...

Engine Specifications for a 1.8T It's no exaggeration to say that the VW 1.8L turbo was to European turbocharged four cylinders what the Chevrolet small block was to American V8s. Formally known as the "1.8 R4 20VT" and informally known simply as the "1.8T," this little powerhouse was launched in 1993 and quickly developed a reputation for huge power levels in stock and especially modified form. O...

How Do Pistons Work? A piston is a cylindrical plunger that moves within a metal cylinder through the four strokes of the engine cycle: intake, compression, power and exhaust. While their motion is predicated on other engine parts and the mixture of air and fuel, the motion of a piston is central to the functioning of an engine. The following process describes how a piston works in a standard four...

How to Remove a Spring Clamp Some of the tasks that experienced mechanics take for granted can be difficult for those new to auto repair. When looking at them, spring clamps offer no immediate visual cue on how to remove them. Removing them is actually very easy once you are armed with a little information. Step 1 Locate the two prongs that protrude from the circular surface of the clamp. Step 2Gr...

How to Know When Ball Joints Are Bad Automobiles are oddly organic things, at least insofar as design. Fluids pump through lines like veins and arteries, engines convert hydrocarbon fuel to energy just like cellular mitochondria; even the ball-and-socket design of your shoulder and hip joints has found its way into the car through your suspension. The ball joints that allow your steering suspensio...

How to Remove Control Arm Bushings on a Toyota Camry The control-arm bushings and bolts on a Toyota Camry connect the lower control arm to the frame. The lower control arm is designed to move up and down while the front wheels travel over uneven surfaces. The control-arm bushings help isolate the lower control arm and minimize vibrations felt by the driver and passengers. These bushings can wear o...

How to Use an Oil Filter WrenchAn oil filter casing hand-tightened during installation will tighten when the engine heats up and cools down. During the 3,000 to 5,000 miles between oil changes, the filter casing can tighten enough that a filter wrench is needed to remove it. Oil filter wrenches are available in many variations but two common styles are affordable and easy to find. Strap-style filt...

How to Use a Coil Spring CompressorOver time, coil springs loose their structural integrity. This loss can result in a drop in the height of the vehicle, reduced maneuverability and an increased wear of important structural suspension components. Replacing the worn coil springs with new springs will restore the vehicle's proper ride height and result in a significant improvement in handling. Prope...

How to Adjust Drum BrakesKeeping your brakes working properly is an important part of vehicle maintenance. If your vehicle has drum brakes, you need to adjust them periodically to prevent them from dragging. You can take care of this task on your own if you know how to adjust drum brakes.Gather Supplies and MaterialsYou can adjust drum brakes with commonly used tools that you probably already hav...

How to Do a Compression TestA compression test reveals the condition of your engine's valves, its valve seats, and piston rings and whether these parts are wearing evenly. Healthy engines should have compression over 100 psi per cylinder, with no more than 10 percent variation between the highest and lowest readings. With a compression tester, a few hand tools, and 20 minutes, you can try this yo...

Tools Needed for Bleeding Your Car's BrakesHand-held vacuum pumpNew brake fluid (type recommended for your brake system)Floor jackJack standLug wrenchLine wrench (10mm or 11mm)Shop towelsTeflon tape, if necessaryGrease, if necessaryVehicle repair manual, if necessary1.Four Tips for Successful Brake System BleedingCheck the sequence the manufacturer recommends when bleeding your particular vehicle ...

How to Use a Motorcycle Chain Tool Using a Motorcycle Chain Tool to Break a ChainStep 1. Insert the extractor spring and the extractor pin into the body bolt, then screw the extractor pin guide into the end of the body bolt until it's finger tight.Step 2. Back off the extractor bolt until the extractor pin is recessed about 2mm into the extractor pin guide.Step 3. Position the tool over the chain,...

How to use a slide hammer bearing puller correctly1.What is the slide hammer bearing pullerA Slide Hammer Bearing Puller is a tool designed to pull bearings or other objects that require an internal pulling device to remove it from wherever it may be lodged. This device has a T-handle on one end which allows for an easier grip and an attachment point on the other end for the pull adapters to be se...

Socket wrench1.what is the socket wrenchIt is composed of a plurality of sockets with hexagonal holes or twelve-angle holes and equipped with various accessories such as handles and connecting rods. It is especially suitable for turning bolts or nuts with a very narrow position or a deep depression.Includes:(1) Ratchet wrench(2) Slide rod: The position of the slide head can be moved to adjust the ...

car brake bleed service guide:Learn what's goes wrong with your vehicle's brakes and why you need to let air out of the system.REPAIR SUMMARYFill the brake master cylinder with fluidOpen the caliper or wheel cylinder bleeder screws.Push down on the brake pedalClose the bleeder screwsRefill the brake masterRecheck the systemHOW DOES IT WORK?The brake system is filled with brake fluid which is desi...

CV jointsWhile the wheel has remained more or less round since its inception, the axle has evolved to spin in all manner of configurations and situations. Insofar as automobiles are concerned, there are more than a few different types of axles. Some are of the short and stubby variety like the spindles upon which nondriven wheels spin. Things get more complicated, however, when the axles have to d...

Replacing a leaking oil pan is one of the best ways to ensure your engine is receiving the oil it needs, and it can sometimes be done in a matter of a few simple steps. For the lucky few, the source can be a loose oil-pan drain plug, a dipstick tube that’s come unseated from the engine block, or an oil filter that’s either not screwed down or has a cracked gasket.Detect oil leaking from an oil pan...

If your car won't start or it hesitates when you crank it, you might have a bad ignition coil. Testing an ignition coil on most cars is pretty easy. No special tools are required, and you don't even have to remove the coil. Just remember to be careful, because the amount of electricity generated by your ignition system can be dangerous.What the Coil DoesAn ignition coil is a kind of high-voltage t...

Safety Tip:Always wear safety glasses when working on your vehicle. Wear other personal protective equipment (PPE) when necessary, for example latex gloves or closed toe shoes.1. Using an interior trim tool, remove any interior trim panels that retain the door's weather stripping.2. Remove the door's weather stripping.3.Clean old adhesive off the door trim mounting surface.4.Apply new adhesive to ...

OverviewIn the old days (generally before 2000), changing your vehicle’s coolant was simple. That procedure is shown in Step 2, below. After 2000, cars got more complex and many DIYers got intimidated by the precise filling and “air-bleeding” procedures required to eliminate engine air pockets. But don’t worry, it’s easier than it looks. All it takes to get back in the game is a one-time $83 inves...

Safety Tip:Always wear safety glasses when working on your vehicle. Wear other personal protective equipment (PPE) when necessary, for example latex gloves or closed toe shoes.Park the vehicle on a solid, level surface and chock the front wheels.Loosen the rear wheel lug nuts a half turn. Using a floor jack, lift up the rear of the vehicle.Secure the vehicle with jack stands on both sides for safe...

On the left (A) is a typical flywheel extractor. On the right (B) is a three bolt puller.Special tools are essential for certain jobs on classic motorcycles. One job, in particular, is removing the flywheel from the end of the crankshaft.Typically, the flywheels on motorcycles are held in place by a taper. Both the crankshaft and the flywheel have a machined tapered interface that locks the two co...

Tools to Change Brake Padsgather your socket set, torque wrench and screwdrivers, along with a drill and wire wheel, an 8-in. brake pads rewind tools, a small spool of mechanic’s wire, 2 ft. of 1/4-in. vinyl tubing and a jar to hold the brake fluid that bleeds out as you compress the caliper piston.StartStart by loosening (not removing!) the lug nuts while the tire is on the ground. Raise one side...

Special Tools Used In Brake Service the specific tools designed to be used when replacing brake components and servicing your brake system. Having the right tools BEFORE you start working on your vehicle makes these types of jobs quick, easy, and doable for the ...

If you’re shopping for a new vehicle, you may come across the term CVT Transmission. What does this term mean? And more pointedly, is it something you should buy – or something you should avoid? What is CVT? CVT stands for continuously variable transmission, which is different from a conventional automatic transmission. The standard automatic features a complex series of gears that transmit the po...

Using a Coil Spring Compressor ...

Anyone can replace a flat tire. In fact, in some places, knowing how to do so is one of the requirements to get a driving licence. In this guide, we cover the four simple steps it takes to replace a flat tire, whether safe in your garage or stranded in the middle of nowhere.You'll need a spare tire, a car jack, and a lug wrench, so make sure you always have these items in your car. Once you make i...

To pull out a bushing from a blind hole Sometime it can be hard to get out a bushing or race for a ball bearing, press fitted in a blind hole. A well known method is to tap the bushing, place a ball in the bottom and let the tap (or a screw) "press" the bushing ...

The Right Way to Use Your Turn Signals The turn signals on your car are an essential safety device that allows you to communicate your intentions to other drivers...