Rust. It's a mechanic's worst nightmare. Rust eats through body panels and frames, corrodes bolt heads beyond recognition, seizes bolts and parts together so they can only be removed with a torch, and eats away steel brake, fuel, and transmission lines like there's no tomorrow. If you're wrenching in the north, you're no doubt intimately familiar … Continue reading Tech Tip Tuesday: Bending Brake Lines
tech tips
Tech Tip Tuesday: Checking for Tire Leaks
Finding a slow leak in a tire can be tricky business, especially if you can't find an easily visible screw or nail head. I like to use a simple mixture of dish detergent and water in a spray bottle to find a slow leak. You can also use a dunk tank which is what most … Continue reading Tech Tip Tuesday: Checking for Tire Leaks
Tech Tip Tuesday: DIY Timing Pointers
If you're mechanically inclined enough to tackle a timing belt or chain, you probably know that when you're replacing a timing belt or chain, it is absolutely critical that the camshaft(s) and crankshaft be synced and timed properly. This is usually done by a series of marks on each timed gear or sprocket that … Continue reading Tech Tip Tuesday: DIY Timing Pointers
Ford F150 Window Switch Repair
If you have a 2004 (except Heritage) - 2008 Ford F150 or similar truck with power windows that work sporadically or not at all, then thispost is for you! A new master switch for the F150 isn't really all that expensive ($40 or so for a Dorman), but I'm always up for saving a … Continue reading Ford F150 Window Switch Repair
7 Tips for replacing drum brakes
Drum brakes can be a pain. The average DIYer probably feels they have the ability to perform a basic front brake job, but drum brakes can be pretty intimidating if you're not familiar with them. While I won't get into a complete walkthrough in this post, I will give you a few tips to make … Continue reading 7 Tips for replacing drum brakes
Basics: Disc Brake Job
I alluded to this particular post in my recent post about rear caliper service, and I feel it will be helpful to someone who is a little hesitant to do a brake job or unfamiliar with how disc brakes work. For a basic understanding of how disc brakes work, you could do a simple Google … Continue reading Basics: Disc Brake Job
Tech Tip Tuesday: Why Replace in Pairs?
As a customer you may have had a shop tell you a certain component on your vehicle was worn out or defective and then had them suggest that you replace that same component on the other side as well. This is particularly common on steering and suspension components and brake components. Why should you replace … Continue reading Tech Tip Tuesday: Why Replace in Pairs?
Tech tip: gasket installation
If you work on cars very long at all, sooner or later you will replace a gasket. Whether it's a thermostat, water pump, oil pan, timing chain, or any number of other items it is likely to have a gasket. I will address the many different types of gaskets in another post, but this time … Continue reading Tech tip: gasket installation
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