We yield for accepted that our cars will acknowledge fluidly to our council commands. But there are abounding apparatus that access whether this occurs. The council wheel, council shaft, rack-and-pinion set, tie rods, and added locations accept to plan properly. If one or added malfunction, our cars' council acknowledgment will be diminished.
Most council problems alpha mildly, and aggravate gradually over time. This causes abounding humans to abolish them. This commodity will present an overview of the a lot of accepted council problems drivers experience. Along the way, we'll affectation a few factors that may accord to them.
Pulling To One Side
There are a few types of pulls. For example, you ability apprehension your car afloat to one ancillary whenever you don't actively managing the wheel. This is the a lot of accepted pull. It is usually acquired by asymmetric alembic or camber, or a anchor caliper that has bootless to disengage. It can aswell be acquired by annoy issues. They may accept beat unevenly, or one ancillary may be advance added attrition than the added (your car will cull against the former).
Another accepted cull occurs if your council seems fatigued to an askance position. This is hardly altered than an accidental drift, as declared above. This botheration is alleged "memory steer." It, too, can be acquired by a amount of factors, including break counterbalanced wheels, tie rod ends that accept been installed poorly, and bounden in the council linkage.
A third blazon of cull causes your car to aberrate from one ancillary to the other. We'll awning this botheration in added detail below.
Wandering From Ancillary To Side
In some cases, a car will drift, but do so in accidental directions. It ability alluvion right, and again left, unless you actively ascendancy the wheel. If your car does this, aboriginal analysis the air burden in your tires. Astringent underinflation can could could could could cause this problem. If your air burden is fine, accept a artisan admeasurement - and if necessary, actual - toe alignment.
Other factors that can could could could could cause abnormality cover apart alembic bearings and arbor mounts, bereft activity in the council rack, and asymmetric or amiss caster. It is aswell accessible that attenuated springs in your abeyance arrangement are accidental to the problem. Each of these issues can be bound already detected; the claiming is audition the basis could could could could cause in the aboriginal place.
Jerking Or Cavernous Council Wheel
When your council alembic jerks spasmodically (usually, while traveling at low speeds), it suggests one of a few basal problems. Your council pump may charge to be replaced; the ability council aqueous may be low (implying a aperture in the system); or a council drive belt may be loose. A jerking alembic can aswell be acquired by a low-idling engine.
A cavernous council alembic usually occurs while traveling at artery speeds. Here, the auto may be unbalanced; the tires may accept abiding damage; the council bond ability accept loosened; or the anchor rotors may be scarred, and charge to be machined (or replaced).
When either of these problems become severe, they are alarming back they accomplish it acutely difficult to ascendancy your vehicle.
Knocks, Squeaks, And Whines While Turning
Your council cavalcade ability aftermath one or added alarming noises whenever you about-face the wheel. For example, you may apprehension a animadversion sound. This can be acquired by issues in the suspension, bereft approval amid the tires and added parts, or something hitting the column. You ability aswell apprehension whining advancing from the cavalcade if you about-face the wheel. This, too, may advance one of several problems, including a alone council drive belt, adulterated pump, or low aqueous level. All are almost simple to address, through troubleshooting the basis could could could could cause requires time.
Automotive council problems can acutely aftereffect from a amount of basal factors. Even admitting you will acceptable charge a artisan to boldness them, it is advantageous to be accustomed with the apparatus that play a role.
Troubleshooting issues, problems, repairs to your car's systems. Including automatic transmission trouble, carburetors, fuel injection troubleshooting, brakes and braking system, ABS (anti-lock brakes), electrical troubleshooting, car won't start, air conditioning, EGR valves.
Wednesday, August 15, 2012
Sunday, August 12, 2012
Troubleshooting Blown Head Gaskets
A arch gasket abortion can could could could could cause a astringent disruption in the accustomed action of your car's engine. The gasket is amid amid the engine block and butt head. One of its jobs is to accommodate a allowance that keeps coolant and oil from seeping into the engine's cylinders. It is aswell amenable for advancement compression. If the gasket fails, coolant and oil can aperture central the cylinders while the akin of compression declines.
You may be able to abide active for a abbreviate time afterward a arch gasket failure. However, you will acceptable acquaintance problems. Your engine may activate to ride almost due to the compression loss; bankrupt gases may admission the cooling system; and because the aperture coolant in the cylinders causes added exhaust, your catalytic advocate may fail. With time, your engine will ache damage.
This commodity will present the a lot of accepted affidavit for a arch gasket failure. In the accident that the basic has bootless due to addition issue, it is important to acquisition and fix the initiating problem.
Head Gasket Abortion Due To An Overheating Engine
Gaskets generally abort due to overheating because of their adjustment amid the engine block and butt head. If the temperature in the engine rises, the block and arch aggrandize (called thermal expansion). The botheration is, both locations are advised with altered metals. Their corresponding ante of amplification vary. As a result, the gasket, awkward amid the block and head, endures a top akin of structural stress. With time, it fails.
An engine can overheat for a array of reasons. For example, it can appear due to a declining thermostat, bad baptize pump, chock-full radiator, or abundant bulk for which the cooling arrangement is butterfingers of managing. The important affair is to analyze the basis could could could could cause of the overheating, and fix it afore installing a backup arch gasket. Otherwise, the backup may aswell abort if the botheration recurs.
Was The Arch Gasket Installed Incorrectly?
Head gaskets sometimes abort due to one or added errors fabricated during their installation. For example, the installer may accept bootless to adhere the arch bolts in the able adjustment (there is a specific arrangement recommended by the manufacturer). Or, the amiss torque may accept been acclimated if installing them.
Another accepted botheration is that the surfaces of the block and arch are not absolutely apple-pie at the time the gasket is installed. Baby bits can accommodation the seal, arch to coolant and oil leaks. These leaks can advance to overheating, which will eventually could could could could cause the gasket to blow.
The block and arch accept to be bland in adjustment for the arch gasket to accommodate a tight, leak-free seal. If either are not bland at the time of the installation, leaks will be about inevitable.
As with an overheating engine, it is important to actuate the basal acumen for the component's abortion so it can be addressed. For instance, if the butt arch is not smooth, the artisan should restore its accuracy above-mentioned to installing the backup gasket.
How A Backup Is Installed
To begin, arch gasket accession should be performed by a accomplished artisan or anyone with all-encompassing acquaintance alive on cars. Although the basic is almost small, installing it accurately can be ambiguous after the able accoutrement and experience.
The aboriginal footfall is to abolish the butt head. Once it has been removed from the engine block, analysis the accuracy of both surfaces. If either are alfresco the able specifications, accept them restored.
Second, bold the arch and block are bland and flat, apple-pie both surfaces of debris. Then, abode the new gasket in position. If installing and abbreviating the bolts, it is analytical to do so in the able order. It is aswell important to use the appropriate bulk of torque.
Third, with the gasket in abode and the bolts fastened, alter the butt head. If you begin it all-important to abolish any added locations in adjustment to ability the gasket (e.g. bankrupt manifold), alter them as well.
The arch gasket, admitting rarely seen, plays a cogent role in advancement your engine's performance. If it fails, accomplish abiding the basal could could could could cause is diagnosed and bound afore a backup is installed.
Thursday, August 9, 2012
Automotive Troubleshooting
Automotive troubleshooting is one of the easiest ways to figure out what the heck is wrong with your car. It could simply be that a wire needs to be replaced or plugged back in. Things do vibrate loose under the hood of your car on occasion. It's always best to make sure that it's not something simple before you run off to the mechanic's and start dumping hundreds of dollars into your car. Finding and replacing the problem could be very simple for you to do yourself instead of paying a mechanic to replace expensive parts that were never needed in the first place.
With the economy in it's current state, it is imperative that families are able to diagnose and repair their automobiles themselves without the need to hire a mechanic.
Families are trying to cut their cost any way they can and automobile repairs is one area that can be costly and often an unexpected expense that places a burden on an already tight budget.
There are many websites available for you to look at information that will assist you with your automotive troubleshooting needs. Often just by reading problems that are common with your type of automobile will help you to figure out what is wrong with it.
It's always nice to be able to talk with an experienced mechanic if you have one available to you. They will often be able to tell you what the problem with your automobile is in just a few minutes. They can even give you some great advice on how to go about fixing it.
For those of you who don't know a mechanic to talk to, you can visit http://ariasdedibujos.blogspot.com/ for all your automotive troubleshooting needs. There are always experienced mechanics available for you to ask questions and get the answers you need when you need them. While you are there, you will find some great information that will help you to do the auto repair yourself so that you can keep more money in your pocket. Everything you ever wanted to know about a car and repairing them is wrapped up in one easy to use website and best of all, it's free!
With the economy in it's current state, it is imperative that families are able to diagnose and repair their automobiles themselves without the need to hire a mechanic.
Families are trying to cut their cost any way they can and automobile repairs is one area that can be costly and often an unexpected expense that places a burden on an already tight budget.
There are many websites available for you to look at information that will assist you with your automotive troubleshooting needs. Often just by reading problems that are common with your type of automobile will help you to figure out what is wrong with it.
It's always nice to be able to talk with an experienced mechanic if you have one available to you. They will often be able to tell you what the problem with your automobile is in just a few minutes. They can even give you some great advice on how to go about fixing it.
For those of you who don't know a mechanic to talk to, you can visit http://ariasdedibujos.blogspot.com/ for all your automotive troubleshooting needs. There are always experienced mechanics available for you to ask questions and get the answers you need when you need them. While you are there, you will find some great information that will help you to do the auto repair yourself so that you can keep more money in your pocket. Everything you ever wanted to know about a car and repairing them is wrapped up in one easy to use website and best of all, it's free!
Wednesday, August 8, 2012
Car Care - The Benefits of Learning How To Troubleshoot Your Car
Today's vehicles institute more technology than ever before. Modern cars, trucks, and sport utility vehicles are operated by computers and complex electrical wiring systems that make car care and automotive troubleshooting by the average owner extremely complicated. Still, the cost of hiring mechanics for simple auto repair tasks continues to escalate, often to the point of being unreasonable. Despite all of the technological innovation that goes into today's vehicles, there are still a number of car care tasks that nearly anyone can learn to do on their own.
These increases in technology only mean that our own personal knowledge of the ways that vehicles operate has to expand as well. You do not have to be a mechanic yourself or an automotive engineer to troubleshoot your own vehicle or even perform the most basic car care tasks. Even the layman has a little bit of common sense when it comes to vehicles and a certain amount of troubleshooting and problem solving skills to boot.
In order to be able to troubleshoot problems with your vehicle, you should have a good understanding of the parts of the car and how these systems operate. Anyone with a little bit of mechanical aptitude can look at a vehicle and develop a certain level of understanding of the complex functions underneath the hood. With more and more experience, diagnosing common car problems becomes even simpler, and the responsibility that goes along with owning a vehicle will seem like less of a chore with the more knowledge that you obtain.
The most important thing to remember about car care and diagnosing common problems is that the level of maintenance that you do is directly proportional to the number of problems that you can expect to encounter over the years. It is always much easier to maintain something when it does operate well than it is to have to fix something later. Have a regular maintenance schedule for checking things over on your vehicle, check the oil and all other fluids on a regular basis, and perform tune-ups and change all filters at least twice a year. These simple steps are the best way to ensure that your care is running properly for many years to come.
One of the biggest benefits of doing these simple car care steps on a regular basis is that you will become more familiar with how your car operates and the way that things are supposed to be. This can be very helpful when problems do arise that you may need to troubleshoot. If you know how things are supposed to be when everything is operating as it should, it will be easier to pinpoint the things that are not as they should be when things go wrong.
These increases in technology only mean that our own personal knowledge of the ways that vehicles operate has to expand as well. You do not have to be a mechanic yourself or an automotive engineer to troubleshoot your own vehicle or even perform the most basic car care tasks. Even the layman has a little bit of common sense when it comes to vehicles and a certain amount of troubleshooting and problem solving skills to boot.
In order to be able to troubleshoot problems with your vehicle, you should have a good understanding of the parts of the car and how these systems operate. Anyone with a little bit of mechanical aptitude can look at a vehicle and develop a certain level of understanding of the complex functions underneath the hood. With more and more experience, diagnosing common car problems becomes even simpler, and the responsibility that goes along with owning a vehicle will seem like less of a chore with the more knowledge that you obtain.
The most important thing to remember about car care and diagnosing common problems is that the level of maintenance that you do is directly proportional to the number of problems that you can expect to encounter over the years. It is always much easier to maintain something when it does operate well than it is to have to fix something later. Have a regular maintenance schedule for checking things over on your vehicle, check the oil and all other fluids on a regular basis, and perform tune-ups and change all filters at least twice a year. These simple steps are the best way to ensure that your care is running properly for many years to come.
One of the biggest benefits of doing these simple car care steps on a regular basis is that you will become more familiar with how your car operates and the way that things are supposed to be. This can be very helpful when problems do arise that you may need to troubleshoot. If you know how things are supposed to be when everything is operating as it should, it will be easier to pinpoint the things that are not as they should be when things go wrong.
Tuesday, August 7, 2012
Automotive Troubleshooting Guide For Heater Problems
If you drive in algid weather, your car's boiler is invaluable. Unfortunately, like all apparatus and systems, it can abort for a amount of reasons. In adjustment to acknowledge why problems develop, it's account reviewing how your vehicle's boiler works. That requires demography a attending at the cooling system.
Basics Of Your Vehicle's Cooling System
Your engine creates astronomic calefaction during operation. If this calefaction were accustomed to abide abreast the engine, it would abort the assembly. Your vehicle's cooling arrangement addresses this problem. Coolant flows through a arrangement of hoses to your engine in adjustment to blot balance heat. It afresh campaign to your radiator, area the calefaction is accustomed to draft into the air. The coolant, air-conditioned again, flows aback to the engine to blot added heat.
Your radiator is amid abreast the foreground of your car. Another basic alleged the boiler amount functions like a tiny radiator abreast the back. It is amid in the dashboard. Hot coolant flows to the boiler amount area a baby fan operates. If the vents in your vehicle's berth are open, the fan assault acrimonious air from the hot coolant through them.
Given the action declared above, it should now be bright that problems affecting your car's boiler are usually due to issues aural the cooling system. That's area we'll activate troubleshooting.
Check The Coolant Level
Because your boiler amount operates based on the coolant that campaign through it, an bereft aqueous akin will blemish its function. The calefaction that is destroyed through your vents originates aural your engine. The coolant arrives at your boiler amount afterwards arresting this heat.
Your car should accept a separate, bright coolant backlog through which you can see the aqueous level. There should be two markers on the reservoir. One of these markers identifies area the aqueous should be if it is acrimonious (i.e. if your engine is running). The added brand identifies the adapted akin if the aqueous is cold. If the akin is low, abolish the radiator cap and add more. But be acquainted the low akin may betoken a aperture about in the system.
Check The Ascendancy Valve
The breeze of coolant to your car's boiler amount is controlled by a basic alleged the boiler ascendancy valve. If you're application your vehicle's air conditioner, the valve will abide closed. In this position, coolant will not access the boiler amount and thus, calefaction will not access your car's cabin. Otherwise, the valve charcoal open.
If the boiler ascendancy valve malfunctions and charcoal bankrupt if it should break open, it will anticipate coolant from entering the boiler core. Because the aqueous cannot accretion entry, there is no calefaction that can be destroyed through the vents into the berth of your car.
Check The Blower Motor
The next basic to audit is the blower motor. This is the baby fan that assault beyond the boiler core, blame hot air through your vents. If it fails, it cannot draft acrimonious air into the cabin, behindhand of whether coolant has entered the boiler core. Problems that action with the blower motor can cover accumulated bits that jams the system, a destroyed fuse, or a declining switch. All affairs advance to the aforementioned result: the hot air cannot be destroyed through the vents.
Driving in algid climates after calefaction can be a afflicted experience. But it's important to analyze the acumen your boiler is clumsy to aftermath balmy air. If the botheration is specific to the boiler amount (i.e. adulterated ascendancy valve or declining blower motor), aliment can wait. On the added hand, if you ascertain a accessible coolant leak, accept a artisan acquisition and fix the botheration as anon as possible. Coolant leaks can aggravate and could cause your engine to overheat. This can advance to big-ticket accident that is absolutely avoidable.
Car Care Journal - Pointers in Troubleshooting Your Car
Automotive troubleshooting is often very overwhelming for some people. However, there are many things that you do not need an expensive mechanic for and that you can do yourself with just a little bit of problem solving skills. It is important that every car owner read, or at least skim through, their vehicle's owner's manual. There are often many things that may be different on each model of car that comes out. With newer models, there are also many things that are electronic in nature, and could consist of a complex wiring structure. Reading the owner's manual is often the first step in learning how to troubleshoot your car.
There are also many other guides made specifically for each model of car that are offered by publishers such as Chilton's to provide further information on more difficult tasks. Still, the best reference that a vehicle owner could possibly have for troubleshooting potential problems that may arise is a personalized car care journal. To create one of these journals, find a small notebook that can fit easily into the glovebox or console of your car. You will want to keep a pen with it as well.
Create several sections within the notebook for each subsystem. For example, you want to have a section for engine problems, transmission problems, wheel problems, brake problems, electrical problems, heating and cooling problems, and also power steering problems. In addition, you want to include another section for keeping track of routine maintenance tasks, and another for tracking your gas mileage.
Tracking your vehicle's fuel economy is essential to being able to tell what is wrong with your car. Dwindling gas mileage is often one of the first signs of problems with another one of the vehicle's subsystems. To track your gas mileage, write down the number of gallons of fuel added each time that you fill up and the number that is on the odometer. Then, subtract the current number on the odometer from the previous number entered and divide that number by the number of gallons of gas that you added the last time that you filled up. Each time that you calculate this, write down the total number of miles per gallon that your car is consuming. Changes over time could indicate a problem.
For the other sections, each time that you make a repair or notice slight problems with any particular car parts, write down the problem, when it first started happening, and what car parts were replaced. When larger problems occur, this makes it easier to determine what the actual problem may be and can save a lot of time and hassle.
There are also many other guides made specifically for each model of car that are offered by publishers such as Chilton's to provide further information on more difficult tasks. Still, the best reference that a vehicle owner could possibly have for troubleshooting potential problems that may arise is a personalized car care journal. To create one of these journals, find a small notebook that can fit easily into the glovebox or console of your car. You will want to keep a pen with it as well.
Create several sections within the notebook for each subsystem. For example, you want to have a section for engine problems, transmission problems, wheel problems, brake problems, electrical problems, heating and cooling problems, and also power steering problems. In addition, you want to include another section for keeping track of routine maintenance tasks, and another for tracking your gas mileage.
Tracking your vehicle's fuel economy is essential to being able to tell what is wrong with your car. Dwindling gas mileage is often one of the first signs of problems with another one of the vehicle's subsystems. To track your gas mileage, write down the number of gallons of fuel added each time that you fill up and the number that is on the odometer. Then, subtract the current number on the odometer from the previous number entered and divide that number by the number of gallons of gas that you added the last time that you filled up. Each time that you calculate this, write down the total number of miles per gallon that your car is consuming. Changes over time could indicate a problem.
For the other sections, each time that you make a repair or notice slight problems with any particular car parts, write down the problem, when it first started happening, and what car parts were replaced. When larger problems occur, this makes it easier to determine what the actual problem may be and can save a lot of time and hassle.
Monday, August 6, 2012
Rev Up Your Skills By Enrolling In An Automotive Program
If just hearing the sound of a well-tuned engine gets your motor running, you may find yourself gearing up to enroll in an automotive program where you can learn to master a craft while providing a service to others. Today's auto mechanic students learn everything from basic engine systems to custom-built, high-performance engines. As a certified automotive technician, you'll be prepared to work on most modern automobiles.
If you're a natural-born problem-solver, that skill will come in handy on a daily basis, as you test and diagnose many problems surrounding everything from breakdowns to strange noises. Well-trained automotive technicians with the right combination of skills are always in high demand. In fact, with proper automotive program training, you may even discover that you can advance through the ranks in a career in automotive technology.
Automotive technology programs often include courses in diagnosing, servicing and repairing vehicles. Of course, each program will vary depending on the school, and you'll find that there are classes and programs available for both domestic and foreign automobiles. You'll have to decide if you want a broad-based education or if you want to specialize in, say, German makes and models.
Students in automotive technology programs learn how to troubleshoot problems of all kinds using the latest gadgets such as hand-held scanners, engine analyzers and other computerized diagnostic equipment. There are also courses on topics such as computerized fuel injection, passenger restraint systems, anti-lock brakes, computerized engine control and much, much more. You'll learn the latest developments in engine repair and emissions testing.
Depending on the automotive program you enroll in, you may learn from intensive hands-on training as well as through web-based tutorials, classroom lectures and on-site work experience at dealer locations. Also, if you decide to pursue an Associate's degree, you'll also take several liberal arts classes. These classes, such as communications, speech and psychology, can help when dealing directly with customers, some of whom will not be happy campers when their car breaks down or you can't find an immediate solution to the problem.
A dealership-sponsored automotive program prepares students for a career as an Automotive Service Technician in specific dealership. As you apprentice in the dealership, you'll learn technical competency to analytically diagnose, service and maintain the dealer products using their specific recommended procedures, special tools and parts. If the automotive program you enroll in is combined with a dealership program, be prepared for an intense 6 to 12 week full-time work experience.
You also may have the option of enrolling in the newest technologies related to "green" initiatives as they relate to automotive technology programs. When working on hybrid vehicles, you'll learn about high-voltage safety and safe working habits when performing service or maintenance on these types of cars. This is an ideal course for you whether you're a new automotive technician or a great course to market if you're already in the field to bring in specific customers.
You'll find that enrolling in an automotive technician program is an attractive field because of the satisfaction of working with your hands as well as the immediate results in helping others. It is even possible to take online auto classes through online certificate programs. If a little grease doesn't bother you, then "wrenching it" may be just the career you're looking for. After all, vehicles will be around for a long time, and so will the need for a qualified automotive mechanic.
If you're a natural-born problem-solver, that skill will come in handy on a daily basis, as you test and diagnose many problems surrounding everything from breakdowns to strange noises. Well-trained automotive technicians with the right combination of skills are always in high demand. In fact, with proper automotive program training, you may even discover that you can advance through the ranks in a career in automotive technology.
Automotive technology programs often include courses in diagnosing, servicing and repairing vehicles. Of course, each program will vary depending on the school, and you'll find that there are classes and programs available for both domestic and foreign automobiles. You'll have to decide if you want a broad-based education or if you want to specialize in, say, German makes and models.
Students in automotive technology programs learn how to troubleshoot problems of all kinds using the latest gadgets such as hand-held scanners, engine analyzers and other computerized diagnostic equipment. There are also courses on topics such as computerized fuel injection, passenger restraint systems, anti-lock brakes, computerized engine control and much, much more. You'll learn the latest developments in engine repair and emissions testing.
Depending on the automotive program you enroll in, you may learn from intensive hands-on training as well as through web-based tutorials, classroom lectures and on-site work experience at dealer locations. Also, if you decide to pursue an Associate's degree, you'll also take several liberal arts classes. These classes, such as communications, speech and psychology, can help when dealing directly with customers, some of whom will not be happy campers when their car breaks down or you can't find an immediate solution to the problem.
A dealership-sponsored automotive program prepares students for a career as an Automotive Service Technician in specific dealership. As you apprentice in the dealership, you'll learn technical competency to analytically diagnose, service and maintain the dealer products using their specific recommended procedures, special tools and parts. If the automotive program you enroll in is combined with a dealership program, be prepared for an intense 6 to 12 week full-time work experience.
You also may have the option of enrolling in the newest technologies related to "green" initiatives as they relate to automotive technology programs. When working on hybrid vehicles, you'll learn about high-voltage safety and safe working habits when performing service or maintenance on these types of cars. This is an ideal course for you whether you're a new automotive technician or a great course to market if you're already in the field to bring in specific customers.
You'll find that enrolling in an automotive technician program is an attractive field because of the satisfaction of working with your hands as well as the immediate results in helping others. It is even possible to take online auto classes through online certificate programs. If a little grease doesn't bother you, then "wrenching it" may be just the career you're looking for. After all, vehicles will be around for a long time, and so will the need for a qualified automotive mechanic.
Sunday, August 5, 2012
Helpful Tips In Rooting Out The Cause Of Problematic Automotive Brakes
Because it is very difficult to figure out what is wrong with the brakes just by simply listening to the noise, it is important to fix the car once the problem becomes evident. There are many different causes for noisy braking. Some of them are mundane, and can be left alone to resolve themselves. An example is dust. Dust often gets stuck in the brake pads, creating friction when the brakes are hit. That creates the annoying noises. Similarly, other small materials can do this, such as rubber dust, ground metal or metal shavings, and so on. If the problem is persistent, it can be removed by dismantling the brakes and putting it back together.
Contrarily, it can be a serious matter. In many cases, noisy braking are a sign for components beginning to weaken and break. After all, brakes are often subject to wearing conditions. Wear and tear is an ever-present company for brake pads. If that is the case, the damage could quickly become something very serious. It is only a matter of time before the brake parts give out and cause real trouble for the driver. In that sense, the noise should be taken as an indication that something must be done, and quickly, too. To solve such a problem, the mechanic can either repair the old component or replace it. Both of which would cost the driver, it would be a cost paid for safety, though.
Determining whether the tire needs immediate repair or it would be okay to wait for the noise to go away on its own is, for the lack of better word, difficult. The driver can never be fully sure that it is one thing or the other. That means he will be risking his own safety, and that of his passengers, as well, when he drive a car with noisy braking. Or, he could be wasting money by having it repaired for no just reason. One way to figure that out is through the age of the vehicle. New vehicle or those with newly installed braking systems are less likely to have problems. Though, this deduction is going to be far from accurate, so it is best avoided when there are other options.
It is more effective to see if the troubleshooting is accompanied by any number of things. For instance, sharp pulls on one side of the car when braking tell the driver that something is off. Similarly, advanced braking and late braking could be a sign that the brake pads are worn down and need immediate replacement. In other words, the car has to be brought to the mechanic as soon as you notice something is wrong with it. Not being able to brake properly can have devastating consequences, especially if you are driving on a busy highway.
Two very common causes of noisy brakes are dust and the substances used to make the brake pads. Dust and other contaminants can create friction and, therefore, create noise, when the pads are locked tight with the wheels. Substances can create the same effect.
The dust can get through to the brake pads no matter what the driver does to protect from it. The good thing is that it will go away on its own. The reason behind that is the dust will have nothing to hold on to in the brake pads, so they will just fall out. After a time, the dusts will go away, but will leave cumulative damage to the pads.
The brake pads will become less and less durable, especially if the dust gets in very often. The solution for this is to dampen the brake pads. Doing so will not only lubricate the pads, but it will reduce the chances that dust will stick on the pads.
Contrarily, it can be a serious matter. In many cases, noisy braking are a sign for components beginning to weaken and break. After all, brakes are often subject to wearing conditions. Wear and tear is an ever-present company for brake pads. If that is the case, the damage could quickly become something very serious. It is only a matter of time before the brake parts give out and cause real trouble for the driver. In that sense, the noise should be taken as an indication that something must be done, and quickly, too. To solve such a problem, the mechanic can either repair the old component or replace it. Both of which would cost the driver, it would be a cost paid for safety, though.
Determining whether the tire needs immediate repair or it would be okay to wait for the noise to go away on its own is, for the lack of better word, difficult. The driver can never be fully sure that it is one thing or the other. That means he will be risking his own safety, and that of his passengers, as well, when he drive a car with noisy braking. Or, he could be wasting money by having it repaired for no just reason. One way to figure that out is through the age of the vehicle. New vehicle or those with newly installed braking systems are less likely to have problems. Though, this deduction is going to be far from accurate, so it is best avoided when there are other options.
It is more effective to see if the troubleshooting is accompanied by any number of things. For instance, sharp pulls on one side of the car when braking tell the driver that something is off. Similarly, advanced braking and late braking could be a sign that the brake pads are worn down and need immediate replacement. In other words, the car has to be brought to the mechanic as soon as you notice something is wrong with it. Not being able to brake properly can have devastating consequences, especially if you are driving on a busy highway.
Two very common causes of noisy brakes are dust and the substances used to make the brake pads. Dust and other contaminants can create friction and, therefore, create noise, when the pads are locked tight with the wheels. Substances can create the same effect.
The dust can get through to the brake pads no matter what the driver does to protect from it. The good thing is that it will go away on its own. The reason behind that is the dust will have nothing to hold on to in the brake pads, so they will just fall out. After a time, the dusts will go away, but will leave cumulative damage to the pads.
The brake pads will become less and less durable, especially if the dust gets in very often. The solution for this is to dampen the brake pads. Doing so will not only lubricate the pads, but it will reduce the chances that dust will stick on the pads.
Friday, August 3, 2012
Vintage Volkswagen Bus - Repair and Troubleshooting of Electrical System
The wiring on a VW van or bus can be very simple. This is particularly true of older models (mid 1960's and earlier).
In fact it's probably one of the simplest wiring schemes in automotive electronics.
For example, there is one wire leading to each set of bulbs in the tail lights. Each one of the bulbs has two leads, one to one of these wires and one to ground. Electrically speaking, very simple. Practically as well. There is no way to achieve the same effect
with fewer wires.
There is one wire running to the left and right set of brake lights, one wire running to the left and right set of turn signal lights and one wire running to the back up lights. It doesn't get much simpler.
A word about the ground wires. As in all cases of ground wires, they must connect to completely bare, bright, shiny metal. After the connection is made, then and only then joint with grease.
After making a ground connection, you can protect the joint from moisture, dirt and general crud by slathering the joint with grease. You don't need a bunch, just cover the whole area and the connector.
The grease trick is especially important if the joint carries a lot of current or one side of the connection is a metal that corrodes. Usually if the wire looks like it's bigger than the average wire, it carries a lot of current and is a good candidate for a really good connection followed by grease.
Generally, anywhere on the body is metal that corrodes (in this case, rusts) On old VWs, there are virtually no semiconductors to worry about. The early fuel injection computers are an exception to this rule.
They became available in the late 60's. A factoid that I can't get over is that the lowly VW was the world's first production car to offer EFI (Electronic Fuel Injection) as standard equipment.
As long as your only concern is on a non-EFI VW bus, you're all set.
Find more repair tips on vintage VW vans and also locating VW bug parts.
In fact it's probably one of the simplest wiring schemes in automotive electronics.
For example, there is one wire leading to each set of bulbs in the tail lights. Each one of the bulbs has two leads, one to one of these wires and one to ground. Electrically speaking, very simple. Practically as well. There is no way to achieve the same effect
with fewer wires.
There is one wire running to the left and right set of brake lights, one wire running to the left and right set of turn signal lights and one wire running to the back up lights. It doesn't get much simpler.
A word about the ground wires. As in all cases of ground wires, they must connect to completely bare, bright, shiny metal. After the connection is made, then and only then joint with grease.
After making a ground connection, you can protect the joint from moisture, dirt and general crud by slathering the joint with grease. You don't need a bunch, just cover the whole area and the connector.
The grease trick is especially important if the joint carries a lot of current or one side of the connection is a metal that corrodes. Usually if the wire looks like it's bigger than the average wire, it carries a lot of current and is a good candidate for a really good connection followed by grease.
Generally, anywhere on the body is metal that corrodes (in this case, rusts) On old VWs, there are virtually no semiconductors to worry about. The early fuel injection computers are an exception to this rule.
They became available in the late 60's. A factoid that I can't get over is that the lowly VW was the world's first production car to offer EFI (Electronic Fuel Injection) as standard equipment.
As long as your only concern is on a non-EFI VW bus, you're all set.
Find more repair tips on vintage VW vans and also locating VW bug parts.
Thursday, August 2, 2012
Marine Alternator Troubleshooting
If you're having problems with your marine alternator, or any high performance alternators, there are some general tests you can do to determine what your problem is. Marine alternators are like any other; they charge the battery and ensure a proper flow of electricity to all parts of your boat. Therefore they can be tested the same as most any other alternator.
The most important thing to remember is to start all testing at the battery. Boats can be stored for months without charging the battery, and all batteries self discharge during storage. This self discharge is even higher when moisture is present. To make the smart aleck comment, I hear there is water around boats. When a battery becomes completely discharged sulfation occurs. This is a chemical reaction that occurs when batteries are stored for a long time and remain in a state of discharge for a long time. They are hard, bulky, crystal-like substances that form on the lead plates in the battery, causing them to become clogged and useless.
In order to test the battery you will have to apply a load that is 50% of its cold cranking amp rating for 15 seconds and maintain a terminal voltage of 9.6 volts. The C.C.A. rating for a battery used to crank a V8 inboard is 650 amps. To test this battery you would need to apply a 325 amp load for 15 seconds. Be sure you are using a tester that is capable of applying this load, at least a 300 amp load will be needed for most V8 gas or diesel inboards. Smaller engines such as outboards and 4 cylinder gas engines can likely be tested with a handheld 100 amp load tester. You can buy these at most any automotive store as they are typically used on most cars.
The first consideration when testing the charging system is to check the belts for proper tension and wear. If they are loose or glazed replace them, too often an alternator has been replaced when all that was needed was a new belt. If they are fine then connect the voltmeter leads to the battery post and not the cable ends. Crank over the engine and increase the RPM to a fast idle while observing the voltage reading. The correct one is usually between 13.8 and 14.2 volts. Gel cell batteries can be lower at 13.5 to 13.8 volts. If you are reading below 13.5 volts you should connect the positive voltmeter lead to the output post and the negative to the ground post of your alternator. Crank over the engine again and increase the engine RPM to a fast idle. If you see that the voltage is within the desired range for your battery then resistance in the charging circuit is the problem. The cause of this can be due to the boat manufacturer running many charge circuits through plug-in connection. They work fine when new, but corrosion can cause severe voltage drops. This can be a common issue with a marine alternator, especially when in-line amp meters are being used.
If you are searching for a marine alternator then look no further. At Elreg Distributors Ltd. we carry a number of high quality, brand name marine alternators and starters. Whether your marine vessel has a diesel or gas engine we have the right starter or alternator for you. We offer brand name diesel and gas boat alternators for your marine vessel, including these quality brands: Prestolite, Iskra, Denso, Volvo Penta, Mercruiser, BMW marine, Delco, Leece-Neville, Niehoff.
The most important thing to remember is to start all testing at the battery. Boats can be stored for months without charging the battery, and all batteries self discharge during storage. This self discharge is even higher when moisture is present. To make the smart aleck comment, I hear there is water around boats. When a battery becomes completely discharged sulfation occurs. This is a chemical reaction that occurs when batteries are stored for a long time and remain in a state of discharge for a long time. They are hard, bulky, crystal-like substances that form on the lead plates in the battery, causing them to become clogged and useless.
In order to test the battery you will have to apply a load that is 50% of its cold cranking amp rating for 15 seconds and maintain a terminal voltage of 9.6 volts. The C.C.A. rating for a battery used to crank a V8 inboard is 650 amps. To test this battery you would need to apply a 325 amp load for 15 seconds. Be sure you are using a tester that is capable of applying this load, at least a 300 amp load will be needed for most V8 gas or diesel inboards. Smaller engines such as outboards and 4 cylinder gas engines can likely be tested with a handheld 100 amp load tester. You can buy these at most any automotive store as they are typically used on most cars.
The first consideration when testing the charging system is to check the belts for proper tension and wear. If they are loose or glazed replace them, too often an alternator has been replaced when all that was needed was a new belt. If they are fine then connect the voltmeter leads to the battery post and not the cable ends. Crank over the engine and increase the RPM to a fast idle while observing the voltage reading. The correct one is usually between 13.8 and 14.2 volts. Gel cell batteries can be lower at 13.5 to 13.8 volts. If you are reading below 13.5 volts you should connect the positive voltmeter lead to the output post and the negative to the ground post of your alternator. Crank over the engine again and increase the engine RPM to a fast idle. If you see that the voltage is within the desired range for your battery then resistance in the charging circuit is the problem. The cause of this can be due to the boat manufacturer running many charge circuits through plug-in connection. They work fine when new, but corrosion can cause severe voltage drops. This can be a common issue with a marine alternator, especially when in-line amp meters are being used.
If you are searching for a marine alternator then look no further. At Elreg Distributors Ltd. we carry a number of high quality, brand name marine alternators and starters. Whether your marine vessel has a diesel or gas engine we have the right starter or alternator for you. We offer brand name diesel and gas boat alternators for your marine vessel, including these quality brands: Prestolite, Iskra, Denso, Volvo Penta, Mercruiser, BMW marine, Delco, Leece-Neville, Niehoff.
Wednesday, August 1, 2012
Auto Forums and Information Concerning Them
Auto forums are going to have a number of different threads or topics in which you are able to post in. Each thread or subject is going to be specific to the information that is going to be found inside of the forum. For instance, in some cases, the first topic or thread is going to be about general information on the subject of cars. You will in most cases come across the topic of troubleshooting. Inside of this section or topic you will come across a number of questions pertaining the forum in which you have joined. For instance, if you join a forum that is relevant to Ford models, the questions inside of this subject are going to be about troubleshooting your Ford vehicle whether it is a SUV, Compact Car or Truck.
By joining auto forums, you are able to have access to free advice from other automotive owners that have had similar problems if not the same ones as yourself, and who know the answers to the questions that you are asking. There will be a large section in many cases devoted to the repair of the automotives that you are looking at in the forum you have joined. Often times, you will be able to find the fault codes for the vehicle that you are driving or working on along with any questions that you may have concerning the transmission that is inside of your vehicle. Often times, the answers you would have found from visiting a local repair shop can be found and many times, the solution is simple and can be achieved easily.
In many cases, many forums that are quite popular are the ones that offer solutions to car stereo repairs. In most instances, the repairs and wiring diagrams that are most popular can be found inside of this subject. If you have found that you are unable to find a solution to your wiring trouble and are unable to get any sound from your speakers, your solution can be found inside of the auto forums topics of stereo problems. Look inside here first before visiting a number of websites that will require that you pay for the diagram needed in order to complete the circuit of sound coming out of your stereo. All the information found in auto forums is generally free and can be easily understood or found by searching for the information needed. Look for the search box that will sort through the whole forum and will return the results concerning the items that you are looking for.
By joining auto forums, you are able to have access to an assortment of people who have all been in your shoes at some point and who have the knowledge in the information that you need in order to work on a vehicle. You will be able to find the most common answers to the common questions that you are asking along with the answers to the most uncommon questions that you may have. All of this is available to you at no cost whereas in other circumstances, you would have had to pay in order to get the questions you have answered.
By joining auto forums, you are able to have access to free advice from other automotive owners that have had similar problems if not the same ones as yourself, and who know the answers to the questions that you are asking. There will be a large section in many cases devoted to the repair of the automotives that you are looking at in the forum you have joined. Often times, you will be able to find the fault codes for the vehicle that you are driving or working on along with any questions that you may have concerning the transmission that is inside of your vehicle. Often times, the answers you would have found from visiting a local repair shop can be found and many times, the solution is simple and can be achieved easily.
In many cases, many forums that are quite popular are the ones that offer solutions to car stereo repairs. In most instances, the repairs and wiring diagrams that are most popular can be found inside of this subject. If you have found that you are unable to find a solution to your wiring trouble and are unable to get any sound from your speakers, your solution can be found inside of the auto forums topics of stereo problems. Look inside here first before visiting a number of websites that will require that you pay for the diagram needed in order to complete the circuit of sound coming out of your stereo. All the information found in auto forums is generally free and can be easily understood or found by searching for the information needed. Look for the search box that will sort through the whole forum and will return the results concerning the items that you are looking for.
By joining auto forums, you are able to have access to an assortment of people who have all been in your shoes at some point and who have the knowledge in the information that you need in order to work on a vehicle. You will be able to find the most common answers to the common questions that you are asking along with the answers to the most uncommon questions that you may have. All of this is available to you at no cost whereas in other circumstances, you would have had to pay in order to get the questions you have answered.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)