Rack-and-pinion steeringis quickly becoming the most common type of steering on cars, small trucks and SUVs. The rack & pinion gearset does two things: It converts the rotational motion of the steering wheel into the linear motion needed to turn…
The bane of owners with "check engine" lights everywhere, the oxygen sensor is a device that can fail with frustrating frequency. The oxygen sensor is a device that measures the oxygen level in the exhaust gases, allowing the engine to…
The differentials is the where the engine power in most cars, makes its last stop before spinning the wheels. The differential has three jobs: To aim the engine power at the wheels, to act as the final gear reduction in…
On manual transmissions, the clutch is a mechanical device, operated by the clutch pedal, which engages and disengages the engine from the transmission so that you can change gears idle without moving, etc. It generally consists of a clutch disc,…
Catalytic Converters work like an air filter in your exhaust system, only this "filtering" is done chemically by taking advantage of the extremely high exhaust temperatures. These can go "bad" if your air-fuel mixture gets way out of whack, acting…
The Axle Shaft is an important component of a modern wheeled vehicle, having to perform one or more of the following functions: driving, braking and steering the car. The main purpose is to transfer the engine power and torque from…
Wheel alignment and wheel balancing are two different things. The wheel balance provides you with a smooth ride. To balance a wheel and tire assembly, the mechanic puts your wheels on a balancing machine. The machine will spin the wheel…
Alignment refers to the angle your tire contact the pavement, and is usually measured in degrees positive or negative. Alignment is surprisingly important, affecting the way your tires wear, the tendency on your car to travel straight, and overall steering…
Tire rotation is one of the easiest auto maintenance tasks to accomplish, and one of the most important. Done properly, it can extend the life of your tires, improve your gas mileage and ensure that your car handles in a…
Many of the cars on the road today have timing belts. They keep the valves and pistons in your car in synch. These belts take the place of a timing chain. The advantage is that they are lighter and more…