General Auto Repair

The sway bar on your vehicle is designed to connect the driver's side suspension to the passenger side, so that when you turn a corner, the vehicle won't lean heavily from side to side. The sway...

Seized bolts that snap off flush with a part's surface create a frustrating, time-consuming issue. The majority of bolts seize due to corrosion in the form of rust. Rust forms when fasteners from...

A torque wrench is a device designed to tighten bolts to a specific tightening or torque specification. This measure of tightness protects both the threads of the bolt and the threads of the...

If you've ever stripped a bolt while working on engine, you know the value of a torque wrench first-hand. This specialty tool is a lifesaver when it comes to not only tightening down nuts and...

Drilling and tapping a hole in thicker gauge metal is a fundamental part of fabricating metal. Using the optimal drill bit is imperative in producing a functional and strong final tapped hole. If...

Torque is the applied tightness of the retaining bolt without over-tightening (which can mash threads to the mating surfaces) or under-tightening (which can lead to the bolt not holding the...

A tensioner pulley on most newer cars -- from the mid 1980s to present -- is actually part of a two-piece component called the automatic belt tensioner. The tensioner's job is to apply the correct...

On most conventional light-duty GMC trucks, the left rear shock angles towards the rear of the vehicle, while the right rear angles towards the front. Replacing the shocks every 50,000 miles or...

The alternator in the Kia Rio is located on front low-side of the engine. The alternator is much more accessible by lifting the vehicle. Since a floor jack and jack stands only offer limited room,...

Seat belts are one of the most important safety features on your Toyota car or light truck. If the belt material is frayed, cut or torn, or the retention brackets are broken in any way, the belts...

Although the Toyota Tacoma became available in 1995, it was already on its second generation by 1997 through 2000. Featuring a 2.7-liter four-cylinder engine or a 3.4-liter six-cylinder engine,...

Trying to remove a bolt that has been stripped or rounded off is a frustrating experience that usually brings the progress of a project to a grinding halt. It does not have to be this way. A few...

A vehicle's suspension cushions the ride while the vehicle traverses rough terrain, such as potholes or speed bumps. In 1989, the Ford Ranger came equipped with a twin I-beam front suspension, and...

A rusty bolt is the last thing you want to deal with when you have a larger issue at hand. Breaking off the head, rounding the corners, and busting your knuckles are no fun. Here are a few ways...

Most of the world converted to the metric system years ago. The United States is the only country left that still uses traditional measurements, including measurements for tools, as a primary...

Automotive torsion bars are a type of suspension spring that lifts the vehicle up and provides ride dampening. Most can be adjusted with a bolt, set into the bar mount where it meets the frame....

Most vehicles today run with a serpentine drive belt, also known as an S-belt. The belt is driven by the engine crankshaft and provides rotation to the alternator, power-steering pump, water...

The leaf spring is the part on a vehicle that holds it up off the axle and provides for some suspension travel. A broken leaf spring is a hazard to yourself, passengers and to any person you...

When a car won't start, you can usually blame the battery. A battery can have a few things wrong with it that won't allow it to keep a charge, or the connections to the battery can be faulty....

How to Remove Frame Bolt for Car Frame Alignment and straightening in this classic car repair and restoration video from our automotive expert.

Learn how to adjust camber in this free series of wheel alignment auto repair videos from our custom car restoration expert and professional mechanic.

Learn how to adjust control arm in this free series of wheel alignment auto repair videos from our custom car restoration expert and professional mechanic.

One of the necessary tools for the home auto mechanic is a torque wrench. If you want to follow all the manufacturer's recommendations for repairs and routine service, you will need to know how...