This Season
 
  • The units of 5.0Nm in the term 5.0Nm/5000 RPM represent a torque in Newton-meters. The 5000Rpm part of the term gives the speed of rotation of an engine in revolutions per minute. For a typical engine…

  • A coulter wheel is a rolling blade that attaches to farm implements or construction equipment for the purpose of making deep vertical cuts into the earth or even concrete. From making the initial cut…

  • Incorrectly tightened nuts and bolts can cause serious accidents. Designers calculate the force that is required to clamp parts together safely, reducing the risk of premature failure. In many…

  • Nuts and bolts are the glue that hold together our mechanical contraptions. These simple devices are one of the most important inventions of the mechanical age. The 12.9 bolt is a higher tensile bolt…

  • A certain amount of torque is pre-applied by auto manufacturers so that critical bolted-on components of the vehicle won't snap if the incorrect amount of torque force is applied. As its name implies,…

  • In recreational or racing automotive applications, safety depends often on reliable tires and wheels. Some vehicle owners will go the extra mile and reinforce the all-important spot where the rubber…

  • A torque wrench is a device used to measure how tightly a nut or bolt is installed. If a bolt is too loose, the assembly can leak or fall apart. If a bolt is too tight, the bolt can fail or removing…

  • Over tightening a bolt or a lug nut can cause a real problem. The bolt can get jammed or stripped and you may have to weld it off or install special inserts to make its hole useable again. To avoid…

  • The Matco Tools company sells high quality mechanics-grade tools directly to the automotive mechanic and auto repair industry. Matco uses a franchise business model and leases its trucks and equipment…

  • The rod bearings fit between the piston connecting rod and connecting rod caps and ride on the crankshaft journal of your engine. These bearings, or inserts, allow engine oil lubrication to protect…

  • GMC introduced the Yukon in the 1992 model year, and based the SUV on its popular Sierra pickup. In 2000, GMC redesigned the Yukon, but the SUV remained based on the Sierra pickup. In the 2007 model…

  • Ford added the F-150 to the F-series lineup in the 1975 model year, to slot between between the existing F-100 and F-250. In 1984, the F-150 replaced the F-100 altogether. In 2004, Ford completely…

  • Torque is energy or pressure exerted in a rotational direction. It is the force we use when tightening nuts and bolts or screwing the lid onto a jar. All wrenches apply torque. Torque wrenches not…

  • A torque wrench is designed to measure the amount of torque exerted while tightening a fastener such as a nut or bolt. Some fasteners, especially those on engines and other moving assemblies, must be…

  • Dodge changed the name of all of its pickup trucks to "Ram" in 1981. The initial release of the Ram included three sizes, 150, 250 and 350. In 1994, Dodge changed the sizes slightly to 1500, 2500 and…

  • A tow bar, also commonly referred to as a tow hitch, is a metal device connected to your vehicle that allows you to tow another vehicle. Tow bars are often included with heavy-duty vehicles such as…

  • Learning how to use a torque wrench tool is essential to making most auto repairs on your car, as well as other types of household repairs. The torque wrench measures how much torque is applied to…

  • Shade tree mechanics are likely to use two main types of torque wrenches. "Beam type" torque wrenches are cheaper and require the user to read an analog scale that stretches across a beam on the top…

  • AmPro tools are manufactured by Frenway Products. Frenway has been in business since 1984 and provides tools and services to 63 countries around the world. Using an AmPro torque wrench allows you to…

  • Tow bars allow you to tow another vehicle securely and are commonly used on recreational vehicles to tow a smaller vehicle on trips. Tow bars utilize the trailer hitch of the front vehicle to pull the…

  • A torque tool is classified as Class 1 to Class 7 based on the amount of force it can handle. Merriam-Webster dictionary defines torque as "a force that produces or tends to produce rotation or…

  • A bolt is a type of screw used as a fastener on vehicles. Bolts are the main fasteners used on the engines of vehicles. Apply a certain amount of torque to each bolt to secure the engine in its place.…

  • Tow bars allow cars and trucks to tow objects by anchoring to the rear underside of the vehicle and securing the hitch to the vehicle. Brink tow bars are made in the European market and for the cars…

  • Snap-on Tools has long been an understood mainstay supplier of professional mechanic garages, given the company's wide array of tool choices. From hundreds of hand tools to pneumatic and automated…

  • A torque wrench is a type of tool designed to deliver a specific amount of torque to a nut or bolt. Automotive service manuals that detail the disassembly and assembly of engines provide charts of how…

  • The flywheel is a disc connecting the transaxle and the engine. The flywheel stores rotational energy and helps to translate the power generated by the engine to the drive of the wheels on the road.

  • The LS1 Gen III is a highly regarded Chevrolet small-block V8 that replaced the LT1 in GM products from 1997 until 2005 when it was replaced by the LS2 Gen IV. While a powerful motor, adding a…

  • Torque is the force exerted on an object that causes he object to turn or twist. It becomes very important in industrial applications to measure this force as a means of evaluating the maximum…

  • Torque sticks are a type of tool that is used to tighten lug nuts to the proper amount of torque. They are used in place of more complex or time-consuming tools like torque wrenches.

  • The compact Rio is one of Kia's greenest vehicles, according to Kia Motors spokesman Peter Franchin, who says the sedan is equipped with 110 horsepower and keyless entry. Equipped with a four-speed…

  • High output small block Chevrolet engines produce the most power possible with high compression ratios, or CRs -- ratios as great as 15:1. Competition and racing engines are designed this way, but…

  • Removing or replacing the engine in a vehicle can be a time-consuming and complicated process. It is not uncommon for Jeep owners to swap out the smaller engines in some of the newer-model Jeep…

  • A rheometer is a device that measures the properties of a given material as it changes form. The information provided by a rheometer helps scientists gauge reaction of a material under different…

  • From 1987 to the present, AMC and later Chrysler used four different engines in the Jeep Wrangler. A 2.5 liter four cylinder, a 4.2 liter and 4.0 liter six cylinder, and a 3.6 liter V6 were all used…

  • The Roadmaster pressure reducer or vacuum gauge is a device that uses pressurized air to brake a towed vehicle. The device is an accessory for the Brakemaster supplemental braking system or other…

  • The clutch is an important safety feature in your 1997 Hyundai Elantra. If the clutch was to fail in traffic you would be stranded on the road without the ability to engage the gears and drive. The…

  • Torque wrenches can be used for all sorts of precise tightness settings, but fine settings require using the right type of wrench. Not every torque wrench will work at very small tightness levels. As…

  • Listen to your Chevrolet Malibu when it starts up. If you hear persistent grinding noises coming from the engine, then your starter is most likely not fully engaged with the flywheel. If this happens…

  • The Jeep Wrangler is designed to be taken off road and in the process, it can get beaten up. One way to protect the side of the Jeep from damage is to install a set of tubular side rails to the Jeep.…

  • A tow bar can be a very useful accessory. If you need to take a long trip or if you are moving to another city, you may wish to tow your 2003 Hyundai Accent behind the moving truck. A wide variety of…

  • The clutch in your 1997 Honda Civic DX is comprised of two plates that will wear out and fail over time. The clutch consists of a pressure plate and a driven disc. These components are aligned with…

  • Honda makes a number of a pleasant family sedans, but some owners want more horsepower and turn to turbocharging to get it. A turbocharger consists of two fans within the same housing, attached to the…

  • Honda automobiles come in many different levels of performance ranging from street racer to unexciting. Some owners of the more sedate Honda models want increased horsepower. Turbocharging is a good…

  • Honda built the 1994 Accord as a family sedan and included an engine which would fill that role. Many owners want more power and a turbocharger supplies it. The turbocharger uses the power from…

  • Tightening and adjusting bolts to a specified torque value is necessary on most of the components installed in your automobile, regardless of make and model. Proper torque ensures that any component…

  • Torque is a measure of rotational or "twisting" force. Measuring torque while installing a bolt prevents the overtightening of bolts. Torque wrenches are the most commonly used measures for this…

  • A torque wrench is a device used to apply a very specific amount of torque, or twisting force, to an object, such as a nut or bolt. These may be tested using a portable torque tester, or certified…

  • Torque is a measure of pressure placed on a fastener. One foot pound of torque is equal to the pressure applied by a one foot lever with one pound of weight at the end. Every bolt and nut on a car has…

  • First produced for the 1971 model year, the Dodge 360 was essentially a larger version of the earlier 340 engine. Like the 340, the 360 featured eight cylinders. Power is transferred from the engine…

  • A hydraulic torque wrench is an industrial torque wrench capable of tightening bolts accurately up to 150,000 foot-pounds of torque. Hydraulic torque wrenches are lightweight and portable devices;…

  • Rock crawling is a popular outdoor sport among four-wheel drive enthusiasts. Utilizing highly modified pickups and sport utility vehicles, drivers use the ability of their vehicle combined with…

  • Follow-up torque wrenches are more accurate versions of typical torque wrenches. They are also known as dial measuring torque wrenches because of the precision dial in their casing.

  • A beadlock rim features an additional plate that mounts on after the tire to hold the tire bead in place. A regular car rim is all one piece and requires no attached beadlock plate. If you want to…

  • The air conditioner compressor is the heart of your a/c system. The compressor takes the refrigerant and pressurizes it so it will cool off the car. It is run by a belt on the engine and has an…

  • Turbonetics is an aftermarket automobile and truck parts manufacturer based in Simi Valley, California. As of early 2011, the company sells 16 turbocharging systems under their consumer-targeted…

  • Bolts made of stainless steel are among the strongest, most reliable, and most resistant to corrosion. They have specific torque specifications depending on their established grade, size and…

  • The Honda Integra was manufactured in 1986 and its' production ended in 2006. It is equipped with a 1.8-liter B18C1 DOHC VTEC engine, which produces 170 hp. Officially, the Honda Integra was available…

  • A U-bolt is a type used on automobiles to join certain components. These bolts, like any other on a car, have specific torque, or tightening, values. Proper application of torque ensures all of your…

  • The clutch assembly allows you to operate your 1991 Honda Civic. Depressing the clutch pedal disconnects the engine from the wheels through the use of a pressure plate and clutch disc. The drive axle…

  • The clutch assembly in your 1991 Honda Civic consists of two plates situated in between the engine and the transaxle. The drive plate, clutch disc works as a unit to suspend the engine's power driving…

  • A beadlock is a mechanical device that holds the tire's bead bundle and wheel rim together. The bead bundle and wheel rim are secured with the use of mechanical force. With a beadlock system,…

  • Under-torqued hardware may loosen during use, while over-torqued hardware may fail or damage the assembly it is attached to. Torque wrenches provide the means to measure safe, exact tightening force…

  • When the coolant in your 2001 Mazda Millenia is ineffective or full of debris, you should replace it for optimal cooling. An overheated engine may result in severe damage to the internal components,…

  • By the 2004 model year, the Chevrolet Venture -- a minivan from the Chevrolet division of General Motors -- was on its last legs, as its manufacturer ceased its production the next year. One of its…

  • Manufacturers of bolts and/or machines establish torque specifications for their components and the nuts and bolts that hold them together. Bolt torque, the amount of force required to tighten a bolt,…

  • Turbo kits can increase the amount of fuel and air burned by Honda engines without adding too much additional weight. These kits are sleek and expensive. Drivers are constantly looking for cheap turbo…

  • Stainless steel bolts are popular fasteners because of their strength and resistance to corrosion. While in many households bolts are tightened until they feel tight enough, industries and car…

  • Rock crawlers are vehicles that are able to drive up through rocks and mountain terrain. In order to drive on these terrains, the vehicle must be fitted with beadlocks on all four tires. The…

  • Once the thermostat in your 1998 Mazda Millenia engine fails, it may keep the engine overheating or prevent it from getting up to temperature soon enough, affecting performance. Either way, you can…

  • Car engines come in a variety of designs. Elements such as the cylinder block and ignition system are common to all car engines. These elements are classified based on the number of cylinders, the…

  • Worn out shocks and struts can seriously compromise the stability and performance of any vehicle. Shock absorbers are separate components from coil springs, while struts are integrated with the coil…

  • If you own a 1999 General Motors vehicle that had a Vortex engine included with the vehicle and would like to make it faster, there are a number of things you can do to make that a reality. Vortex…

  • Torque is the amount of pressure it takes to rotate an object in place around another object. Torque wrenches are used when you need to rotate a bolt or nut around a gear or other object. Snap-on…

  • With the space, time, tools and necessary mechanical aptitude it is possible to rebuild your Jeep's engine. Particularly, when removing and reinstalling the engine, it is advantageous to have someone…

  • The clutch on a 1989 Honda Civic clutch gradually shifts engine torque to the transaxle by linking a clutch disc to a pressure plate. When these parts wear down, shifting may become choppy, difficult…

  • The Scenic is a compact car produced by Renault from 1996 to 2003, at which time it was replaced by the Scenic II. The headlamps on your Scenic are some of its most important safety features. Not only…

  • The Maasdam Power Pull moves heavy weights without using expensive hydraulics or power winches. The Power Pull device, also called a come-along or a manual winch, is a necessary tool for four-wheeling…

  • Torque wrenches are indispensible when a bolt or screw must have a specific tightness but not be over tightened. It is a tremendous help to know that the chances of stripping a bolt are drastically…

  • The Roadmaster tow bar is used to transport a vehicle by towing it passengerless, behind another vehicle. Advertised as one of the safest and most trouble-free towing solutions on the market, the…

  • After a long winter of putting your snowmobile to good use, the snow has dried up and no longer provides adequate turf for your frigid rides. The time has come to store your snowmobile away for the…

  • A torque wrench provides a mechanic exact tightness capability when using the tool as a socket wrench. This feature is particularly important when working on engines and similar assemblies that must…

  • An Allen key is a brand of hex key. There are other manufacturers of hex keys, but the terms "Allen" and "hex" are interchangeable for these tools. Allen keys are generally L-shaped with a…

  • Wrenches, used to tighten or loosen nuts and bolts on automobiles and other types of machinery, are one of the most widely used items in a mechanic's toolbox. Torque wrenches are much like normal…

  • When working on a vehicle, it's always best to follow the vehicle manufacturer's recommendations regarding the tightness, or torque, that is applied to fasteners such as bolts and screws. Using a…

  • The headlights are important safety components of your 2006 Dodge Ram 3500. Without them, driving at night or in bad weather would be both difficult and dangerous. If a headlight is damaged or broken,…

  • After installing a lift kit on your Jeep XJ, the angle of the drive-shaft changes. This can cause the drive-shaft to vibrate during acceleration and deceleration because of the steep angle of the…

  • Matco Tools provides numerous automotive and general maintenance tools. Precision tools include Matco's lineup of torque wrenches. A torque wrench is used to apply specific amounts of torque to a…

  • Torque wrenches allow you to accurately tighten bolts without applying excessive force. The standard torque wrench is a micrometer, or adjustable, tool. The Neiko torque wrench uses a combination of…

  • Matco Tool Company offers a large array of torque tools, including wrenches and bars. The torque bars are used with impact guns to stop the gun at a generalized level of torque. The torque wrenches…

  • Applying the proper torque to a bolt helps to ensure that the bolt and materials being joined will not break under pressure or come loose. Torque wrenches allow you to apply specific amounts of torque…

  • Engine bolts must be torqued or bolted down to a certain weight specification under manufacturer guidelines to ensure engine stability. But not all manufacturers provide consumers with torque…

  • When the long cold and snowy winter ends, it is time to put the snowmobile away and prepare it for the next winter's use. The tracks are the parts of the snowmobile that ride along the snow for an…

  • Torque tools allow you to apply force to a bolt or screw without exceeding a preset level. The most common types of torque tools are adjustable torque wrenches, but you have options for screwdrivers…

  • The starter inside of your third-generation Camaro is used to turn on the car's engine. When it can no longer complete this task, it will need to be replaced. The starter is located near the underside…

  • Headlamps on a vehicle are important safety components to drivers. Headlamp bulbs burn out, just like regular light bulbs. When headlamps on a Suzuki Forenza burn out or malfunction, they need to be…

  • Beadlocks secure tires to wheels. When a tire is inflated, tire pressure forces the bead of the tire against the inside of the rim. This keeps the tire in place. If tire pressure is not enough to hold…

  • Permatex Blue, a silicone gasket maker/sealant, cures quickly and resists aging. The sealant also resists weathering and thermal cycling which can lead to leaks and air entering automotive…

  • When working on a car, it can be hard to understand how the manufacturer was able to put it together in the first place. Most of the bolts are in positions that are nearly impossible to reach with a…

  • Shocks are mounted on almost anything with wheels. Shocks absorb the bumps in the road for a smooth ride. Shocks should be replaced every 75,000 miles. However, if you notice a decrease in ride…

  • The side step on a Jeep Wrangler is the metal beam that you step on to help you get into a raised Jeep. The side step is mounted to the frame of the Jeep by four bolts. The mounting points on the side…

  • A Truecraft torque wrench allows you to tighten a bolt to a specific torque value. Most automotive repair jobs require that you secure bolts to a certain torque value, measured in foot-pounds or…

  • On 4WD models of the 2002 Toyota Tacoma pickup truck, there are both front and rear differentials. The function of the differential is to transfer the power from the drive shaft to the axles. Since…

  • A torque wrench is a hand tool that has a gauge indicating specific torques being applied to a bolt or nut. They are helpful in the the construction and repair of auto engines, where specific…

  • 1996 was the second year of the newly redesigned Chevrolet Lumina. The 1996 model was equipped with a 3.1-liter V-6 engine that produced a respectable 160 horsepower and 185 ft-lb of torque. Whenever…

  • When the Ford Mustang's engine overheats and the engine coolant is properly mixed and filled, there is a chance that the thermostat may have failed. You may be tempted to call a repair center to…

  • GM's venerable old small block V8 was beginning to show its age in 1997. While the Generation II LT1 small block was an improvement over its forefather, GM needed a clean-sheet design to stay…

  • A loose handle bar grip on your Harley can cause a slip on the road that could result in serious injury or even death. It is imperative to keep your Harley grips in good order to keep control of your…

  • Beadlock wheels allow you to install large-diameter tires without expensive tire equipment or trips to a tire shop for installation. Beadlock wheels have a center flange that holds the inside bead of…

  • Gone are the days when ropes or chains were used for towing a vehicle. Not only are these methods unsafe, but they are also very crude. Modern-day tow bars offer a safer and securer way to tow your…

  • Chevrolet Blazers in 2000 used hydraulic disc brakes to stop the front wheels. This system employs a brake caliper that squeezes the brake pads against the rotor to slow the wheels. The brake rotor is…

  • Between the head and the engine block of a Chevy 350 resides a head gasket. The head gasket is a seal; it keeps the coolant that is moving from the engine block to the head from entering the…

  • If the thermostat on your Oldsmobile Cutlass has stopped working, the fix is to replace it. You need to be aware of some engine variations on the Cutlass. On some models, you may have to remove the…

  • If the rear of your Jeep Cherokee XJ sags, you can install an add-a-leaf to the rear leaf springs. An add-a-leaf spring is an additional leaf spring that attaches to the rear leaf spring pack. It will…

  • Like most parts and accessories on your Harley-Davidson, the floorboards -- or footboards -- can be customized and personalized to the individual rider's taste. Ask a Harley dealer or a motorcycle…

  • Chevrolet's 400 may have been the largest displacement small block GM ever produced, but it was never intended for the greatness it would one day see. A product of the dismal 1970s, the 400's…

  • A hex wrench is a mechanic's tool used for loosening and tightening fasteners. The wrench is a bar of metal formed with a hexagonal (six-sided) cross-section of a precise size. The end of the wrench…

  • Also known as the Vortec 7400 (7.4L, Regular Production Option designation L29), Chevrolet's Vortec 454 was a modern-day evolution of the company's most legendary big block. The 7400 was essentially…

  • Introduced in 1968, the 302 was a hay-maker punch in the muscle car gut. With high compression, massively high flowing cylinder heads (in Boss form), high production number and low cost, the rev-happy…

  • Aside from the engine block, an engine's cylinder heads are typically the heaviest components of the engine. Unfortunately, weight is too often confused with durability. What makes a cylinder head…

  • The thermostat in your 1998 Chevy Cavalier maintains the proper operating temperature of the engine. It remains closed on initial startup to allow the coolant inside the engine to warm up. Once at…

  • You might have removed the hood on your Corolla to do engine work or because you needed to fix dents in it and paint it. When you put the hood on, it doesn't always line up properly because the bolt…

  • The 1974 Chevrolet Nova was available with one of two inline six-cylinder engines: the 230 cubic inch and the 250 cubic inch. Unlike a V-6 engine design, which features two cylinder heads, the inline…

  • Automotive repairs often require exact settings when tightening fasteners to ensure that parts are properly fastened. The various bolts and fasteners used to assemble an automobile have different…

  • You might be familiar with the terms torque and angle, but unfamiliar with the term torque angle. The definition of torque angle is probably what you expect it would be.

  • On planet Hot Rod, hopped-up small block Chevys (SBC) are the foundation upon which the world is built. In continuous production for over 50 years, the basic small block has probably undergone more…

  • A torque wrench is a tool used to apply a specific amount of force to a nut or bolt. The torque wrench was invented in 1918 to prevent the overtightening of bolts on steam pipes and water mains. Now,…

  • A torque wrench applies an exact amount of pressure on bolts to secure them without over or under tightening them. Mechanics use torque multipliers to tighten bolts to specifications with less stress…

  • One of the must-have tools for the do-it-yourself auto mechanic is a torque wrench. A torque wrench is similar in appearance to a normal socket wrench except that is has a dial mechanism used to…

  • An operator sets a torque wrench to a specific setting in foot-pounds to tighten a bolt to an exact amount of pressure. Mechanics use torque wrenches to avoid over or under tightening bolts on…

  • A micrometer torque wrench has settings to allow tightening of bolts to an exact measurement in foot-pounds. Mechanics use torque wrenches on auto repair projects so all bolts are not over- or…

  • A technician applies clockwise force with a wrench to tighten a standard nut or bolt. This twisting moment is known as "torque." A torque wrench is designed to tighten a fastener to a predetermined…

  • The flat-beam torque wrench was invented in 1918 by Conrad Bahr, and perfected by P.A. Sturtevant of Chrysler Engineering. The tool has no moving parts. Torque is measured by the amount of deflection…

  • Tire supply outlets and some garages use air-powered impact wrenches to tighten lug nuts. Although these tools always tighten lug nuts securely, they are incapable of tightening to accurate factory…

  • Fixing the starter on the 1999 Chevy Camaro comes down to removing and replacing it. The starter can be rebuilt but unless you have a lot of very special tools and advanced knowledge of it its…

  • Torque angle meters, or torque angle gauges, are designed to ensure that the "tightness" among fasteners on a given component is equal. Torque angle meters are calibrated in degrees instead…

  • You can install new headlamps on the Forenza right at home with a few simple tools. Damage to the headlamps occurs most often during installation from unintentionally touching the halogen headlamp…

  • Torque wrenches are tools calibrated to apply a specific amount of torque or circular force in order to remove or tighten a bolt or nut. Some torque wrenches are simple devices featuring a torque…

  • If you need additional traction on your snowmobile when out riding, one way to do it is to attach studs to the snowmobile track. Studs are small metal spikes secured to the rubber part of the track.…

  • Torque is the amount of force around an axis, such as the amount of twisting force applied to a bolt or screw as it is tightened. Too much force applied to tighten a fastener will cause the fastener…

  • Metric bolts need to be tightened on automobiles using a torque wrench. A "metric torque bolt" refers to a bolt on an automobile that requires this type of tightening. A special wrench, called a…

  • Properly setting the torque on a nut or bolt requires you to use a torque wrench. The nuts or bolts you are working with, though they are steel or metal, are designed to stretch when tightened. A…

  • The 2002 Pontiac Sunfire came equipped with the 2.2-liter or 2.4-liter engine models. You will find slight differences within the 2.2L model. When replacing the thermostat, look up the eighth digit of…

  • Proper installation of the front wheel can help ensure a safe ride for the motorcyclist. The front axle should be tightened to the proper torque every 10,000 miles or whenever the front wheel is…

  • For certain applications, such as bolting on a cylinder head or putting wheels on, you will need to make sure that the fastener you are tightening is installed using the proper FT pounds (foot pounds)…

  • Torque wrenches are calibrated based on the length of the torque wrench. When you change the centerline distance between the handle of the torque wrench and the socket, the torque reading will no…

  • An ordinary nut with an ordinary washer, used to fasten a bolt on something that is subject to repetitive vibration--say, a wheel axle or engine accessory--would eventually vibrate loose. Lock washers…

  • Tubular headers are designed to replace the original cast iron manifolds that most trucks are manufactured with. Headers are a popular upgrade. Cast iron manifolds are heavy and have smaller exhaust…

  • Diagnosing your car problem may seem intimidating at first, especially if you lack basic knowledge of car parts. Many car problems are not easy to spot, so it might take an experienced driver or…

  • While the Jeep Wrangler is offered from the factory with side steps, they're not standard on every model. The mounting holes are included in the frame on all Jeep Wranglers, but if yours did not come…

  • Volvos are well known for their reputation as being extraordinarily safe vehicles, but not so much as being the world's most performance-oriented vehicle. To increase the performance of your Volvo,…

  • Headers are the portion of the exhaust that are bolted the head or heads of an engine. Headers evacuate spent exhaust gases from the motor into the exhaust system, where they are then routed out of…

  • The mechanical world holds many parts, accessories and tools used in the trade. Basic tools such as nuts and bolts, screwdrivers, wrenches and pliers are all common in a contemporary household. A lock…

  • Because an impact wrench exerts a different kind of pressure than even the longest cheater-bar, a different kind of socket must be used. As many mechanics have learned, using standard sockets on an…

  • The Honda Accord is not the most performance-oriented vehicle on the market. To increase its performance, install a turbo kit on your Honda Accord. Installing a turbo kit on your Accord is by far the…

  • A torque wrench is an essential tool for anyone repairing machinery. Torque wrenches can range from inexpensive beam-type models to ultra-expensive dial types, but for home use the best choice is a…

  • 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 attached…

  • Snap-on has a long history of making professional grade auto mechanic tools that are reliable and designed to make a mechanic's job easier. Its line of torque wrenches is no exception. Whether you own…

  • Torque wrench calibration is important to the safety and effectiveness of your home and car repairs, as well as the functionality of the torque wrench itself. Use your torque wrench safely and…

  • Torque ensures that a fastener properly holds a given part in place. Without a torque wrench, you have no knowledge of the exact amount of force you apply to the fastener. Click style torque wrenches…

  • 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 bolts to…

  • Many car manufacturers recommend not reusing head bolts, or the bolts that hold the engine's head assembly to the engine block, because over time, they can become brittle from excessive engine heat…

  • 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 component…

  • Using extensions when torquing bolts may be necessary if the bolt is in a hard to reach place. The extension will allow you to reach the bolt while the torque wrench allows you to torque the bolt to…

  • Frame sliders are cheap insurance for your Hayabusa. Protecting the frame from damage in most falls, frame sliders are well worth the investment. Sliders are available in two types: race-style…

  • The rod bearings mount between the connecting rods and crankshaft rod journals. They provide a space for oil lubrication and protection against premature crankshaft and bearing wear. However, when…

  • It's not uncommon to see people rock crawling or mud bogging on the weekend. One thing that helps maintain the enjoyment of offroading is a set of beadlock wheels. Depending on the situation, a tire…

  • Most Honda Civic clutches are made for smooth engagement (except the Si model), meaning that the grabbing force is not so strong that it's hard to engage the clutch. The clutch itself is a disc made…

  • Although there are a few different style of torque wrenches, from clicker to beam to dial, they are all meant to give accurate readings in foot-pounds and be used the same way. No matter which…

  • When you are a do-it-yourself ...er..., sometimes you may have to improvise the tools that you need. For example, let's say that you are tightening the nut on a wheel, axle, brake caliper, or any…

  • Permatex is an innovative liquid tool found in almost every auto repair shop. Different formulas of the product are used for different applications. Starting in 1909, Constant A. Benoit Sr. invented a…

  • Although they appear to be rugged and sturdy, torque wrenches are actually very precise measuring instruments. They are designed for one purpose and one purpose only: to impart a precise amount of…

  • Learning car mechanics can be a rewarding way to save money. With the cost of labor rising for professional mechanic shops, a "do-it-yourself" approach can give you the confidence to troubleshoot…

  • The Chevy Venture, like most minivans, uses MacPherson strut assemblies in the front suspension and shock absorbers for the rear suspension. If you have 50,000 miles or more on your odometer and have…

  • A tow bar is a device that connects to the back of your vehicle so that you can tow something behind you. Tow bars are typically used as a replacement for a trailer hitch if your vehicle doesn't have…

  • A hitch is an extension to a vehicle--usually a truck--that allows you to tow something behind you. This could be anything from a simple trailer to a camper or 5th-wheel. The hitch itself is a…

  • Torque is a measure of rotational force, or how hard something is being twisted. It can be calculated by multiplying the length of the wrench by the force applied at the end. For instance, pressing…

  • A torque wrench is a very important tool to keep in your automotive repair toolbox. When working on your car, there are some repairs that will require you to set the bolts at an exact pressure…

  • Setting the correct torque on a click style torque wrench is pretty easy. There are generally two different types of torque measurements on a click style torque wrench, depending on its size and…

  • A torque wrench is an absolute necessity for many automotive and small engine repairs. This tool helps ensure that fasteners, such as cylinder head bolts, are all tightened to the same tension. This…

  • A torque wrench measures how much "twist" is being applied to the bolt to ensure it's not over- or under-tightened. In most torque wrenches, a torque value is set into the wrench and then the wrench…

  • Building race vehicles is one of the most popular sports and recreation activity in the United States. Fans, participants and judges of automotive sporting events have brought the largest recognition…

  • To use a torque wrench, set the weight appropriately and only use it to screw things on, listening for the click when the appropriate amount of torque is reached. Avoid damaging a torque wrench by…

  • Frame sliders are used on some street motorcycles. The sliders protect the motorcycle's fairing, which is the shell-type covering over the motorcycles frame, since it sticks out. The frame sliders…

  • If you have experience or love working on car engines, have patience, have a garage or similar place to work and have enough room for your tools and engine parts, rebuilding your Jeep's motor should…

  • Replacing a differential carrier, changing bearings or a ring and pinion can be a challenging process. Adjusting it to just right for a long life and quiet operation is the most difficult part of the…

  • 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 tight…

  • When a trailer is hitched to a tow vehicle, the tongue weight typically causes the rear of the tow vehicle to lower and the front to raise. The purpose of a weight distributing hitch is to remove…