Auto Tools For The DIY'erWritten by Kevin Schappell
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Disc brakes: You will need some special hex or torx sockets to get caliper loose. Do not try using wrong tool like a vise-grips or filed down bit.... you will damage bolts. You will also need to retract brake pistons once you have old pads out. Using a C-clamp does work, but you have to be careful not to damage pistons. Drum brakes: There are special tools, which allow you to remove clips, which hold shoes to backing plate. Also you will need an adjuster to adjust shoes once you have everything back together. Bleeding brakes: Get a good kit, which includes a sealed container to collect expelled brake fluid. General tools: A good Quality Tool Set: Make sure you have metric wrenches as all import cars have metric fasteners and most if not all-new domestic cars do also. If you plan on doing advanced work, or plan on eventually working as a professional mechanic consider buying a set of Craftsman tools. I have found them to be best value and you cannot beat lifetime guarantee. Plus wherever you are, there is a Sears store to take your broken tools in for replacement. Auto Repair Manual: You wouldn't bake a cake without a recipe.... would you?? Make sure you have a manual by your side before you start working on your car. I can only give you general guidelines, but manual will give you all of specifics for your car, truck or SUV.
Kevin Schappell maintains http://www.carbuyersclub.com where he gives advice on buying, selling, insurance, and financing. A mechanical engineer and car guy, Kevin has decided to spend his online time helping others learn about automobiles. To learn more about how your car works, Kevin has createdhttp://www.mycarwizard.com
| | Technical Service Bulletins (TSB)Written by Kevin Schappell
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This information can be valuable to home mechanic when trying to troubleshoot problems with his or her car. Most times manufacturer gives detailed instructions on how to fix problem with part numbers included. You can choose to fix it yourself or take it to your mechanic and alert him to TSB. Recall Notices: Automobile manufacturers issue Official Safety Recall Notices to inform vehicle owners of car defects that have come to manufacturer's attention. Recalls also suggest improvements that can be made to improve safety of a particular vehicle. Oftentimes your car dealer can perform this recall work for free. Knowing what recall notices have been issued on your vehicle helps you keep your vehicle in best and safest working order. The best way to keep your family safe is to check for recalls issued for your vehicle every 1 - 3 months. Not all recalls are serious enough to warrant manufacturer to contact owners, so it's up to you to check for yourself.
Kevin Schappell maintains http://www.carbuyersclub.com where he gives advice on buying, selling, insurance, and financing. A mechanical engineer and car guy, Kevin has decided to spend his online time helping others learn about automobiles. To learn more about how your car works, Kevin has createdhttp://www.mycarwizard.com
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