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Along with some roof rails and a spare tire mounted on the tailgate, running boards were a must-have accessory during the SUV boom of the 1990’s. They’re a perfect visual representation of compromise; you’d like a go-anywhere lifted truck, but your kids would appreciate the lower step-in height, and you can’t show up to the…
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Symptoms of a Damaged or Failing Alternator
The alternator supplies power to a vehicle’s electrical components like the headlights. The alternator tends to fail gradually, and its warning signs can signify future breakdown long before it occurs. Diagnosing a problematic alternator early can save you from a world of trouble. Avoid ignoring the tell-tale signs, and get the problem fixed before you’re…
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Wheel Hub Bearing Failure Warning Signs
Symptoms of a Worn Wheel Hub Bearing Signs of a worn wheel hub bearing vary in severity. Some may be difficult to detect, leading to damage before corrective action can be taken. The time frame in which damage occurs is linked to driving condition and/or the mechanical practices that were followed at installation. Noise is…
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Symptoms of a Bad Crankshaft Position Sensor
The crankshaft position sensor, otherwise called the engine speed sensor (ESS), monitors the rotation of the crankshaft. It can be identified as a thin, long, black cord, located next to the crankshaft. Based on the reading of the crankshaft position sensor, the Engine Control Unit (ECU) determines which cylinder should be fired with respect to…
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2019 North American International Auto Show (Detroit) Highlights
Being that it’s in the Motor City, the North American International Auto Show (or Detroit if you prefer brevity) is the highlight of the auto-show season. Iconic cars have been revealed here in memorable ways, like the Jeep Grand Cherokee making its debut by driving up Cobo Hall’s front steps and smashing through a window…
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Common Symptoms of a Failing Intercooler
The intercooler is fitted between the turbocharger and engine, and between two turbochargers in twin-turbo systems. The intercooler located near the engine is often called an aftercooler. Be it an intercooler or aftercooler, the function remains the same: to lower the temperature of the compressed air that is generated by the turbocharger. Intercoolers are also…
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How to Pick the Right Turbo for Your 6.0L, 6.4L or 6.7L PowerStroke Diesel
The Ford PowerStroke diesel engine has legendary reliability, but since these trucks are more than a decade old and most of them have 100,000 miles or more, a few repair bills here and there are to be expected. One of the most common repairs for any turbodiesel engine is turbocharger replacement. The turbo isn’t designed…
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K03 vs K04 Turbo for the Audi & Volkswagen 1.8T
What’s the last time you saw an Audi on the road older than a first-generation A4? The B5-chassis A4 was a turning point for the brand, and it’s probably the reason Audi is still around today. It was also the first vehicle to use the 20v 1.8T engine, which soon found its way to the…
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The Right Way to Delete Power Steering From Your Honda Civic EG
On the 1992-1995 Civic, trim levels CX, DX and VX came equipped with manual steering, while the higher-spec LX, EX and Si had power steering as a luxury feature. 25 years later, when most of these cars are modified and few are left as humble commuters, the manual steering is more desirable; when the car…
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How to Delete Power Steering From Your Fox-Body Mustang
The Fox-Body Mustang is having a collector car moment right now, probably due to nostalgia, but also because the cars were so undervalued for so long. They’re relatively light, plentiful on Craigslist, and the aftermarket is huge, so you can make it whatever you want; not to mention all the other cars on the Fox…
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