About: Brad Paugh

California Restrictions on Aftermarket Catalytic Converters

Effective January 1st, 2009, California enacted a new law that all California vehicles must meet California’s emission standards. If your vehicle was purchased in California anytime on or after said date, your car will not function properly without a California regulated catalytic converter, even if you reside outside of California. Companies cannot sell…

Mechanical Steering System Diagram

The steering system functions to move the automobile's wheels in response to the movement of the steering wheel. The diagram above depicts the basic components of a mechanical steering system. It includes the Pitman arm, idler arm, tie rods and center/drag link. Pitman Arm: The Pitman arm connects the steering box, attached to the…

AC accumulator for an orifice tube system, with inlet and outlet fittings

AC Accumulator / Orifice Tube System Layout

Introduction An automobile's AC system keeps the passenger cabin cool. The AC system includes components such as the compressor, evaporator, condenser, accumulator and orifice tube. Here, we focus on the working and other aspects of the accumulator and orifice tube. Working The accumulator is a part of the AC system, that is designed to remove…

Fuel Pump Assembly Layout

The fuel pump assembly in a vehicle is responsible for sending the required amount of fuel at the right pressure and time to the engine. The assembly consists of a few key parts such as the screen filter, fuel pump and fuel pressure regulator. Let us start at the bottom of the unit and…

AUTO PARTS BUYER’S GUIDES

We know buying auto parts can be pretty tedious, and with all of the options available, it's really hard to decide which part to buy. We've gathered all of our parts knowledge and tied it with our site to create buyer's guides to help you purchase the right car parts. Click on the parts below…

Cutaway view of a cast iron cylinder head with valve springs

What is a Cylinder Head?

A cylinder head is usually located on the top of the engine block. It serves as a housing for components such as the intake and exhaust valves, springs and lifters and the combustion chamber. This page covers the main function and various designs of cylinder heads, and their causes and symptoms of failure. The passages…

Power steering pump, gearbox, and rack and pinion steering components.

Is Your Steering Tight After a Rack or Gearbox Install?

Steering Tips

When a steering system begins to fail, it is a good idea to take a look at all the factors. With a steering system this is a key factor in avoiding future complications, not to mention future expenses. A steering rack or gearbox may be replaced due to a number of reasons but can…

Stainless steel catalytic converter with flanges, part of catalytic converter diagnosis

Six Steps to Diagnosing a Bad Catalytic Converter

A catalytic converter is a component that aids in reducing the level of pollutants present in the vehicle's exhaust gases. The by-products of combustion, when left unfiltered will be detrimental to the environment. As with other components of the vehicle, the cat converter may fail, requiring it to be addressed immediately. Generally, when any…

Fuel injector diagram and close-up, showing internal parts and spray pattern.

REPAIR INJECTOR

The injector repair "How To" section of our site is here to help when you need that little bit of extra knowledge to get your project up and running. From the list below select the video or article that is related to info for the product line desired. Symptoms of Bad Fuel Injectors The…

Sanden AC Compressor: R134a Important Information

R134a/PAG Oil Handling Precautions: As a conscientious member of the global community, Sanden Corporation with its subsidiaries is committed to the elimination of CFC-based refrigerant. This manual focuses on the service information for Sanden compressors intended for use with R134a and PAG oils. 1. Always follow the safety precautions as suggested by the…