So you suspect a rattle in your exhaust system, but how do you know which heat shield or which component is the culprit? 95% of the time a true rattle that exhibits itself at certain RPM’s is attributed to a loose exhaust heat shield. The sound is most pronounced at specific RPM’s because of...
Read More »

A rotor screw is used to hold the rotor against the hub face without the wheel on. It is removed only when changing the rotor after removing the caliper carrier. Being so small, and in such a rust prone area however, it is very likely to become seized. This one screw often translates a...
Read More »

When removing the rear subframe on an E30, there is always a possibility that either of the two old bushings will be oxidized and therefore seized/stuck in the body. The OE subframe bushings are made up of an aluminum sleeve with a thick rubber coating around it. The aluminum sleeve protrudes at the top...
Read More »

Bringing it back to the basics this week. Changing brakes on any car with disk brakes is a routine maintenance item and is certainly a job for a novice DIY’er. However, for something so routine, there are multiple ways to perform the job. However, even though there are multiple ways to theoretically get to...
Read More »

A great video from spain showing exactly how to rebuild an M20 head and how to install it back on the block. Three things I would recommend doing differently from the video: 1. Always send the head out to the machinist to check for warping and cracks instead of trying to do it yourself....
Read More »

There are two problems with the front sway bar link mounts on the E30. First, instead of the bushing shackle mounting by means of two bolts, BMW instead decided to use a slotted end, and one bolted end.   The problem with the slotted design is that the slot first needs to be inserted...
Read More »

A rear wheel bearing job, dependent on which tools you have can either be a fairly painless job, or rather difficult. What you will need to make it easy is: Basic range of wrenches Plenty of 3/8 extensions Socket set with ratchets Hex Key Bit Socket Set or Torx key bit socket set (depending on...
Read More »

If you have ever tried to find anti theft options for your car you probably know that you basically have two options: One time payment transmitter based systems such as Lojack – old style system, pre GPS and pre modern cellular network technology. These systems depend on the supplier to hide a transmitter in...
Read More »

What do stone chip rust spots, industrial fallout in your paint and brake dust have in common? Iron. In the last 10 years there has been an introduction of Thioglycolic acid or “Fallout removers” introduced in the automotive market. The existence and use of Thioglycolic acid isn’t new; foundries used it as far back...
Read More »

Recharging your own Air conditioning system is one of those things that seems difficult, but really is rather simple as long as you have all the correct tools and follow the correct steps. I will as in depth as I can describe how to properly pull a vacuum on your car, how to check...
Read More »