Most results when searching topics about sway bars involve high level extrapolations about understeer, oversteer, body roll and preferences; all important but it doesn’t help to understand how sway bars actually work. Hopefully I can simplify it enough where it starts to make intuitive sense. The primary principle behind a sway bar is to...
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For automotive uses, we are generally concerned with Class A, B and C fires.   Dry Powder: Without a doubt, the cheapest fire extinguisher type is dry powder. These fire extinguishers use mono-ammonium phosphate, sodium bicarbonate or potassium bicarbonate (Purple K). Apart from making a mess, the problem with them is that they are...
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Crash Testing: Body Structures: Front and Rear suspension systems: Standard equipment and order-able options:   Aerodynamics and weight:   Emissions, Alternator and Headlights:   Dimensions and overall vehicle detail:     Engine Materials: Heating, Ventilation and AC:   MISC:
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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...
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“Genuine” oil is a money making cash cow for most car brands. The reason is simple; they are able to buy the oil in bulk, slap their name on it and therefore charge more then something you could buy from any number of places that sell oil. It should be no surprise that the...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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If you don’t know or understand how parking lights work; you’re not alone. Your use or need for parking lights greatly depends on where you’re from, North Americans are the least likely to have experience with parking lights because of our well lit roads and ample dedicated parking space. In Europe and many other...
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