To change the fuel filter the mechanic shows your the 4 different tools you’ll need for the job.  First you’re going to start by removing the protective shroud covered by 3 bolts.  Use a 12mm wrench.  The fuel filter is located under the drivers side and is held on by a 10mm bracket.  A 14mm wrench is used to remove the lines from the fuel filter.  Worth noting is that most filters have an in and out barb and you should take note of which way they are facing before you remove it.

Once the fuel filter is removed you will replace it with the new one in the reverse order as the removal.  Be careful to catch any gas that may leak out you don’t want that winding up all over your driveway.  For more videos on replacing fuel filters use the search bar on our site!

In this video they tackle wiring the amp and the sub. Great video that explains what each part does in the system. Follow the steps in the video to see where the wires need to be connected. Also be sure to get the proper gauge wire not just for safety purposes but to also achieve the best quality sound out of your setup.

How To Wire A Subwoofer

An important part of wiring up any stereo component is doing proper wire splices where needed.  Don’t know how to make a good wire splice?  Then do a search for other how to videos on this site.

This video featuring Eric the car guy will show you how to use a timing light properly.

In this vehicle the ignition timing is on the under hood sticker. (If you don’t have one you can always refer to a haynes or shop manual.)

Pay close attention to the video. In many late model vehicles you need to use a connector to stop the computer from trying to adjust to a base timing so that you can manually set it properly. Most OBD-II vehicles work like this. The timing light itself is given a power, ground, and then clamped to the number 1 cylinder.

The flashing light indicates the #1 cylinder firing. When you point the gun towards the crankshaft pulley which should have timing marks you can time the engine this way. Usually there is an indicator that will allow you to line up the marks on the pulley with the indicator.

Props to Eric The Car Guy for an excellent video and tutorial!

How To Replace Chevy Truck Ball Joints

There are two styles of ball joints through bolts and top threaded. Trucks tend to have the top threads and smaller vehicles have the through bolts.

In this video they are working on a late model Chevy truck. On this application (4wheel drive) your going to want to loosen your lug nuts and then use a 35mm socket to remove the axle nut(center hub nut). (this will require either a strong impact gun or large breaker bar)

This application also requires removal of the brake caliper and brake rotor. Take a jack and lift up the control arm so most of the weight of the suspension will be on the jack and off the control arm.

After removing the hub assembly and the control arm you should be able to access the ball joint. If your ball joint has not been replaced before you will need to use a cold chisel to shear off the rivets that the factory uses. (new ball joints use bolts as a replacement.)

Removing the ball joint requires the removal of the cotter pin and the bolt on the bottom of the ball joint. (video details how to get at them properly)

What the spring compressor does is compress the spring slightly which will relieve any tension on the top of the strut. This allows you to remove the spring cap/top of the strut easily and with out any major recoil or snapping. These springs can be much more powerful than you think so don’t take chances and pick yourself up one today.

Below are links to both the one in the video and a smaller/simpler style. Typically a compressor will attach to two different coils on the spring and allow you to use a socket or in the videos case impact gun to slowly compress the spring down until the tension is relieved.

Need a new thermostat for your explorer? Here is a step by step video on how to remove and install a new thermostat.

First start by locating the thermostat on the engine block usually where the radiator hose connects. (be sure that you have drained the coolant first.)

The thermostat prevents coolant from going to the radiator until your engine is up to temperature. Be sure to get the proper type/temp. thermostat. Hotter climates may be better off with a higher temperature.

First remove the hose clamp and this will allow you to remove the hose.

After removing the hose you will see usually two bolts on the thermostat that need to be removed in order to pull the thermostat housing off. Inside the housing you will find the thermostat itself.

Be sure to remove the old gasket material so that you can easily apply RTV or a new gasket. A razor blade usually works well.

Installation is the reverse of removal just reinstall the gasket, the two bolts, and reattach your radiator hose.

This video applies to ford explorer models but is very similar for a large variety of vehicles.

The fuel filter itself is located underneath the driver side frame rail on most ford trucks. Most fords require a special tool in order to remove the fuel filter or fuel lines. (link for this tool at the bottom of the page)

The fuel filter is usually held on with just two bolts to the frame rail with a bracket. Always be careful when removing fuel lines of any excess gas in the lines and have a towel or rag ready to clean up any gas that has spilled.

Always make sure that you purchase the right hitch for your needs and attach it properly.

This install will be about the same on most old and late model trucks.

Begin by finding the belt routing diagram. This procedure requires a belt removal and you want to make sure you put it back on in the correct way.

Always disconnect the battery before starting. Use the belt tensioner to remove the belt first. Disconnect any wiring from the rear of the alternator. Next remove the two mounting bolts that hold the alternator to the bracket to free it.

Most auto parts stores can check an alternator for you if you bring it in to them so feel free to have yours double checked before buying a replacement.

Replacement is about the same as removal just take your time getting the belt back on and make sure routing and tension is correct as well as any wiring that needs to be reattached.

Allow time for it to sit and haze up after rubbing. Then take a clean rag and use it to wipe the polish off. Don’t forget that after you are done with your chrome polish you will want to take a chrome safe auto wax and wax the area to seal it off and prevent any further rusting.

AHTV: A quick tip that I’ve had a lot of luck with is taking a bucket of water and using a small piece of house hold aluminum foil to rub down the area gently. This will often get rid of the pretty tough rust that can build up on some chrome pieces and then allows you to polish and remove any scratching with the chrome polish. I’ll be posting my own video of that soon so stay tuned.