How To Replace A Timing Belt

This auto repair video covers the process on a Dodge Intrepid, but the repair will be similar for most vehicles.  Consult your Haynes manual for proper specs and procedure.

A basic list of tools for the job on most vehicles will be…

• Socket set
• Jack and jackstands
• Belt or timing chain wrench
• Screw drivers
• A catch pan for oil
• A puller may be necessary for certain models to remove the crank shaft pulley

Follow the steps in the video and don’t forget to search our site for more great youtube auto repair videos from other mechanics!

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!

How To Change A Fuel Filter

This great video features a 1993 nissan 24osx.  Most fuel filter setups are very similar so if you have a different make or model this video should still cover things pretty well.

Notice that he takes the fuel pump fuse out to prevent the lines filling up with gasoline.  Something you do not want to spill everywhere.  On the nissan 240sx the fuel filter is located in the engine bay.  When changing a fuel filter most of the time you just need to remove a simple clamps.  Some fuel filter setups may require a special tool.

Once the old filter is removed simply change it out with a new fuel filter and reattach the lines.  Make sure to re-secure the clamps so that they will not leak.  If your fuel lines or clamps look worn now is a very good time to go ahead and replace everything.  After you’re done don’t forget to start the car and reinspect the filter to make sure no leaks have developed.

Don’t forget to always wear proper saftey gear and a set of work glasses when working with high pressure lines is never a bad idea.

Often times cars with drum brakes have braking issues when the drums are adjusted either to tight or to loose. When you replace the shoes you will almost always need to make some adjustments.

How To Adjust Drum Brake Pads

Most drum brakes have what is known as “adjustment stars” basically it’s a star shape wheel that is located behind a hole on the back of the drum plate.

Most times a screw driver works just fine but using an adjustment tool can make the job easier on some vehicles.

The object is to tighten the drum until the wheel will not easily turn. Then back the stars off a few clicks. You should be able to spin the wheel once and have it stop on it’s own. This will give you the right amount of gap.

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 EGR is located just to the top left of the valve cover. A few 12mm bolts need to be loosened to remove the valve. After the bolts are removed you’ll want to remove the vacuum hose. Make sure to note where and how it is attached.

After removing the valve take a razor and scrape off any old gasket material left on the mounting service. Once it’s been cleaned take your new honda EGR valve and install it in the reverse order of removal.

Bad EGR valves can be a source of frequent check engine lights coming on in many different vehicles. Save yourself some money and install the part yourself they tend to be easy to find and access on most Honda’s and other vehicle makes and models.