Hot Maintenance How-Tos

How To: Replace outer tie rod ends

In this video, Rich Pin teaches us how to replace an outer tie rod end on a vehicle. First, get the vehicle in the air supported on jack stands, and remove the tire wheel assembly. Next, put a mark on the top of the tie rod shaft so you know where to line it up when you replace it. Next, loosen the jam nut from the rod, remove that and the nut. Remove the tie rod end after this by shocking it with a hammer. When it is removed, replace it with a new part and then attach all the bolts and nuts ...

How To: Change the transmission fluid on a Honda Civic

To change the transmission fluid on a Honda Civic, you will need a good rug, a drip pan, 10 quarts of transmission fluid, a funnel and a ratchet wrench. First, remove the dipstick to release the pressure on the liquid. Then, remove the drain plug with the ratchet wrench. You may need to bang on the bolt with a cheater bar to loosen it. Drain the fluid into the pan. Then replace the drain plug until it is hand tight. Use the ratchet wrench to tighten the drain plug. Clean up the excess transmi...

How To: Change your own oil on a 2006 Ford Explorer

In this tutorial, we learn how to change your own oil on a 2005 Ford Explorer. First, find the oil drain underneath the vehicle and remove it. Once you remove it, let the oil drain into an oil pan underneath the car. Let the oil drain completely out, then when it's finished replace the plug. Now, go to the hood of the car and remove the cap from the oil can. Place a funnel inside and then pour your new oil into the can. When finished, replace the cap and start the car. Now go back and check t...

How To: Change your differential oil on a Jeep Grand Cherokee

In this tutorial, we learn how to change your differential oil on a Jeep Grand Cherokee. First, you will need to remove the drain plug from the underneath of the vehicle, then let it drain out onto an oil pan, use a pipe and pump to do this. Once it's finished draining, you will need to replace the plug. After this, grab a new pump and pour your new oil into the pump. Remove the plug again, then pump the oil back into the engine. Once the oil is full, you can replace the drain plug and check ...

How To: Change the brake pads on a 2003 Honda Pilot

In this tutorial, we learn how to change the brake pads on a 2003 Honda Pilot. First, take off the bolts around the caliper on the rotor. Next, take your caliper straight off and rest it somewhere. Now remove your brake pads from the bracket using a screwdriver. Replace the old one with the new ones, then replace your rotor back into the car. Use your wrench to push all the bolts back onto the car properly. Also put the caliper back on, then double check that everything is bolted back in your...

How To: Change the oil in your Smart car

In this video, we learn how to change the oil in your Smart car. First, you need to go out and buy the appropriate oil for your car. After this, look underneath the car and find the oil filter/plug. After this, you will remove the plug and let the oil drip into a pan underneath the car. Once it's finished draining, you will replace the plug back on the car. When finished, you will pour the new oil back into the car until it's filled up. Then, you will look at the oil to see how much is in the...

How To: Adjust the flame on your RV water heater

In this video, we learn how to adjust the flame on your RV water heater. First, open up the area where your gas valves are. Find the air opening to make a smaller air adjustment. The setting should be 1/4 of the way open. Snug down the locking screw when you have adjusted it properly. Now, you have to fire up the water heater by turning on the water heater switch first. Once the main flame is lit, you will see it with a nice blue color. Play with the adjustment some more until it's adjusted h...

How To: Perform a P0404 EGR cleaning on a Saturn S-series

If you own a Saturn S-series and keep getting the code P0404 and your check engine light is on, you probably need to perform an EGR cleaning. This is actually a commong problem with soem cars and can be taken care of easily wthout having to go to the mechanic. This video will show you how to clean it properly and use the right materials for the job. You might want to wear gloves and protective eyewear when cleaning an EGR. So good luck, pay attention, and enjoy!

How To: Correct Tire Pressure on a Classic VW Beetle Bug

In this video tutorial, viewers learn how to correct the tire pressure on a classic Volkswagen Beetle Bug. This car should use radial tires. It is recommended to use the 165R15 tires on this car. The pressure for the front tires is about 18 pounds, and the rear tires are about 23–25 pounds. If you over-pressure the tires, the car will end up swaying and bouncing. Don't put more pressure than the amount of weight that is specified in the car manual. This video will benefit viewers with a Volks...

How To: Replace a timing belt & crankshaft seal on a Tercel

Owning a motor vehicle is a big responsibility. Aside from the obvious things that need to be changed or replaced, there are other parts of the car that also need to be taken care of in order for it to work. A timing belt and crankshaft are essential for a working car to have. Without these, you pretty much have a car that can't run. So check out how to replace one on a 1992 Toyota Tercel today. Enjoy!

How To: Replace the side view mirror on a Nissan Altima

Someone has just smashed the side mirror off your perfect Nissan Altima that you parked on that busy road you know you shouldn't have parked on anyway, so now it's up to you to repair it— unless you want to pay an overpriced mechanic, who will charge you for parts, labor, and whatever else he thinks he deserves. If you're up for repairing your side view mirror by your lonesome, for cheap, then this video by Richpin will show you the exact steps required to fix your Nissan Altima's side mirror...

How To: Test a vehicle alternator with a standard multimeter

Richpin demonstrates how to test an alternator with a standard multimeter. First make sure that the vehicle's battery is fully charged. Take the negative lead of the multimeter and put it on the negative post of the battery. Place the positive lead of the meter on the positive lead of the battery. Set the meter to DC voltage using the 20 scale and read the display to ensure the battery is fully charged. Next start up the vehicle and see what the alternator is producing. The display should now...

How To: Troubleshoot a heater blower motor

Basic instructions on how to troubleshoot the heater blower motor of a Saturn S-series. The heater blower motor is located behind the glove compartment of your vehicle. Disconnect the negative and positive power supply. (The black wire is usually the negative.) Using a multimeter set on the Ohm scale, use the positive lead and test the black wire. To check the purple wire for current, use your ignition key and turn it to the run setting, turn the heater power to full power and set the multime...

How To: This Hair Care Product Will Keep Water Spots Off Your Car for Good

Taking care of your car requires effort, whether you take it to the pros for washes, waxes, and detailing, or you spend time to make it shine yourself—and it often seems that, right after your car is sparkling again, rain or midnight moisture appears to cover its surface in water spots. With a small tweak to your typical car care routine, you may be able to keep your car's surface and windows shining longer and better: you just need to add a little hair conditioning liquid.

How To: Change Your Own Oil — A Beginner's Guide

If you're one who enjoys a good DIY project, or if you're just tired of paying exorbitant labor fees to have your vehicle serviced every 5,000 miles, changing your own oil can be a rewarding endeavor. Even though cars and trucks are becoming increasingly over-engineered these days, manufacturers generally see to it that the basic maintenance items can still be taken care of in your driveway with a few common tools.

How To: Clean Your Vehicle's Air Filter for Only 3 Dollars

The guys at Poor Man Mods show you how to clean an air filter with a can of brake parts cleaner. Instead of buying cleaning kits that cost $15 and can damage your mass airflow sensor with the oil they contain, a can of brake parts cleaner does the job awesome and brakes down all the grease, grime and oil, leaving the filter media squeaky clean!

How To: Service a Peugeot 206 Compact Car

This video gives a step by step tutorial how to service a Peugeot 206 with the 1.4 liter engine. Please note that the video is not in English, but you can follow along by watching the video and following the written instructions below. Work under the car.

Prev Page