Archive for April, 2009
How To Change Truck Drum Brakes
Posted by: | CommentsNow I know for most of you out there changing you own brakes, chances are you will not have to do a rear brake job on a GMC Sierra 2500, but if you are lucky enough to try one on your own, I will show you how easy it is and along the way give you some free tips on how to make that rear brake job a snap.
Keep in mind that if you have any questions about this or any other automotive repair that you might be attempting to perform on your own, that you should consult your owners manual or an after market Chiltons or Haynes manual.
After you remove the rear tires, you should see a couple of brake drums that look like they belong on a school bus . Loosen and remove all eight bolts from the axle shaft flange.
Next remove the shaft from the axle tube. Now remember this can only be done on a full-floating axle. For semi-floating and locking differential axles, you must use a different procedure.
You will need a special socket to remove the adjusting nut. It should look like this and can be found at any parts house.
Once you remove the adjusting nut, you will be able to remove the drums.
After you remove the drums, you will have access to the brake shoes. Start by removing the hold down springs.
Remember to only change one side at a time. That way if you forget how the springs go back on, you can use the other side as a reference. Try to lay out your brake hardware on the floor as you take it off. It makes re-assembly much easier.
Its always a good idea to replace the seals in the back of the drums while you have them off. They can be harder to remove then standard seals, so you might want to use a slide hammer to get them out.
With all of the brake hardware out, now is a good time to inspect the wheel cylinder for leaking seals. If they look like they need to be replaced, then now is a good time.A good rule of thumb is to always replace paired items at the same time. We decided to replace both of ours due to one of them leaking.
Most wheel cylinders are held on to the backing plate by two bolts . Don’t forget to use a flare wrench when removing the brake line.
After you replace the wheel cylinders, install all of your brake hardware. Don’t forget to buy a spring kit . That way you can replace all of those old springs while you are in there. Once you are done it should look like this
When replacing brake springs, its always a good idea to invest in brake spring pliers. It makes the job so much easier.
Now check to make sure everything is back they way it should be and complete the other side. After that you can install the drums. Make sure you adjust the adjustment nut to spec by referring to your manual. This is important so make sure its right.
All that is left is to turn the star adjuster until the drum turns with a little drag. Now you can bleed the system and check for leaks.
Now remember to always consult with your manual while performing this procedure and if you have any questions you can leave me a comment.
If you scroll to the top of the page you will see our latest DVD on brake repair . Its a must for the do-it yourselfer and is packed full of tips and tricks on brake repair. Just click on the image and get your copy today.
Until next time, this is Jeff Williams saying “ Thanks for stopping by “ and if this article has been helpful then please click on the coffee cup icon below and help us keep this site running. Thanks. Jeff
Automotive AC Repair And You
Posted by: | CommentsWith temperatures rising fast and summer just around the corner, more and more people are turning their automotive ac on and asking the question, " will it blow cold this year " . Well if you are lucky enough to own a newer vehicle, chances are that question didnt even come into your mind.
As for the rest of us who own a slightly older vehicle, that question becomes more prevalent with each passing year. But if you follow these 7 simple tips, then you will have a better chance of avoiding a costly automotive ac repair down the line.
Before we get started though , I thought it might be helpful if you know the basics behind your automotive ac system. Believe it or not , your ac system is actually a heat pump. It operates under three basic laws;
1. Heat always travels to cold or a state of less heat.
2. Condensation releases or dissipates heat
3. Evaporation captures heat
Every automotive ac system operates under these three basic laws and if you fully understand them then you will have a better knowledge of how it all works.
Ok, so here they are and I put them in random order, so you can check them however you like.
1. Compressor drive belt inspection. If the belt that turns your compressor is weak or loose , then chances are that the compressor is not spinning as fast as it should. Your vehicle will have either a serpentine belt or a multi rib or v-belt design. Only the v-belt and multi rib belts are adjustable so check them. Check the serpentine belts for damage. Remember to consult with your owners manual or an after market repair manual for the how to’s of an adjustment.
2. Inspect the front of the condenser for anything that will cause air flow restriction like dirt, bugs or plastic bags. Also check for bent or damaged fins.
3. Visually inspect the ac lines for signs of oil leakage, which will indicate a freon leak.
Dont forget to make sure that you have the port caps on.
Also listen to the compressor with the ac running. Is it making alot of noise or does it sound quite. A noisy compressor means theres a problem and it should be inspected by a qualified mechanic.
4. Proper fan operation. All automotive ac systems have to have help moving air across the surface of the condenser to aid in heat dissipation. If you have an electric cooling fan, then check to see if it comes on when you turn you ac on. If it doesnt, then that would explain why you have only cool air blowing out.
5. That musky smell. Most automotive ac systems have a drain tube in the evaporator box to remove water condensation to the outside, but if the tube becomes plugged then you will get a bad smell coming from your vents. Some people see water dripping out from under their car and think coolant leak. If its clear then thats what it is.
6. Cabin Filter. If dirty, these little guys can cause a foul odor along with poor air flow. You should replace it every 10 to 15k miles. Its located behind the glove box but once again check your owners manual first.
7. ac output temperature. Invest in a small temperature gauge to find out just what your temp is . This will help determine if the duct is blowing cold enough and this way you will know exactly what it is.
Well, there you have it. I hope these tips have been helpful to you and if you have any more questions on this or anything else, then hit the contact us tab and send me a message, I would like to hear from you. Until next time this is Jeff Williams saying " Thanks for stopping by "
If you like this post, buy me a cup of coffee.