Normally this job would require the use of a special (Klann type) spring compressor, as access to the spring is limited by the design of the upper spring perch. The perch is attached to the car and...
To many people, a car key is just a key. It unlocks the doors, it may control lights, and it is a tool used for starting the vehicle. However, technology and design have progressed to the point that automobile keys are now treated like expensive jewelry. Buy a new Volvo today and your keys will...
The half axle is rotated by the transmission, and transfers the transmission movement to the wheels. The half axle is composed of two different mechanisms. The inner side has three roller bearings, which move in and out of the cup in relation to the suspension movement. The outer end has a rzeppa...
The drive belts on the BMW e39 engines are regular maintenance items, but the pulleys and tensioners need careful attention once a car passes 100,000 miles. The job is not particularly difficult if done it at the same time as a cooling system service, like a water pump or thermostat. Whenever...
It is often suggested that skid plates are only necessary for off road vehicles or lower cars. While it is more likely for an oil pan to be damaged during off road exploration or scraping the city streets, the underbelly of a car is constantly at risk from standard road debris, animals,...
I admit that I have had a fascination with Land Rovers. Though I have never owned one, I constantly search them on Craigslist. I have a few logins to the forums. And I have done enough homework on the Discovery to come close to buying one—but the mechanical horror stories always stop me. "I’m a...
The difference between professionals and amateurs is the level of preparation. This holds true in many arena, from business to sports, and especially auto racing. Our second endurance race exploited the fact that we weren't as prepared as we had hoped for. Leading up to the race, there was so...
I may be the BMW Catalog Manager at FCP Euro but my better half happens to own a Volkswagen. I changed the oil on this vehicle at home with basic tools and decided to share the process with you. Changing your vehicles oil on your own is not only a great way to save some money but it's also...
It is a true honor to join the editorial team at FCP Euro from the Desert Southwest of the United States. Today we launch a series on the Mercedes-Benz, R107 chassis, covering topics such as what to look for in a potential purchase, restoration, and mechanical aspects. Over the next months...
The Saab WIS doesn’t indicate a service schedule for changing the brake fluid (also known as bleeding the brake system) but this is something that should be done as preventative maintenance. I usually do this every 3-5 years as hydraulic brake systems will be less effective since the fluid...
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