We live in a day and age where we expect our cars to start every time. Unfortunately, many P1 Volvo owners have discovered that their cars would not start due to a steering lock failure. Steering...
As promised, I have concluded my testing of the BlueChem line of diesel engine cleaning products. Now we wrap up with the BlueChem “Oil System Cleaner” and “Oil System Care.” As you know, the older diesel engines did not burn as clean and efficiently as do the new diesels and thus leave behind a...
Imagine it's Wednesday morning, and you are getting ready to leave your house for the day and the unthinkable happens. Your car won't start; you hear an annoying screech from your brakes at the stop sign, or you hear an alarming thump when you hit a bump in the road. Now, what? Once you can...
There are two parts of the lower control arm on E39 models like the BMW 525i that will wear out: the ball joint and the bushing. To test these parts, raise the front end of the car so that the tires are off the ground, grab the tire with your hands at the 9 o’clock and 3 o’clock position and...
If you have a late 80’s to present BMW you likely have seen a similar looking depiction in your engine bay like the collage above. Almost all model BMW’s use a similar ZF manufactured power steering reservoir and finger grooved cap like the ones pictured. And like all of the ones pictured they...
Headlight Anatomy There are multiple variations of P1 headlights, but they all contain the same five lighting components: high beam, low beam, turn signal, running light, and city light. The following picture shows the first style of light which can be found on 2004.5-2007 S40s and V50s,...
Shopping for brakes can be a daunting challenge. While many maintenance purchases are relatively cheap, easy, and short term alterations to make to your vehicle, brakes are costly, time consuming, and something which will remain on your car for thousands of miles. Of course, if you are not...
Replacing the Engine Mounts on a 2001 Volvo S60 T5 is moderately easy to do: it requires a bit more muscle but everything is relatively accessible. Tools you’ll need:new lower right Volvo engine mountnew Volvo engine torque rodnew upper rear Volvo engine mountsockets, ratchetbreaker bar...
This DIY is easy to do, unless you discover a big mess like I did and have to spend time cleaning it all up. Tools you’ll need: new spark plugs 5/8” spark plug socket sockets, ratchet Torx bit set torque wrench about 30-60 min of free time Ready to replace your spark plugs? Step 1: Raise the...
Usually, the United States is very lenient when it comes to what cars are allowed on US soil. Especially when compared to the limitations that other countries place on their vehicles with annual emissions and inspections. However, there are a few cars that were never allowed into the US....