Tuesday, April 1, 2014
How to Install a Brake Controller on a 2005 RAM 1500
The Dodge Ram is Chryslers series of full-size pickup trucks that has been in production since 1981. The number in the series indicates the rated carrying capacity of the truck, such that a Ram 1500 is a 3/4 ton pickup. The 2005 Dodge Ram has an antilock braking system, or ABS, like most late-model vehicles. The brake controller, or hydraulic control unit -- HCU -- contains a microprocessor that calculates the amount of force that the brakes apply to each wheel in an emergency stop.
Instructions
- 1
Use a socket wrench to remove the housing for the left front turn signal. Disconnect the panel under the housing. Unplug the horns electrical connector and remove the access cover for the horn.
2Disconnect the mounting bolts on the reservoir for the windshield washer fluid with a socket wrench. Detach the hose and electrical connector from the pump for the windshield washer. Remove the reservoir from the vehicles engine compartment.
3Remove the battery and the power distribution center from the vehicle with a socket wrench. Disconnect the mount for the battery and power distribution center, and remove the mount from the vehicle. Detach the wiring harness from the HCU. Remove the fittings for the brake lines, and detach the brake lines from the HCU.
4Disconnect both mounting bolts for the HCU with a socket wrench. Tilt the HCU up, and pull it from its bracket.
5Install the new HCU to its mounting bracket, and torque the mounting bolts to 11 foot-pounds with a torque wrench. Attach the HCU brake lines, tighten the fittings to 115 inch-pounds. Connect the electrical wiring harness to the HCU.
6Install the windshield washer reservoir. Attach the electrical connector and hose for the reservoir. Fasten the reservoirs mounting screws with a socket wrench.
7Replace the mount for the battery and power distribution center with a socket wrench. Install the battery and power distribution center. Attach the horns electrical connector, and replace the access cover for the horn. Install the left front turn signals panel and housing.
Tuesday, January 14, 2014
How to Replace a Windshield on a 1998 Chevy 1500
You should replace the windshield on your 98 Chevy Silverado 1500 when it has a crack in it that is longer than 6 inches. Cracks of that length compromise the integrity of the windshield. You may also wish to replace your windshield if it has chips and smaller cracks in it because these may eventually grow in size. Besides protecting you from debris, a windshield can help keep you from being thrown from your Chevy in the event of an accident. The windshield also helps the airbags deploy properly and it prevents the roof from caving in if the vehicle rolls over. If you can find a windshield from a 1998 Chevy Silverado 1500 thats in good condition from an auto wrecking yard, you will probably save yourself some money.
Instructions
- 1
Unscrew the rear view mirror screw and slip the mirror out.
2Remove each windshield wiper by lifting them up and prying up the base with a large flathead screwdriver. Put the screwdriver between the retaining nut and the arm of each wiper. Move the arm back and forth as you pry to remove the arm. Set the windshield wiper arms aside.
3Tape over all dashboard vents to protect them from small pieces of glass.
4Remove the rubber gasket from around the windshield using a razor knife. Try not to touch the windshield glass with the knife. Push the windshield out of the vehicle from inside the Chevy as your assistant catches it from the outside.
5Clean the frame, the gasket and the dashboard with a clean wet cloth. Leave the replacement gasket in a warm, sunny place for a few hours to make it more flexible.
6Place a layer of sealant on the gaskets bottom part in the channel. Slip the gasket onto the windshield, taking care to put the side with the slit facing outside of the vehicle.
7Spread petroleum jelly into the gaskets outer groove and line a heavy nylon cord around the groove beginning with the bottom center part of the windshield and going all the way around. Leave a foot of cord loose and dangling down at each end.
8Place the windshield into the windshield frame from outside of the Silverado, making sure you leave the loose rope hanging inside the vehicle.
9Tug slowly on the cord to pull the gasket inside the vehicle. Have your assistant push the gasket to the outside of the windshield frame while you are pulling from the inside. Allow the sealant to cure for 24 hours before driving.
