So Fix it

If you plan to remove the oil seal in the rear axle housing of your Jeep Grand Cherokee, it helps to have a seal puller. Rental pullers are available at many auto parts stores and will help prevent damage to the pinion shaft. The oil seal is in the housing where the pinion shaft passes through the differential and keeps the oil from running out of your axle. Replacement seals are available from Jeep or most auto parts stores.

Instructions

1

Raise the rear of your Jeep with a jack and support the truck with a set of jack stands under the rear axle. Locate the pinion yoke, where the axle and driveshaft meet. Place an alignment mark on the yoke and the driveshaft with a paint pen for use later.

2

Remove the four 10-millimeter bolts from the pinion yoke with a wrench, then separate the drive shaft from the yoke. Caully set the drive shaft aside.

3

Locate the pinion nut in the center of the pinion yoke. Install a large socket and breaker bar on the nut and rotate it counterclockwise. Remove the nut and washer from the shaft.

4

Remove the pinion yoke from the shaft with a yoke puller. If you do not have a puller, you can rent one from many auto parts stores. If you cannot find a puller, heating the yoke with an oxyacetylene torch will allow it to swell and come loose. Caully slide it off the shaft.

5

Place an oil drain pan under the pinion shaft to catch any oil that might seep from the differential when you remove the seal.

6

Place the seal puller over the shaft and engage the arms with the inside edge of the seal. Turn the puller counterclockwise with a socket and ratchet, pulling the seal from the bore.

The 7.3-liter Power Stroke engine that Ford manufactured from 1995 to 2002 is a diesel engine and typically has a turbocharger. It is most common in heavy Ford trucks from this period, and is the standard engine for the 1999 Ford F350 Super Duty with four-wheel drive. This engine requires a high-pressure oil pump, which is mounted directly to the cylinder block. The oil pump replacement procedure on a 1999 7.3-liter engine requires the removal of the radiator and the crankshaft damper.

Instructions

1

Disconnect the negative battery cable with a socket wrench to prevent anyone from starting the engine. Place a drain pan for the coolant under the radiator drain and open the drain. Allow the coolant to drain into the drain pan and replace the drain plug.

2

Remove the retainers for the air intake duct with a suitable pry tool and detach the air intake duct from the radiator support. Disconnect the expansion tank on top of the radiator with a socket wrench and remove the cover for the radiator support brace.

3

Disconnect the cooling fan and its shroud from the engine. Detach the hoses from the radiator and remove the retaining bolts for the radiator with a socket wrench. Remove the radiator from the vehicle.

4

Raise the vehicle with a jack and support it on jack stands. Disconnect the cover for the flywheel housing with a socket wrench and hold the flywheel in place with a suitable holding tool. Remove the mounting bolt for the crankshaft pulley bolt and disconnect the pulley. Detach the crankshaft vibration damper from the engine.

5

Assemble Step Plate Adapter D80L-630-A, Damper Wear Ring Remover T94T-6379-AH1, Bearing Collet Sleeve T77F-7025-C, Remover Tube T77J-7025-B and Forcing Screw T84T-7025-B to the crankshaft damper. Tighten the forcing screw to pull the damper wear ring from the hub.

6

Remove the retaining bolts that attach the oil pump to the cylinder block with a socket wrench. Detach the oil pump housing and its square gasket from the cylinder block.

7

Install the new oil pump and gasket to the cylinder block. Torque its mounting bolts to 14 ft. lbs with a torque wrench. Complete the oil pump installation by performing steps 2 through 5 in reverse order. Connect the negative battery terminal with a socket wrench. Start the engine and check for oil leaks.

Mazda completely redesigned the Miata for the 1999 model year with a completely different look. Many enthusiasts were relieved that Mazda left well-enough alone underneath. The 1999 Miata still used the same 1.8 liter four-cylinder engine that was used in the first-generation cars. The stock single-exhaust pipe is attached to a cast-iron exhaust manifold that is bolted to the engine. A cracked manifold will allow exhaust gases to enter the passenger compartment and should be replaced immediately.

Instructions

1

Spray penetrating fluid on the heat shield retaining bolts, the exhaust manifold-to-engine block bolts, the EGR pipe fitting and the exhaust pipe-to-manifold bolts. Allow the fluid to soak in overnight, if possible.

2

Loosen and remove the nut and bolt that secures the factory shock tower brace to the drivers side shock tower with a socket and ratchet. Lift the brace straight up to allow access to the exhaust manifold. Skip this step if your car did not come equipped with the shock tower brace.

3

Loosen and remove the retaining bolts for the windshield washer reservoir with a socket and ratchet. Lift the tank straight up and move it to the side -- as far as the connections will allow -- to provide access to the heat shields on the exhaust manifold. Skip this step if your car is not equipped with anti-lock brakes.

4

Loosen and remove the retaining bolts on the air cleaner housing on top of the engine with a socket and ratchet. Loosen the clamp that secures the air intake hose to the air cleaner housing with a Phillips screwdriver. Pull the hose off the housing. Push the housing to the side to allow access to the heat shields and exhaust manifold. Cover the ends of the intake hose and its fitting on the air cleaner housing with clean rags to prevent foreign debris or dirt from entering.

5

Loosen and remove the retaining bolts that attach both of the heat shields to the exhaust manifold with a socket and ratchet. Remove the heat shields from the manifold and place them aside.

6

Remove the EGR tube retaining bolts on the exhaust manifold and the intake manifold with a socket and ratchet. Loosen and unscrew the fitting that attaches the EGR tube to the end of the exhaust manifold with a tubing wrench.

7

Loosen and remove the three bolts that attach the exhaust pipe to the exhaust manifold with a wrench.

8

Loosen and remove the exhaust manifold-to-engine block retaining bolts with a socket and ratchet. Work slowly to avoid damaging or breaking off the bolts in the block. Stop and apply more penetrating fluid, if one or more of the bolts seem very tight. Allow the fluid to soak in for several hours, if possible.

9

Pull the manifold away from the engine block. Note that the water pipe bracket will slide off one of the manifold mounting studs as you remove the manifold. Do not allow the water pipe to move rearward. Remove the manifold from the engine bay. Remove the exhaust manifold gasket from the engine block. Scrape away any gasket residue on the mounting surface with a gasket scraper.

10

Position a new exhaust manifold gasket over the mounting studs on the engine block. Position the replacement exhaust manifold over the mounting studs. Push the water pipe bracket over the stud that it was originally attached to. Replace and tighten the manifold retaining bolts to between 29 and 33 foot-pounds with a torque wrench.

11

Replace the exhaust pipe-to-manifold bolts and tighten them to between 32 to 44 foot-pounds. Tighten the EGR tube fitting into the end of the manifold to between 24 and 34 foot-pounds. Replace and tighten the remaining EGR tube retaining bolts.

12

Replace the heat shields and tighten the retaining bolts. Place the air cleaner housing into position and tighten the retaining bolts. Remove the rags from the intake hose and air cleaner housing. Push the intake hose onto the housing and tighten the hose clamp.

13

Replace the windshield washer reservoir -- if your car has ABS -- and tighten the retaining bolts. Push the shock tower brace -- if your car is so equipped -- into position and replace and tighten the retaining bolt and nut.

Removing the neutral safety switch from your Jeep Cherokee may be necessary if you have to wiggle or otherwise manipulate the transmission shifter for the engine to start. The neutral safety switch is designed to keep the engine from starting with the transmission in gear. If the switch fails, the Jeep may start, but more often, the Jeep will not turn over at all. Replacement neutral safety switches are available from any auto parts store and through the Jeep dealer network.

Instructions

1

Raise the front of the Jeep off the ground with a jack and position a set of jack stands under the frame to support the vehicle while working under it. Slide under the passengers side of the Jeep and locate the neutral safety switch on the side of the transmission just above the transmission oil pan.

2

Position a drain pan under the switch then depress the locking tab on the wiring harness connection where it meets the switch. Pull the connector loose and set it aside.

3

Place a wrench on the hex-shaped portion of the switch and turn it counterclockwise until the switch is free of the transmission case. Pull the switch straight out of the case.

Turn signals are lights located at or near the exterior corners of all cars, including the Chevrolet Lumina, that signal the drivers intention to turn. The driver activates either the left or right turn signals via a switch usually found on the steering column. The turn signal lights blink, thanks to a module in the turn signal electrical circuit called a flasher. Sometimes, this flasher malfunctions or wears out. As a result, the turn signals either wont flash or wont come on at all.

Instructions

Test the flasher

1

Have an observer stand near the back of the vehicle so they can see both turn signal lights.

2

Engage the parking brake if you havent done so already.

3

Start the car.

4

Apply the brakes. If the observer sees the brake lights working correctly, proceed. If one or both brake lights dont work, you must troubleshoot the brake-turn signal circuit or refer the problem to a certified automotive technician.

5

Activate the turn signal, first in one direction then the other. If the observer doesnt see the turn signal lights flash on either side, replace the flasher.

Replace the flasher

6

Turn off the car.

7

Find the flasher. The flasher is a cylindrical module approximately 1-inch diameter by 1-inch long, plugged into a connector. The flasher is found beneath the driver side dash, near where the steering column passes through the firewall.

8

Unplug the old flasher from its socket.

9

Install the new flasher.

10

Perform the Step 1 test to ensure the new flasher works properly.

The Ford Taurus is a mid-sized family sedan first introduced in the early 1980s. The Taurus uses a conventional front suspension, with ball joints connecting the knuckle to the wheel hub. The ball joints carry the weight of the front of the vehicle and must meet specific torque specifications when replaced.

Testing and Inspection

Raise the vehicle until its wheels fall to full down position and are off the ground. Have an assistant grasp the lower edge of a tire and move the wheel assembly in and out. As the wheel is being moved in and out, observe the upper end of the wheel spindle and the rear suspension arm and bushing. Any movement will indicate abnormal joint wear.

Torque Specifications

The torque specification for the front lower and upper ball joint nut is 68 to 92 Nm, or 50 to 67 ft. lbs.

Part Replacement

The OEM part number for a ball joint for a 1999 Taurus is 5F1Z3050A. This part is supplied by Ford and available at dealerships.

The Mirage is a subcompact car that Mitsubishi Motors made from 1978 to 2002. The 1999 model most often had a 4-cylinder 1.5-liter engine with multi-port fuel injection. The water pump in a 1999 Mitsubishi Mirage is located on the front of the engine block. You can access it from the top of the engine compartment.

Instructions

1

Let the vehicle to sit overnight to ensure the engine and radiator fluid are cold.

2

Disconnect the cable for the negative battery terminal with a socket wrench. Put a container under the radiator and open the radiator drain. Wait for the radiator fluid to drain into the container. Seal the container and replace the radiator drain plug.

3

Remove the undercover for the engine with a socket wrench. Disconnect the bolt from the power steering hose and detach the hose. Remove the drive belts on the engine and support the engine with a floor jack. Disconnect the bracket for the engine mount.

4

Disconnect the timing belt with a socket wrench. Remove the bracket for the power steering pump and the brace for the alternator with a socket wrench.

5

Disconnect the mounting bolts for the water pump. Detach the water pump from the water inlet pipe. Remove the gasket from the water pump and discard it.

6

Clean the gasket surfaces with a shop rag and wet the new O-ring with water. Place the O-ring into its groove on the water inlet pipe. Install the new water pump to the water inlet pipe and tighten its mounting bolts to 17 ft. lbs with a torque wrench. Complete the water pump installation by performing steps 2 and 3 in reverse order.

7

Fill the radiator with coolant and connect the cable for the negative battery terminal with a socket wrench. Start the engine and allow it to idle until the thermostat opens. Allow the vehicle to cool and adjust the coolant level in the radiator to the correct level.

The 1999 Dodge Ram is a pick-up truck made by Dodge under the Chrysler company. This truck is considered "heavy duty" because its primarily for towing or hauling. If you are having problems with your 1999 Dodge Ram, there are several things that you can do before you take it to a shop. Non-invasive troubleshooting can also help get your Dodge Ram back on the road. You dont have to be a Dodge mechanic.

Instructions

1

Put the key into the ignition and turn it halfway to engage the instrument panel. Look over the gas and battery gauge on the right side of the dashboard. Make sure that you have enough fuel to start the truck. Dodge Rams use regular gasoline. Fill the gas tank as needed.

2

Go to the front of the truck and release the hood latch on the left side of the grill. Raise the hood to reveal the engine and the battery. The battery is on the right side of the engine inside the truck. Make sure that the connections are tight from the battery cables to the battery terminals.

3

Tighten the connections to the battery with pair of insulated channel locks. Try to restart the truck. If the truck will not restart, test the battery with a voltmeter. Place the testing leads from the voltmeter to the battery terminals. Look at the display on the voltmeter for a reading. Replace the battery if you arent getting 11-12 volts on your battery.

4

Look over the cooling system if you are having problems with Ram overheating. The cooling system is on the left side of the engine. Pour 50/50 coolant into the coolant tank until it reaches the fill line on the side of the tank. You dont have any 50/50 coolant, use distilled water.

5

Look around the Dodge Ram for leaks around the truck. If you find any leaks, you should have a professional mechanic take a look at the truck in order to make repairs. Driving your Ram while there is a leak could further damage the unit.

6

Have your Dodge Ram towed to a repair shop if you have your check engine light on. Repair shops have onboard diagnostic machines to diagnose the problems.

Although the factory-installed radio in a 1999 Mazda Miata meets the needs of most owners, some choose to upgrade the radio to a more powerful, aftermarket version. A vast selection of aftermarket radios are available from a number of physical and online retailers. Not all aftermarket radios work with every application, so its important that you choose an aftermarket radio that fits in the Miata and is designed to connect to its electrical system. Once youve got a new aftermarket radio, youll need to remove the stock radio and install a few different adapters.

Instructions

Removal

1

Disconnect the Miatas negative battery cable with a battery cable wrench. This eliminates the possibility of electric shock and damage to electronic components.

2

Pry off the service hole covers on both sides of the Miata radio with a small flat-head screwdriver. Be careful not to damage the plastic covers with the screwdriver.

3

Insert a radio removal tool into each service hole until they are fully seated and disengage the internal locking clips on the radio. Pull on the tools to pull the radio out of the dashboard.

4

Disconnect the radios electrical connectors, then completely remove the stock radio from the vehicle. Actuate the locking tabs on the stock radio in order to remove the radio tools.

Installation

5

Connect the aftermarket radio harness adapter, and any other cable adapters that came with your aftermarket radio, to the radio electrical harness.

6

Slide a radio gap spacer over the aftermarket radio if necessary. Install an aftermarket radio cage onto the aftermarket radio per the manufacturers instructions if necessary.

7

Connect the radio electrical harness to the aftermarket radio. Connect the antenna cable and then slide the aftermarket radio into the dashboard until its flush and you hear the locking connectors click into place.

8

Reconnect the negative battery terminal. Turn on the aftermarket radio, then program the clock and other settings. Test the radio to make sure that it works as listed in the aftermarket radio instruction manual.

A Suburban is a sport utility vehicle that General Motors manufactures under its Chevrolet brand. The anti-lock braking system (ABS) is a standard feature on late-model Suburbans that allows the vehicle to stop more effectively in an emergency. A brake controller, or electronic brake control module (EBCM), reduces the braking force to a wheel when it rotates significantly more slowly than the other wheels. The installation procedure for the EBCM is generally the same for all Suburbans made from 1999 to 2005.

Instructions

1

Disconnect the cable from the negative battery terminal with a socket wrench to prevent an electrical discharge during the EBCM installation procedure. Raise the vehicle with a floor jack, and support it on jack stands.

2

Locate the Electronic Hydraulic Control Unit, or EHCU, under the vehicle on the drivers side. It is bolted on the frame next to the drive shaft. The EHCU is an assembly of the EBCM, the brake pressure modulator valve (BPMV) and a mounting bracket. The mounting bracket attaches to the frame of the vehicle, the BPMV attaches to the mounting bracket and the EBCM attaches to the top of the BPMV. The EHCU is generally a black cube about 3 inches on a side with connections for the brake lines and the ABS pump motor when it is fully assembled. Wash the area around the EHCU with a shop rag to avoid contamination of the EBCM.

3

Detach the electrical connector from the EBCM. The EBCM is a thin, black, rectangular box mounted atop the BPMV. Remove the fittings for the brake lines with a socket wrench and disconnect the brake lines from the BPMV. The BPMV is the component under the EBCM that has connections for the brake lines and attaches to the EHCU mounting bracket. Remove the mounting bolts for the EHCU bracket with a socket wrench and disconnect the bracket from the vehicle.

4

Disconnect the mounting bolts for the BPMV with a socket wrench and detach the BPMV from the EHCU. Disconnect the electrical connector for the ABS motor from the EBCM. Remove the mounting bolts for the EBCM, and detach the EBCM from the BPMV.

5

Clean the mounting surface on the BPMV with a clean shop cloth. Mount the new EBCM onto the BPMV, and fasten the EBCM with the retaining bolts that came with the EBCM. Tighten the retaining bolts to 39 inch-pounds with a torque wrench. Attach the electrical connector for the ABS motor to the EBCM.

6

Install the BPMV to its bracket and tighten the mounting bolts to 80 inch-pounds with a torque wrench. Connect the EHCU to the vehicle and tighten the EHCU bracket bolts to 18 foot-pounds. Attach the electrical wiring harness to the EBCM.

7

Attach the brake lines to the BPMV and tighten the fittings to 18 foot-pounds with a torque wrench. Lower the vehicle, and connect the cable to the negative battery terminal with a socket wrench. Bleed the brake system.