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Showing posts with label geo. Show all posts

Tuesday, November 12, 2013

How to Install a 1991 Geo Storm Catalytic Converter

In the 1970s, the catalytic converter was first introduced to control pollutants on cars and trucks. In 1976, the catalytic converter was made mandatory on all vehicles in the United States. The catalytic converter -- also caller a "cat" -- is responsible for removing unburned fuel from the vehicles exhaust. The catalytic converter typically fails when the catalyst material inside falls apart and clogs the converter. This clogging typically causes a very rough-running condition and sometimes causes stalling. Replacing the catalytic converter on a 1991 Geo Storm is relatively straightforward.

Instructions

Raise the front of the vehicle, using the floor jack. Support the vehicle by placing the jack beneath a secure part of the vehicle, like the sub-frame, and lowering the Storm until its weight is held by the stands.

Crawl beneath the vehicle, behind the front drivers-side wheel, until you reach the exhaust system. Locate the catalytic converter, the muffler-like component under the front seats.

Loosen and remove the nuts holding the front portion of the converter to the exhaust, using a ratchet and socket. If the nuts are frozen due to rust, use the propane torch to heat them up and try loosening them again. Push the converter towards the rear of the vehicle until the converter is clear of the studs holding it to the exhaust, then pull the converter down.

Loosen and remove the nuts holding the rear portion of the converter to the exhaust, using a ratchet and socket. If the nuts are frozen, use the propane torch to heat them up and try loosening them again. Pull the converter towards the front of the vehicle and off the exhaust system. Make certain to remove both the front and rear gasket from the exhaust pipes.

Place the new gaskets on the exhaust pipes, and use the studs on the pipes to hold the gaskets while installing the converter.

Place the front and rear of the catalytic converter on the exhaust pipe studs and hand-tighten the nuts on the studs. Make certain the "flow" arrow on the converter is pointing towards the rear of the exhaust.

Tighten the nuts on the converter to 32 foot-pounds, using the torque wrench and a socket.

Raise the Storm off of the jack stands, using the floor jack. Pull the stands from under the vehicle and lower it to the ground.

Friday, November 8, 2013

How to Remove a Geo Tracker Transfer Case

The transfer case takes the power from the transmission and distributes it the axles. When driving a Geo Tracker, you can switch the transfer case into two or four-wheel drive mode. Known as a part-time transfer case, this system allows the driver to choose the mode best suited for the road conditions. Switching to two-wheel drive provides better fuel economy. A transfer case issue results in an inability to switch between two and four-wheel drive or complete loss of four-wheel drive operation. On the Tracker, you must remove the transmission with the transfer case.

Instructions

Detach the negative battery cable. Disconnect the gear shift cable lever from its case.

Remove the bolt located directly behind the gear shift lever case. Separate the transfer case gear shift control lever from the transfer case.

Unfasten the four bolts connecting the fan shroud to the radiator. Remove the two bolts connecting the transmission to the engine.

Take out the front and rear floor console boxes.

Unscrew the gear shift knob. Remove the boot cover, boot and case from gear shift.

Push down on the gear shift, pivot and turn it counterclockwise 90 degrees. Lift it up to remove it from the gear shift case.

Disconnect the four-wheel drive switch harness connectors.

Jack up the vehicle and support it with jack stands.

Disconnect the back-up light switch.

Disengage the starter motor electrical connections and remove the starter motor. Remove the transfer case skid plate.

Drain the transmission and transfer case fluids into proper containers. Dispose of the fluids at an auto parts store.

Make re-installation reference marks on the front and rear drive shafts and flanges. Remove the drive shafts.

Disconnect the speedometer cable and remove the bolt and ground wire from the gear case.

Remove the Three-Way Catalytic Converter (TWC), muffler and tail pipe.

Use a transmission jack to support the transfer case and remove the two bolts from the torque stopper bracket. Remove the transfer case crossmembers six bolts.

Place a wood block between the distributor housing and the bulkhead to protect the components from damage. Lower the transmission jack slowly.

Detach the breather hoses from the gear shift case and cover. Remove the gear shift case from the transmission casing.

Support the transmission with a transmission jack. Remove the 12 transfer case bolts that attach to the transmission. Detach the transfer case from the transmission shaft and remove it from the vehicle.