So Fix it

Automotive U-joints are normally located on either end of the drive shaft between the transmission and rear axle on rear-wheel-drive vehicles, or between the transaxle and wheels in front-wheel-drive cars. Because of their location, these U-joints are susceptible to rust because of their exposure to water and road salts. Although rubber boots cover the U-joints on front-wheel-drive vehicles, the boots will eventually fail and allow the elements in. With time the rubber seals on the U-joint bearing caps fail and let the corrosive elements inside the cap, causing the needle bearings to rust and corrode. Getting out these rusty U-joints looks difficult, but is actually relatively simple.

Instructions

1

Remove the drive shaft from the vehicle.

2

Remove the snap rings over all four U-joint bearing caps by putting the tips of an inside snap ring pliers into the holes in the snap ring, squeezing the handle of the pliers to compress the snap ring, and pulling the snap ring away from the bearing cap. Clean all grease and grime off the U-joint bearing caps with a shop rag.

3

Choose the appropriate size receiver cup and anvil from a C-clamp U-joint press kit. Slip the receiver cup into the large hole at one end of the C-clamp. Slide the anvil onto the end of the threaded pressure shaft at the other end of the C-clamp.

4

Position the U-joint press so the receiver cup is over one cap in the yoke and the pressure shaft is on the opposite cap. Turn the pressure shaft clockwise by hand until the C-clamp is snug.

5

Fit an adjustable wrench to the hex head on the end of the pressure shaft. Rotate the pressure shaft clockwise with the wrench until the bearing cap on the opposite side pushes out into the receiver cup. Turn the pressure shaft counterclockwise until the C-clamp is free of the yoke.

6

Rotate the drive shaft 180 degrees. Install the C-clamp as before with the pressure shaft on the solid portion of the U-joint. Turn the shaft as before to force the other bearing cap out of the yoke.

7

Remove the yoke from the solid portion of the drive shaft by pushing the yoke to one side, tilting the other side away from the drive shaft and lifting it off the solid portion of the U-joint.

8

Rotate the drive shaft 90 degrees in either direction.

9

Remove the other two U-joint bearing caps from the drive shaft in the same manner as the first two bearing caps.

10

Move the solid portion of the U-joint to either side in the drive shaft. Tip the opposite side away from the drive shaft and lift it out, completing the removal of the rusty U-joint.

The 1999 Ford Expedition comes standard with a passive anti-theft system Ford calls "PATS," that incorporates a computer chip-equipped key to cut down on vehicle theft. Ford codes the chip inside the key with a digital signal unique to the particular Expedition. A transponder inside the dashboard reads and recognizes this signal as soon as you insert the key into the ignition. If the chipped key is not present, the Expeditions ignition system is disabled. In the event you lose or damage your key, youll need to have a Ford dealership replace it and program the replacement key to your Expedition.

Instructions

1

Go to your Ford dealers parts department with your 1999 Expeditions VIN number, registration or title and your state issued ID.

2

Present your VIN number to the parts counterperson and request a new key for your 1999 Ford Expedition. The Parts Manager will need to verify you own the Expedition by matching your title or registration with your state issued ID (if the Parts Manager is not available, ask to see the Service Manager or Parts and Service Director). This is a safety measure incorporated by Ford Motor Company in 2007 to prevent thieves from requesting keys to your Ford vehicle.

3

Go to the service department with your new key and request to have the key programmed to your Expedition. You will have to have your Expedition present, so if you dont have any keys for it, youll need to tow it to the dealership.

Lost Hyundai car keys can be replaced relatively easy. However, it can be expensive, so is important to explore your options in order to save money. Many of the modern Hyundai keys are laser cut are can be replaced by matching the vehicle identification number, or VIN. Depending on your vehicles year, the Hyundai Elantra keys can either be replaced at a locksmith or at your nearest Hyundai dealer.

Instructions

Instructions

1

Look near the base of the drivers side windshield. Locate a slim metal plate along the side of the windshield that will have the VIN number. Record the number and have your drivers license, registration and insurance documents on hand. This will be needed to prove ownership.

2

Visit you local hardware store if you are looking to simply make a duplicate of a non-computerized car key. Some later Hyundai Elantra car keys have computerized chips at the base of the key to open the locks. These cannot be made by the hardware store.

3

Look for area locksmiths. There are many locksmiths that have the technology and capability to cut and reprogram duplicate car keys. The prices are typically cheaper than the dealer.

4

Visit the dealer as a last resort. Visit the Hyundai USA website and click on "Find a Dealer." Enter your zip code and it will reveal a list of the nearest dealers and service centers.

5

Call the dealership and ask for the parts department. Arrange a time or appointment to have the key replaced.

A bad terminal connection can cause the battery to not work. It is definitely worth the effort to check the terminals because it is easier and less expensive to replace the connectors and clean the terminal posts than to buy a new battery.

Failed Electricity

A defective terminal connection prevents the battery from providing electricity to your car, which may result in electrical systems working poorly or not at all. The lights may become dim and the starter may not be able to start the engine.

Corrosion

A bad battery terminal can cause a build-up of a powder-like substance around the post of the battery terminal. This corrosion can cause a batterys poor connection. You can disconnect the battery cables, negative then positive, and scrub the terminal posts and connectors with a mixture of baking soda and water to remove the corrosion.

Poor Charging

If malfunctioning terminals are preventing a good connection to the battery, the alternator will not be able to properly recharge the battery. This could cause the battery to appear dead.

Losing your keys can be a hassle, especially if you have one with an electronic key fob. If you own a Kia Sorento and lost the keys, or if you just want a spare, you can get a new set fairly easily as long as you have the right information and can prove you have a right obtain them. Once you get your copy, always test it to make sure it works before leaving the shop.

Instructions

Want a Copy

1

Take your Kia car keys to the closest Kia dealership along with the ID key. The ID key has the code to program electronic keys.

2

Go to the parts department and request a copy your key. They will ask if you want a basic key or an electronic one. Basic keys can be made quickly, but there will be a wait for an electronic one.

3

Show the Kia representative where your car is if you want an electronic key. The parts department worker will need to program the key to your car.

Need a Replacement

4

Write down your ID key code. The ID key should be in your paperwork.

5

Go to the Kia dealership parts department that is closest to you.

6

Provide proof of ownership that you own the car, such as your ownership papers. Give them the ID key, as well, which will allow them to look the car up and obtain the information needed to program the key.

The Combustion Engine

A natural byproduct of a combustion engine is water. It is expelled with the exhaust gases. Fuel is mixed with air and then forced into the cylinders. Once the mix is inside the cylinder, a small explosion occurs before the exhaust camshaft opens and the exhaust is released into the manifold. Because of the intense heat of the combustion engine, the water is vaporized.

The Catalytic Converter

All vehicles since 1980 have catalytic converters. The catalysts convert the unspent fuel into spent fuel before being expelled past the component downstream. Older converters were called two-way converters because they turned carbon monoxide into carbon dioxide and hydrocarbons into water vapor. Not only is water vapor present in the exhaust system coming directly from the engine, but the converter also produces more by chemically altering the hydrocarbons. Nowadays, vehicles employ a three-way catalyst which also reduces harmful nitrogen oxides.

Preventative Maintenance

Depending on your geographical region and driving habits, its not unlikely for the exhaust system to rust and corrode from the inside out. If you live in a place that has severe winter weather and uses sand and salt on the winter roadways, your exhaust may deteriorate on the outside as well as the inside.

Short commutes are a major cause of internal water corrosion of the exhaust system. The water vapors do not have the chance to expel from the system and turn back into water once the vehicle is shut off. When there is no back pressure forcing the water vapors out of the system, the vapors coat the interior of the exhaust components and then form puddles on the bottom. Many mufflers employ a manufactured seep hole in order to allow the water to drain from the muffler. But the pipes and converter do not drain.

If you take short trips, try to run your vehicle for at least 15 minutes to allow the water vapors to purge from the exhaust system.

Car owners in regions with severe weather should wash the undercarriage of their vehicles once a week during these seasons to clean off the sand and salt. Even stainless steel exhaust systems will be compromised in these areas, although they will last significantly longer than aluminized steel systems.

The front wheels on a 2005 F250 Super Duty truck are designed to withstand heavy duty work. Because the F250 is a heavy duty truck, the wheels have eight lug nuts, instead of the usual five or six lug nuts found on light duty trucks. The lug nuts are a special swivel-type nut, designed to stay tight in situations where normal fixed nuts can loosen. Its also important that you never apply any lubricant such as engine oil to the wheel studs or lug nuts, because this could also cause them loosen under certain circumstances.

Instructions

Removal

1

Park the F250 on a flat, level surface and turn off the engine. Shift the transmission into park, or first gear for F250s equipped with a manual transmission.

2

Press the parking brake pedal down to engage the parking brake. Place one wheel chock behind each of the rear wheels. Pry the hub cap loose, if equipped, with a large flat-head screwdriver.

3

Break each of the eight lug nuts loose with a lug nut wrench. This is important, because if you try to loosen the nuts when the vehicle is lifted, the wheel will spin and you wont get any leverage.

4

Lift the front of the truck with a jack and place a jack stand under each side of the front frame. Lower the truck onto the jack stands and make sure theyre secure.

5

Remove the lug nuts with the lug nut wrench and pull the tire off of the truck.

Installation

6

Set the wheel onto the studs and reinstall the lug nuts. Snug them tight with the lug nut wrench while holding the wheel to make sure it doesnt turn.

7

Lift the truck with the jack, then remove the jack stands and lower it back to the ground.

8

Tighten the lug nuts to 165 foot-pounds with a torque wrench an metric socket in an alternating, criss-cross pattern.

9

Place the hub cap onto the wheel and tap it down into position with a rubber mallet.