So Fix it

Removing a steering wheel lock cylinder can be tricky, and definitely requires patience. But with instructions, the right tools and a little patience, you can easily accomplish this task on your own. The technique may differ among car models, but the same tools are required.

Star Bit Drivers

The star bit drivers tool is used to remove the two sets of screws from the back of the steering wheel. This enables you to disconnect the wires connected to the airbag. The star (torx) drivers are also used to disconnect the horn button from the steering wheel by removing the two screws attaching it. This is done by pushing down a plastic tube, while turning it counterclockwise, and pulling the tube out.

Steering Wheel Puller

The steering wheel puller is a specialized tool used to remove the steering shaft nut locking the steering wheel. This is achieved by sliding the wheel puller through the holes on the steering wheel while removing it. The steering wheel puller forces out the steering wheel by jerking the center tube of the puller against the column shaft.

Wheel Spring Compressor

The wheel spring compressor is used to remove the steering wheel locking center. The spring compressor is fitted on the steering tube and is yarned down. It turns the nut down, pushing the fork down on the center. The spring compressor compresses down the center enough for you to see if the snap ring retainer is loose. If loose, you can easily pick it with a small pocket screwdriver.

Phillips Screwdriver

The Phillips screwdriver can be used to retract the horn pad from the steering wheel, by removing the two screws behind the steering wheel shafts. It operates by turning the screwdriver counterclockwise. The Phillips screwdriver is also used to remove the two screws holding the plastic signal in place by turning it counterclockwise. It also removes the ignition lock holding screw, which is accessed by lifting up the turning signal mechanism. Once this screw is out, it allows you to pull out the lock cylinder off the steering wheel shaft.

Adjustable Wrench

The adjustable wrench is used with a wheel puller to remove the steering wheel. An adjustable wrench is a type of spanner with a jaw that you can adjust to fit any width and is suitable to use with a variety of nuts. It works by turning the center screw on the wheel puller clockwise until the steering wheel is lifted of the shaft. The adjustable wrench also enables you to remove the middle screw connecting the steering wheel to the steering tube by backing it out in a counterclockwise manner.

Needle Nose Pliers

The needle nose pliers is made of hard steel; it has a thin blade with a sharpened edge making it suitable to pick on thin wires. Needle nose pliers are used to expose the locking ring in the keyhole. This is achieved by pressing down the lock ring inward so that it is released from the cap inside. When the pliers compress the ring down enough, the cap pops off by itself.

There is plethora of tools on the market especially automotive working tools. If you are looking for tools to work with the air conditioning (A/C) unit on your General Motors vehicle, there are specifically designed tools that help smooth out the process of repairing or replacing A/C parts.

A/C Gauges

The A/C gauge is used to measure pressure and temperature of your GM A/C unit, although there are other applications for these kinds of gauges. There are several different sizes of A/C gauges, designed to fit different hose sizes of different vehicles. The standard hose length is 3, 5, or 6 feet long. These gauges are sealed at the end of the hoses and valves with a Teflon O-ring seal.

A/C Compressor Clutch Installer/Remover

This tool works with clutches in various compressors, including the A/C compressor in your GM vehicle. These tools help remove and install the A/C compressor clutch so you can access the shaft seal and reinstall a new one. This tool has either 2- or 3- hole puller plates that fit most vehicles. Make sure you check the size for your specific vehicle before you purchase this tool.

Leak Detectors

This tool helps indicate whether you have a rigerant leak on your GM vehicle. This uses an infrared scanning method for detection. This tool comes with a power stick and a 12 volt and 120 volt adapter/recharger.

A/C Line Disconnect Tool

The A/C line disconnect tool is used with heater hoses, A/C lines, fuel lines, and transmission oil coolers. This tool is specially designed so it does not damage your fittings during the disconnect process.

A/C Tube Remover

An A/C tube remover helps the replacement procedure for A/C orifice tubes in your GM. This tool makes this process easier than manually completing the tube removal.

Ford Motor Co., started by Henry Ford in 1903, is based in Dearborn, Michigan. Ford makes trucks, standard cars and sports utility vehicles (SUVs). Air conditioning in cars has been around since the 1940s, but it took a while for it to catch on. The original air conditioners used R-12 rigerant, but R-134a replaced it in 1995. R-134a is more environmentally friendly. If the air conditioning goes out on your vehicle, you can purchase the tools needed to help you remove and repair your AC.

Ford Spring Lock

The Ford Spring Lock Coupling Tool Set is a set of four tools that allow you to separate the spring lock air conditioning rigerant pressure lines. The rigerant pressure lines are between the fan coil unit and the condensing unit in the air conditioning. This toolset is for Ford and Chrysler vehicles, and the manufacturer part number is MTC-9300. The set includes the MTC-93098, which is 3/8 inches in size, and it is red. The MTC-93100 is 5/8 inches in size and is black, and the MTC-93099 is inch in size and blue. The MTC-93101 is inches and is beige. These tools are only meant for separating the air conditioning rigerant pressure lines from the spring lock. They hold the two pieces apart so that you can access and work on the air conditioning. The size ers to the mechanism that each tool fits. All of these tools are spring-loaded, and the set costs between $28.22 and $34.20 in 2010.

KD Tools KDS3290

The KD Tools KDS3290 Fuel Line and Air Conditioning Disconnect Tool. The tool has four sides, and it can release different sized mechanisms, including inch, inch, 3/8 inch and 5/8 inch. This tool allows you to manipulate the spring lock couplings on most Ford vehicles. To use it, turn off the engine and release the system pressure before you start disconnecting the coupling. This is a metal tool that crosses in the middle and is connected with a bolt. The ends have curved cut-outs on each side. The manufacturer part number is KDT3290, and it costs between $12.00 and $14.00 in 2010.

AST 8110

The AST 8110 Specialty Tool Line Disconnect kit is made by Assenmacher. The product number for this tool is AH8110 DLT, and the price ranges from $90.00 to $140.00 in 2010. The kit consists of 10 pieces. You can use these tools on Nissan and Ford vehicles; the -inch oil cooler line remover is specifically for newer Ford vehicles. The kit comes with a carrying case, and each tool is color coded. Tools in the case include a special line remover, oil cooler line remover, line disconnect tool, fuel line remover, GM fuel filter removal tool and fuel filter remover. The tools are made of anodized aluminum.

Many different tools are necessary for efficient auto upholstery repair. The exact tools youll need can depend on the job itself, since different tools are needed for replacing door upholstery versus changing the fabric on a whole full backseat. Many of these tools come in sets or packs for the do-it-yourselfer, but individual tools can be bought separately, as well.

Upholstery Remover

Upholstery removers are manufactured to be used on doors, and the regular upholstery on the seats themselves. This tool looks like a screwdriver, with an open "U" shape at the end instead of a flat end. The upholstery remover can be used for undoing stitches, and also for dealing with upholstery designs that have hog rings (essentially a thin piece of metal) where the stitching is tightened up. Car door upholstery removers are designed to specifically deal with the panels and other design issues unique to doors.

Upholstery Tucking Tool

Anyone looking to install new upholstery while repairing or restoring an old vehicle must acquire the right upholstery tucking tools to get the job done. These tools are designed specifically for taking new upholstery cuts and tucking the upholstery tightly in behind panels. These tools look a lot like special ice scrapers for car windows, but are designed to tighten and tuck away the upholstery so the repaired seats or door panels look like new.

Upholstery Clip Pliers

A major part of repairing or restoring upholstery is taking care of the upholstery clips, especially when dealing with the door panels. Upholstery clip pliers allow individuals to remove panel clips without damaging them, which makes full restoration much easier. This tool allows the undamaged panel clips to be used after the new upholstery is put in, so the panels are all completely restored.

A rusted bolt is the result of iron or steel which has been exposed to water and air and has oxidized. When a bolt cannot be removed by using standard hand tools, the entire bolt is probably rusted. Heating a bolt will sometimes loosen it, but if heat is not an option for safety reasons, then impact or pneumatic tools may be the best and easiest way to remove the stubborn bolt.

Impact Wrench and Socket

An impact wrench can be manually operated or powered by electricity or compressed air. When powered by compressed air, the impact wrench is called a pneumatic wrench. To use a manual impact wrench, place the impact socket over the head of the rusted bolt. Hit the other end of the wrench with a hammer while holding down the wrench. The wrench is designed to transform the downward force into a turning motion which will slowly loosen the bolt. Spraying the rusted bolt with penetrating oil and letting it sit for 24 hours may help the process. Electrical or air-powered impact wrenches work the same way but use a trigger to supply the rotary motion. If the threads of the bolt are very rusted, the force of the electrical or air-powered impact wrench may break off the head of the bolt.

Pneumatic Cut-Off Tool

A pneumatic cut-off tool can be used to cut through a small-to-medium size rusted nut or cut off the head of the bolt. The pneumatic cut-off tool is air-powered and has an abrasive disk that rotates at a speed of up to 20,000 rpm. Be sure to wear gloves and safety glasses, as the cut-off tool will create a shower of sparks.

Pneumatic Hammer

A pneumatic hammer and a cold chisel attachment will shear off large bolt heads and nuts. A pneumatic hammer is an air-powered device with a metal piston that mimics the movement of a hammer. The chisel attachment will quickly pound off the head of the bolt or break the rusted nut. Be sure to wear gloves and safety glasses.

Pneumatic Needle Scaler

A pneumatic needle scaler or needle gun can be used to remove rust from around the bolt. A pneumatic needle scaler is an air-powered, hand-held tool that uses little chisels or needles spinning at high speed to remove paint and rust from hard metal. You can use a needle scaler in conjunction with penetrating oil and the impact wrench and socket.

Brake pads are anti-skidding parts found in disc brakes. They assist in decreasing heat whenever brakes are applied to stop your car by cushioning the brakes, while increasing the longevity of the rest of your brake system. Maintaining your PT Cruisers brake pads requires certain tools for replacement of these pads.

Tools

Youll need a tire iron to remove the lug nuts on your brake rotor, and a metric wrench set to remove the caliper mounting bolts from your brake caliper. A C-clamp is necessary to fully contract the brake calipers piston, and a torque wrench and 19-mm socket are used to tighten the lug nuts on the brake rotor after replacing your brake pads.

Lubricant

Silicone brake lubricant applies to the wheel mounting studs and the bearing hub of your brake rotor, as well as to the caliper mounting bolts, ensuring your new brake pads are snug fits once installed.

Other Items

Youll need a hydraulic jack to hold up the edge of your PT Cruiser, allowing easy access to the brake pads, and a jack stand to hold the hydraulic jack in place, moving it up or down while giving more or less room for removing brake pads. Use a brake fluid siphon to funnel excess brake fluid from your old brake pads during their removal, and use a bowl to catch the excess brake fluid as it flows through the siphon. A pair of replacement brake pads are installed onto your PT Cruiser once the old pads are taken off. Use a cloth to wipe down the wheel mounting studs, the bearing hub on the brake rotor and the caliper mounting bolts, after your old brake pads are removed.

Heavy duty trucks require different maintenance and repair protocols than smaller vehicles. While many of the components are similar to those seen in smaller trucks, the size of the truck requires a unique set of tools to help in the service, repair and replacement of parts.

Scan Tools

Scanning tools allow truck technicians to find the source of the problem in the function of the trucks components. Scan tools, such as the GSA Contract offered by Diagnostic Innovations, assists in the location of problems in engines, transmissions, and brake systems. These types of scanners are appropriate for both gasoline and diesel-fueled heavy vehicles. In the case of the GSA Contract, which comes in two models, the scan tool functions through a user interface that is capable of being updated and improved depending on the needs of the technician. Other models are additionally available that use the same computer-style set up to analyze the truck without the need to dismantle any major parts.

Drum Handler

With brake drums that weight an average of 120 lbs., drum handlers for work on heavy duty truck brakes are necessary for safe removal and installation. The Drum Caddy offered through Express Brake International is one of many of these types of tools on the market. Drum Caddies allow for the removal, transport and installation of heavy duty truck drum brakes. Placed on the break drum, attached to the axles, tools such as the Drum Caddy provide an easy way to remove the brake drum from the hub of the wheel. In the same way, installation is made easy through the balancing of the drum against the wheel hub. Once aligned, the brake drum can be easily fastened in the correct manner.

Automatic Slack Adjuster

An automatic slack adjuster is used in the adjustment of a heavy duty trucks brake system. Able to recognize the three sections of the breaking stroke, an automatic slack adjuster addresses only the problem area. The automatic slack adjuster is able to measure the clearance for the pre-set running of the system. If the normal setting is incorrect, the slack adjuster rotates to the notch of the control disk and expands to the correct clearance. It can also be used to reduce excessive clearance that occurs when the brake linings or drums become worn.

A spark plug is an electrical device in the ignition of a vehicle that ignites gas by using an electric spark. Spark plugs are made up of an insulated wire and electrode, an ignition coil and a spark gap inside the interior. Spark plugs typically need to be changed every 30,000 to 45,000 miles to keep the ignition running smoothly. These tools will help you replace or repair your spark plug wire.

Lisle Wire Puller

The Lisle Wire Puller removes the spark plug using rubber cushioned jaws to grip and pull. They are adjustable to five positions so you are able to access the spark plug from different angles. The plastic handles help to prevent you from getting shocked by the spark plug.

Lisle Plug Remover

The Lisle Plug Remover removes broken spark plugs using a thread to pull the plug from its head. It comes with a porcelain pusher to press the porcelain in the tip of the plug, preventing the porcelain from breaking.

ACCEL Pliers

The ACCEL pliers make gaps in spark plugs. They are specially aligned to make the outer electrode perpendicular to the center electrode. They are made of a steel frame with a rubber, non-slip handle.

Pro Crimp Spark Plug Wire Tool

The Pro Crimp Spark Plug Wire Tool is a specialty tool made for crimping spark plug wires. It can cut, strip and crimp wire that is up to 8.5 mm in diameter. The frame is made of heavy-duty steel with a soft plastic, non-slip handle for comfort.

Weatherpack Weather Pack Crimper Tool

The Weatherpack Weather Pack Crimper Tool is made for heavy-duty crimping of wires ranging in sizes from 20 to 14 gauge. It has an orientation block, two double cavities and a ratchet mechanism for reliable crimping.

ACCEL Terminal Crimping Jaws

ACCEL Terminal Crimping Jaws are for crimping 7 mm to 8 mm spark plug wires. They are made of steel with a black oxide finish for high pull strength.