Let's cover the basic definition of an axle: a central shaft for either a rotating wheel or a gear. On vehicles that have wheels, the axle can be fitted to the wheels. This means that it rotates them around the axle.
Axles are known to be an integral component of a wheeled vehicle. If there's a live-axle suspension system, the axles are there to transmit driving torque to the wheel. It also maintains the position of the wheels that are relative to each other and also to the body of the vehicle. The axles that are in this system have to bear the weight of the entire car and the weight of the cargo. If there is a non-driving axle, then there is no shaft. It usually only serves as a suspension and steering component.
In different suspension systems, the axles are installed only to transmit driving torque to the wheels.
If someone is talking about a Straight axle, this means that this special type of axle is a single rigid shaft that connects the wheel on the left side to the wheel on the right side of the car. The axis of rotation fixed by the axle is common to both of the wheels; this specific design can keep the wheel positions steady under heavy stress (if there is any); then, it can have enough support for heavier loads. The straight axles are used on things like trains and heavy-duty vehicles that can be used when someone wants to go off-roading.
If there's a split-axle design, the wheel on each side of the axle is attached to a separate shaft. Most of the modern passenger cars have split drive axles. In some of these designs, this can usually allow for independent suspension of the left and the right wheels - this gives you a smoother ride. Say the suspension isn't independent, the split axles permit the use of something called a differential; this lets the left and right drive wheels be driven at different speeds as the car turns - this will improve traction & can even extend your tire life! This means you don't have to spend as much money for new tires.
There's something called a dead axle (it's also called a lazy axle), and it's not really part of the drive train; it's free-rotating instead. The rear axle of your typical front-wheel drive car can be considered a dead axle. There's a lot of trucks & trailers that use dead axles for specific load bearing purposes - nothing else. These dead axles are placed immediately in front of the drive axle. There's another thing called the tag axle & it's just the same thing but it's placed behind the drive axle.
A tandem axle is classified as a group of two or more axles that are situated close together. Most truck designs have this type of axle - it gives the car a greater & more efficient weight capacity when you compare it to a single axle. If you have a semi trailer, then you most likely have a tandem axle at the rear.
So as you can tell - if you read this entire article - there are more types of axles than the one that comes on your car. They're not really good or bad, just different types. Which one do you have on your car? Do you know how to identify the one that you have? If not, read it again.
Cristine Gutierrez
http://www.Junk-Yard-Bids.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Cristine_Gutierrez
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/5809267
Wednesday
Tuesday
Has Your Head Gasket Really Gone Bad?
The last words any car owner wants to hear at a repair shop is they need a head gasket. It is not a cheap repair and often is a predictor of future problems down the road. The question in many cases, however, is whether a faulty gasket is actually the problem.
The head gasket performs a critical task in the modern internal combustion engine. It is the seal between the engine block and the engine head. More specifically, this is what creates the seal that closes off the cylinder combustion chambers. It keeps coolant and water out and oil in. It also creates a tight enough seal that the combustion chamber can be pressurized to the maximum efficiency to produce power when the gas and air mixture is fired by the spark plug. Basically, the head gasket is the most critical gasket in your car.
The head gasket is a funny thing when it comes to engines. It has to be put on just right. This would seem to suggest that it needs to be cranked down as hard as possible to perfect a seal. That really isn't the case. Instead, every car comes with recommended specifications and a torque wrench needs to be used. Get it too loose and unintended substances can get into the cylinders. Get it to tight and you destroy the gasket or warp/fracture the engine head.
So, do you really have a head gasket problem? Well, you need to be vigilant. It is easy to tell if you have a problem in the head gasket AREA just by running the engine, but nobody can really tell if the head gasket needs replacing until the engine head is removed. The first step should be to check the bolts again and make sure they are torqued as specified. You would be surprised how many times this cures the problem.
Assuming retightening the head doesn't do the trick, it is time to take a look at your exhaust. Most people assume black exhaust is a bad sign. It isn't. It just means your engine is running rich. White or gray exhaust is really what you want to watch for. It usually means there is a more serious problem in the head gasket area. The problem can be a bad head gasket, but it is just as likely to mean a bad head. Modern engines used lighter materials for the engine head and many of them can suffer small cracks as the wear and tear of the engine builds up.
The bad new is there is really no way to know the specific problem until the head is yanked off the engine. At that point, you are already on your way to an expensive repair. Fixing the head gasket and head does not involve expensive parts, but it takes a lot of time. Mechanics charge by the hour, so you can expect the bill to be pretty high.
Problems around the head of the engine in your car do not necessarily mean that the top part of the engine is a mess. First check to make sure the bolts on the head are tightened to the specified figures. If that doesn't work, take a look at your bank balance, take a deep breath and prepare yourself for expensive, bad news.
Dirk Gibson is with DCJAutoParts.com - find high performance aftermarket car parts that will make your engine per like kitten and perform like a Puma.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Dirk_Gibson
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/2697849
The head gasket performs a critical task in the modern internal combustion engine. It is the seal between the engine block and the engine head. More specifically, this is what creates the seal that closes off the cylinder combustion chambers. It keeps coolant and water out and oil in. It also creates a tight enough seal that the combustion chamber can be pressurized to the maximum efficiency to produce power when the gas and air mixture is fired by the spark plug. Basically, the head gasket is the most critical gasket in your car.
The head gasket is a funny thing when it comes to engines. It has to be put on just right. This would seem to suggest that it needs to be cranked down as hard as possible to perfect a seal. That really isn't the case. Instead, every car comes with recommended specifications and a torque wrench needs to be used. Get it too loose and unintended substances can get into the cylinders. Get it to tight and you destroy the gasket or warp/fracture the engine head.
So, do you really have a head gasket problem? Well, you need to be vigilant. It is easy to tell if you have a problem in the head gasket AREA just by running the engine, but nobody can really tell if the head gasket needs replacing until the engine head is removed. The first step should be to check the bolts again and make sure they are torqued as specified. You would be surprised how many times this cures the problem.
Assuming retightening the head doesn't do the trick, it is time to take a look at your exhaust. Most people assume black exhaust is a bad sign. It isn't. It just means your engine is running rich. White or gray exhaust is really what you want to watch for. It usually means there is a more serious problem in the head gasket area. The problem can be a bad head gasket, but it is just as likely to mean a bad head. Modern engines used lighter materials for the engine head and many of them can suffer small cracks as the wear and tear of the engine builds up.
The bad new is there is really no way to know the specific problem until the head is yanked off the engine. At that point, you are already on your way to an expensive repair. Fixing the head gasket and head does not involve expensive parts, but it takes a lot of time. Mechanics charge by the hour, so you can expect the bill to be pretty high.
Problems around the head of the engine in your car do not necessarily mean that the top part of the engine is a mess. First check to make sure the bolts on the head are tightened to the specified figures. If that doesn't work, take a look at your bank balance, take a deep breath and prepare yourself for expensive, bad news.
Dirk Gibson is with DCJAutoParts.com - find high performance aftermarket car parts that will make your engine per like kitten and perform like a Puma.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Dirk_Gibson
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/2697849
Saturday
The Difference Between AC and DC Electric Motors
There are two main types of electric motors. There are direct current or DC and alternating current or AC motors. The reference of DC header or AC refers to how the electrical current is transferred through and from the motor. Both types of motors have different functions and uses. Dc motors come in two general types. They can have brushes or be brushless. AC motors, as well, come in two different types. They can be two phase or three phase. The differences in DC and AC motors are sometimes subtle, but these differences are what make one types better for a certain use.
Direct current or DC electric motors work for situations where speed needs to be controlled. DC motors have a stable and continuous current. DC motors were the first and earliest motors used. They were found, however, to not be as good at producing power over long lengths. Electric companies found using DC motors to generate electric did not work because the power was lost as the electric was transmitted. Brush DC motors use rings that conduct the current and form the magnetic drive that powers the rotor. Brushless DC motors use a switch to produce the magnetic drive that powers the rotor. Direct current motors are often found in appliances around the home.
Alternating current or AC electric motors are used differently based on what type of AC motor it is. Single phase AC motors are known as general purpose motors. They work well in many different situations. These AC motors work great for systems that are hard to start because they need a lot of power up front. Three phase, also called polyphase, AC motors are usually found in industrial settings. These motors also have high starting power build transmit lower levels of overall power. AC power gets its name from the fact that it alternates in power. The amount of power given off by an AC motor is determined by the amount of power needed to operate the system.
DC and AC electric motors are found everywhere from the home to the car to industrial plants. Motors are important to everyday life. Dc motors were introduced and caused a great revolution in the way many things are done. When AC motors came on the market the way motors were looked at changed because of their amazing starting power potential. DC motors and AC motors are different in many ways, but they still both are usede to power the world.
http://electricmotors-hq.com Everything you need to know about electric motors from their history to buying new and used.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=John_Francis
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/193767
Direct current or DC electric motors work for situations where speed needs to be controlled. DC motors have a stable and continuous current. DC motors were the first and earliest motors used. They were found, however, to not be as good at producing power over long lengths. Electric companies found using DC motors to generate electric did not work because the power was lost as the electric was transmitted. Brush DC motors use rings that conduct the current and form the magnetic drive that powers the rotor. Brushless DC motors use a switch to produce the magnetic drive that powers the rotor. Direct current motors are often found in appliances around the home.
Alternating current or AC electric motors are used differently based on what type of AC motor it is. Single phase AC motors are known as general purpose motors. They work well in many different situations. These AC motors work great for systems that are hard to start because they need a lot of power up front. Three phase, also called polyphase, AC motors are usually found in industrial settings. These motors also have high starting power build transmit lower levels of overall power. AC power gets its name from the fact that it alternates in power. The amount of power given off by an AC motor is determined by the amount of power needed to operate the system.
DC and AC electric motors are found everywhere from the home to the car to industrial plants. Motors are important to everyday life. Dc motors were introduced and caused a great revolution in the way many things are done. When AC motors came on the market the way motors were looked at changed because of their amazing starting power potential. DC motors and AC motors are different in many ways, but they still both are usede to power the world.
http://electricmotors-hq.com Everything you need to know about electric motors from their history to buying new and used.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=John_Francis
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/193767
Oxygen Sensor Solutions Article
Virtually every car produced since the early 1980s contains a sensor that regulates oxygen flow to your engine. The oxygen sensor works by sending information to your vehicle's engine management system to help your car fun efficiently as well as to reduce noxious emissions. When an oxygen sensor fails your vehicle will run less effectively and devour more fuel. Thus, when oxygen sensor failure has been determined the sensor must then be replaced, a costly proposition if you rely on a garage to do the work for you. However, replacing an oxygen sensor is a task that you can do yourself, thereby saving you precious time and money. Let's take a closer look at just what an oxygen sensor does and the steps you can take to do the work yourself.
As a backgrounder, your oxygen sensor works like this: placed inside of your exhaust pipe, the oxygen sensor detects the ratio of air and gasoline your engine is fed. If the mixture is too rich or too lean than the oxygen sensor adjusts the amount of fuel entering your engine accordingly. The wrong mix of gasoline and oxygen can increase pollutants that exit your vehicle - thereby harming the environment -- as well as potentially causing your catalytic converter to fail or even damage your engine. So, a properly working oxygen sensor is a must for any vehicle.
There are some clear signs that your oxygen sensor is no longer functioning. They can include:
--A rotten egg odor emitting from the exhaust.
--A reduction in fuel economy.
--Your catalytic converter fails unexpectedly.
--Exhaust emissions reach undesirable levels.
--Your engine surges or hesitates.
You can diagnose the problem yourself if you have access to the right tools including a digital voltmeter, an oxygen sensor socket, and a propane enrichment device. These specific tools, along with a proper Haynes or Chilton manual by your side, should be all that you need to determine if the oxygen sensor is no longer working. If it has failed, than consider ordering your replacement part online through a reliable wholesaler such as the Oxygen Sense shop to obtain a high quality OEM part at discounted prices. Once your part has arrived than all you will need is one or two automotive wrenches to accomplish the job. Again, reference your car's manual for exact instructions.
With the abundance of sensors and technical gadgetry on today's vehicles it can seem fairly intimidating to do the work yourself. Fortunately, an oxygen sensor is one of the easier parts to replace, so if you do the work yourself you will save time and money as well as gain an important sense of achievement. Go ahead you weekend mechanic, you can do it!
Matthew C. Keegan is a freelance writer who resides in North Carolina. Please visit his power-packed automotive blog -- The Auto Writer -- for industry news and trends.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Matthew_Keegan
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/98641
As a backgrounder, your oxygen sensor works like this: placed inside of your exhaust pipe, the oxygen sensor detects the ratio of air and gasoline your engine is fed. If the mixture is too rich or too lean than the oxygen sensor adjusts the amount of fuel entering your engine accordingly. The wrong mix of gasoline and oxygen can increase pollutants that exit your vehicle - thereby harming the environment -- as well as potentially causing your catalytic converter to fail or even damage your engine. So, a properly working oxygen sensor is a must for any vehicle.
There are some clear signs that your oxygen sensor is no longer functioning. They can include:
--A rotten egg odor emitting from the exhaust.
--A reduction in fuel economy.
--Your catalytic converter fails unexpectedly.
--Exhaust emissions reach undesirable levels.
--Your engine surges or hesitates.
You can diagnose the problem yourself if you have access to the right tools including a digital voltmeter, an oxygen sensor socket, and a propane enrichment device. These specific tools, along with a proper Haynes or Chilton manual by your side, should be all that you need to determine if the oxygen sensor is no longer working. If it has failed, than consider ordering your replacement part online through a reliable wholesaler such as the Oxygen Sense shop to obtain a high quality OEM part at discounted prices. Once your part has arrived than all you will need is one or two automotive wrenches to accomplish the job. Again, reference your car's manual for exact instructions.
With the abundance of sensors and technical gadgetry on today's vehicles it can seem fairly intimidating to do the work yourself. Fortunately, an oxygen sensor is one of the easier parts to replace, so if you do the work yourself you will save time and money as well as gain an important sense of achievement. Go ahead you weekend mechanic, you can do it!
Matthew C. Keegan is a freelance writer who resides in North Carolina. Please visit his power-packed automotive blog -- The Auto Writer -- for industry news and trends.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Matthew_Keegan
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/98641
Repairing a Broken Taillight Lens
These days, new taillight assemblies are a little expensive just like the body shop does to remove and install the new ones. Classic car light lenses are often damaged with a passage of time by rocks or other road debris. Chips or small holes can be easily repaired instead of replacing the whole lens. In some cases, replacement lenses are non-existent or very expensive. Most of the auto parts suppliers carry a variety of repairing kits for plastic lenses at home.
This simple task can be done by anyone to save some money. The little annoyance of a broken taillight can be efficiently and quickly repaired by using automotive repair tape. Just follow the simple directions.
Things Needed
Red automotive repair tape
Pliers
Directions
Step 1:
Buy a red automotive tape. It will vary in size and color but most of the stores sell tapes that are specifically for taillight repair.
Step 2:
Any broken plastics or glass sticking out from the taillight should be cleared away. Pliers should be used for clearing the chucks. Before applying tape, the jagged pieces of plastic or glass must be removed.
Step 3:
If the bulb in the taillight is not working, then replace it. The bulbs must be operational before the repair tape is applied. The car owner's manual can be consulted for knowing the vehicle's proper bulb replacement.
Step 4:
The tape has to be attached in strips to the taillight. The width of the light has to be measured and cut proper strips to suit. The tape has to be horizontally applied from right to left. The strips can overlap by almost half an inch. Keep applying until the broken light is properly and completely sealed.
Tips & Precautions
-The car owner's manual can be consulted for knowing the proper repair procedures.
-Wear safety gear like hand gloves when tackling with broken glass pieces.
You might want to learn how to change fog lights and also how to broken taillight lens.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Tauqeer_Ul_Hassan
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/4412346
This simple task can be done by anyone to save some money. The little annoyance of a broken taillight can be efficiently and quickly repaired by using automotive repair tape. Just follow the simple directions.
Things Needed
Red automotive repair tape
Pliers
Directions
Step 1:
Buy a red automotive tape. It will vary in size and color but most of the stores sell tapes that are specifically for taillight repair.
Step 2:
Any broken plastics or glass sticking out from the taillight should be cleared away. Pliers should be used for clearing the chucks. Before applying tape, the jagged pieces of plastic or glass must be removed.
Step 3:
If the bulb in the taillight is not working, then replace it. The bulbs must be operational before the repair tape is applied. The car owner's manual can be consulted for knowing the vehicle's proper bulb replacement.
Step 4:
The tape has to be attached in strips to the taillight. The width of the light has to be measured and cut proper strips to suit. The tape has to be horizontally applied from right to left. The strips can overlap by almost half an inch. Keep applying until the broken light is properly and completely sealed.
Tips & Precautions
-The car owner's manual can be consulted for knowing the proper repair procedures.
-Wear safety gear like hand gloves when tackling with broken glass pieces.
You might want to learn how to change fog lights and also how to broken taillight lens.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Tauqeer_Ul_Hassan
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/4412346
Several Hints in Troubleshooting a Windshield-Washer Pump
If your windshield-washer fluid cannot flow freely, you will find that this can be a problem for you since you cannot use it properly. In this matter, the problem might be caused by some simple things such as dirt in the spray nozzle or disconnected hose. Follow the following steps to troubleshoot the problem that you have on your windshield-washer pump so that you will be able to clan the windows soon.
1. You should turn on the pump with the engine off but the key is in the "ON" position. In this position, you should listen for a humming sound. This is done to determine the operation of the windshield motor. Then you should look for the hood of the windshield washer and open it. Then you should ask your friend to listen to listen to it while you turn on device. If you cannot hear any sound, you should check the fuses.
2. When you find the fuse is blown, you should replace it. But, if it is not blown and the motor of the device is silent, you should have the mechanic replace the motor of your windshield washer. If there is humming in the motor, you should proceed to step 3.
3. You should check the reservoir of the windshield-washer. If the level of its windshield-washer fluid is empty or low, you should add the water toward it. In this case, you should fill it right up to the top. You will find that the reservoir doesn't have any indicator to indicate full or empty fluid. When adding the fluid to the reservoir, you can use a funnel in order not to spill it.
4. You should check the reservoir. Make sure that the water inside it is not frozen. This will happen if you use the water instead of fluid for windshield-washer.
5. You should make sure that the small rubber hose attached well into the reservoir.
6. You should follow the hose to the hood. This will enable you to check for torn, crimped or broken lines. You will find that the line splits into two lines at the hood. If you think that it is damaged, you should remove the line. You can do it by pulling its base. Then, you should purchase a hose that has the same width and length. Then, install it and check for leaks.
7. You should clear any debris and leaves from the area around the nozzles that are located on top of the hood. Then, you should clear the passage of the washer-fluid nozzle with a pin or a needle.
8. You should unhook the lines of the washer. This locates at the hood and at the reservoir. Then, you should force the compressed air through the lines. This will dislodge anything that is stuck in them.
However, there are many types of vacuum pump that you can find. For this, you have to make sure that the device can be use properly. You can also find that there are many options of this device that can fulfill your needs such as Thomas vacuum pump.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Darnell_X_Hardin
1. You should turn on the pump with the engine off but the key is in the "ON" position. In this position, you should listen for a humming sound. This is done to determine the operation of the windshield motor. Then you should look for the hood of the windshield washer and open it. Then you should ask your friend to listen to listen to it while you turn on device. If you cannot hear any sound, you should check the fuses.
2. When you find the fuse is blown, you should replace it. But, if it is not blown and the motor of the device is silent, you should have the mechanic replace the motor of your windshield washer. If there is humming in the motor, you should proceed to step 3.
3. You should check the reservoir of the windshield-washer. If the level of its windshield-washer fluid is empty or low, you should add the water toward it. In this case, you should fill it right up to the top. You will find that the reservoir doesn't have any indicator to indicate full or empty fluid. When adding the fluid to the reservoir, you can use a funnel in order not to spill it.
4. You should check the reservoir. Make sure that the water inside it is not frozen. This will happen if you use the water instead of fluid for windshield-washer.
5. You should make sure that the small rubber hose attached well into the reservoir.
6. You should follow the hose to the hood. This will enable you to check for torn, crimped or broken lines. You will find that the line splits into two lines at the hood. If you think that it is damaged, you should remove the line. You can do it by pulling its base. Then, you should purchase a hose that has the same width and length. Then, install it and check for leaks.
7. You should clear any debris and leaves from the area around the nozzles that are located on top of the hood. Then, you should clear the passage of the washer-fluid nozzle with a pin or a needle.
8. You should unhook the lines of the washer. This locates at the hood and at the reservoir. Then, you should force the compressed air through the lines. This will dislodge anything that is stuck in them.
However, there are many types of vacuum pump that you can find. For this, you have to make sure that the device can be use properly. You can also find that there are many options of this device that can fulfill your needs such as Thomas vacuum pump.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Darnell_X_Hardin
how to choose corsa mufflers
Now if mid range sound is important to you then you will want to look at the 80 series, hush power or 50 delta muffler systems that flowmaster has to offer. these are considered to be the less interior resonance options and still get great power gains in your exhaust flow. The quitter of the families are the 50, 60 and 70 series family of muffler. The best way to think about a flow master 40 series will be a loud metallic scream where as a mid range will be a more deep bass tone. The quiet ones can be compared to a borla or corsa exhaust. If you like to come home at night and not upset your neighbors you should buy a hush power system. Next time we will go a little more in-depth into which sub family of these series you want specifically.
For more information, I'd definitely recommend researching Flow master Exhaust and flow master mufflers
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jenny_Masters
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/3822786
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