Month: April 2018

It is important to change a valve cover gasket if the vehicle has high miles or is over 7 years old. The reason is, the valve cover gasket prevents oil from leaking externally. First start by conducting a simple inspection; locate the valve cover and look for signs of oil leaking around the valve cover gasket. Usually when a valve cover gasket starts to leak; the engine oil starts to leak from the top of the engine and slowly drips to the bottom. In addition, if the valve cover gasket very worn out, it may start to leak into the spark plug tube and cause the vehicle to misfire. When this happen, the vehicle will start to run rough or it may not start at all. Let’s start by having a good set of basic tools such as metric and standard socket set and wrenches, a few 3/8” extensions, pliers, new valve cover gasket, tube seals, permatex silicone and a rubber mallet.

We will use a basic vehicle such as a Honda Civic as a demonstration how to replace a valve cover gasket.  As always safety first, so disconnect the negative side of the battery. Next, remove the ignition coil or spark plug cables. Remember which cylinder the ignition coil and spark plugs goes to. You can label it with a permanent marker if it helps. Moreover, remove all the bolts holding down the valve cover. Usually it will be 10mm bolts. Remove the pcv hoses if it is attached to the valve cover. On some vehicle, the intake manifold will be on the way of the valve cover so that needs to be removed. The next step is to remove the valve cover. Use a rubber mallet and tap on the outside of the valve cover to break it loose. Remove the valve cover.

The next step is to clean the surface of the valve cover gasket and the mating surface on the head where it meets. Use a razor blade or a wire brush to clean the surface. After all of that is done. Replace the valve cover gasket and use silicone on each corner of the valve cover. Moreover, replace the tube seals as well. In addition, you may also want to replace the rubber grommet that holds the valve cover in place if comes with your valve cover kit. Install the valve cover and install everything in reverse order. Start your vehicle and inspect for possible leaks.

Today’s topic is about how to change disc brakes for DIYer. Changing disc brakes is one of the easiest yet useful skills a person can attain when it comes to automotive repair. Let’s begin the step the step that is required to replace one. Here are a set of tools you will need to begin. First you will need a reliable floor jack and a good set of jack stand. Next, you will need a set of metric and standard socket tools, wrench and ratchet. Moreover, you will need C-Clamp, large channel lock pliers or a brake disc spreader. In addition, you will need brake cleaner, brake caliper lube, and something to hang the caliper i.e a piece of hanger or a bungee cord. Now you have all the required tools to replace your disc brakes. Let’s begin.

Start by locking the rear brakes if you are changing the front brakes by setting the foot or hand brakes. Use wheel chuck or a piece of wood to lock the wheels that are not being worked on. Break loose the wheel lug but do not remove it completely. Next, place the floor jack on proper lifting points on the vehicle. Lift the vehicle and slowly place the vehicle on jack stands.  Remove the wheels. Locate the brake disc caliper and find the bolts holding it in place. Remove the bolts. Usually there are two bolts. One on top and one on the bottom; remove the caliper and use a brake disc spreader and compress the caliper piston inward. You can also use a large channel lock or C-Clamp to compress it. After piston has been compressed inward; Use a bungee cord to hang it.

Next, remove the old brake disc and inspect the brake hardware. At this point feel free to replace the brake hardware as needed. Use brake cleaner and clean the entire brake area. Allow it to dry for a few minutes. Next lube the sliding pins and make sure it slides in and out freely. Replace the old disc brakes with new ones. Use brake quieter as needed and it put it on the back side of the new disc brakes. Afterward, install the caliper and tighten all the bolts At this point, you can install the wheel and lift the vehicle and let it sit on the floor. When you are done, the last step is to pump your brake pedal a few times until it becomes firm. Now you disc brakes are set and you are ready to take it for a test drive.

“Changing your disc brakes on your cars may be one of the things you may be able to do yourself. If you are in doubt you shoud always consult a professional mechaninc”, says Daniel from Bilforsikring.