Technical Tips

  • Doors & Windows
  • Air Conditioning
  • CV Boots
  • Exhaust Manifolds
  • Ignition Distributors
  • Mirror Glass
  • Radiator Fans
  • Rear Axles

    • Interior Door Handle

      • Prior to replacement compare the replacement unit to the original
      • Always use the proper tool to remove interior door handles
      • Always torque fasteners to specs (do not overtighten)
      • Always replace door panel retaining clips
      • Replace all door rod clips
      • Check operation of door lock actuators, replace as necessary
      • Check operation of window regulator. Replace if binding, noisy or if operation is erratic
      • Inspect tape type window regulator for obvious damage to nylon tape. Replace the tape as necessary. (Window will exhibit ratcheting type noise as tape skips)
      • Do not damage water shield. It will need to be reused

      Exterior Door Handle

      • Be sure to mask area around exterior handle before removal/installation to prevent paint damage
      • Prior to replacement compare the replacement unit to the original
      • Replace all rod retaining clips
      • Prior to the repair, compare the replacement unit to the original
      • Always torque fasteners to specs (do not overtighten)
      • Always replace door panel retaining clips
      • Check operation of door lock actuators, replace as necessary
      • Check operation of window regulator. Replace if binding, noisy or if operation is erratic
      • Inspect tape type window regulator for obvious damage to nylon tape. Replace the tape as necessary. (Window will exhibit ratcheting noise as tape skips)
      • Do not damage water shield. It will need to be reused
      • Inspect all door hinge pins and strikers. If door drops when opened, hinge bushings and pins may be worn out

      Window Handle

      • Never use a screwdriver to remove the handle. Damage to the trim will occur
      • Always use the proper tool to remove interior door handles
      • Always compare the replacement to the defective original. Many are similar but, knobs are a different color

      Window Regulators

      • Follow the proper repair procedure for your vehicle as outlined in the shop manual to prevent damage and insure a trouble free installation
      • Check operation of window regulator. Replace if binding, noisy or if operation is erratic
      • Replace all rod retaining clips
      • Remove original unit and compare the replacement unit to the original (some units are similar but mount different, etc)
      • Always torque fasteners to specs (do not overtighten). See shop manual
      • Always replace door panel retaining clips
      • Check the operation of the door lock actuators. Replace if binding, erratic or inoperative
      • Inspect tape type window regulator for obvious damage to nylon tape. Replace the tape as necessary. (Window will exhibit ratcheting type noise as tape skips)
      • Carefully align all components. Operate window and check for binding BEFORE installing door panel. Make adjustments as required. Refer to shop manual for specific installation instructions
      • Do not damage water shield. It will need to be reused
      • Inspect all door hinge pins and strikers. If door drops when opened, hinge bushings and pins may be worn out
      • Always use the proper equipment to evacuate and recover existing automotive refrigerant before attempting repairs. DO NOT RELEASE automotive refrigerant INTO THE ATMOSPHERE
      • Always use the proper tools to remove and install compressor clutches. See catalog for selection
      • Never reuse old o-rings, seals or gaskets when performing repairs. Always install new
      • Be sure to use a leak detector after repairs. Check all joints and hoses for leaks. Replace as necessary
      • Always check the air temperature at the center discharge duct. Refer to the shop manual for your vehicle’s specifications
      • Inspect all suspension components including CV boots every time the vehicle is in for service
      • Grease on the suspension, spindle and caliper indicates a ruptured boot
      • Replace the torn CV boot as soon as possible to prevent contaminates from entering the joint and ruining it
      • Do not leave a kink the boot bellows after installation. The boot will fail prematurely
      • Always use the proper tools when removing and installing CV boots
      • DO NOT use an impact gun to install the retaining nut on the axle. Damage to the joint and/or bearing may occur
      • Always compare the replacement unit to the original before installation
      • Always start with a cold engine. Removing exhaust bolts from a hot engine may damage the cylinder head threads
      • Clean mounting surfaces are required for all exhaust manifolds. See the shop manual for any warnings or special instructions for the vehicle application
      • Use caution when replacing exhaust manifolds on aluminum heads
      • Never reuse the exhaust manifold gaskets
      • Torque all bolts to manufacturer’s specification. See the shop manual for torque specifications and sequences
      • If the original exhaust manifold is cracked and/or has a blue color, check for a rich running engine or an ignition system failure. If this condition is not corrected, repeat failure will occur
      • For ease of installation, replace the catalytic converter and manifold as an assembly on the vehicle, especially with high miles
      • Be sure to reuse all brackets and braces. Failure to do so will result in premature failure
      • Prior to installing the oxygen sensor into the replacement manifold, inspect the Oxygen sensor threads for damage. Failure to do so will result in damaged threads on the replacement unit. Be sure to use anti-seize on the oxygen sensor threads to prevent galling of the threads
      • Mark the position of the rotor prior to removal of the distributor. This will aid in installing the replacement unit into the proper position
      • Install the replacement distributor so the rotor points in the same place
      • Always compare the original distributor to the replacement unit. Pay special attention to the area below the flange. Check all dimensions
      • Lubricate the o-ring before inserting the distributor into the engine to prevent it from tearing
      • Use caution when plugging in the electrical connectors to prevent bent pins
      • Do not force the distributor into the engine or use a bolt to pull it into the block! Damage to the distributor and/or engine may occur
      • Inspect all components (spark plugs, wires, etc) in the ignition system for wear and/or corrosion. Replace as necessary
      • Use "how to measure mirror" guide in the catalog to determine height, width and diagonal dimensions of the glass
      • If old mirror is cracked but still intact, install new replacement mirror directly over old mirror with supplied cushion tape. Clean old glass thoroughly before installing replacement glass
      • If old mirror is broken, CAREFULLY remove the old glass before installing replacement glass. Follow the directions on the back of the card. CAUTION WEAR SAFETY GLASSES WHEN REMOVING OLD GLASS
      • Always compare the replacement unit to the original before installation, especially the fan blade
      • Always disconnect the battery prior to fan assembly replacement. Fans may start without any warning!
      • Clunking sounds or a wobbling fan indicate problems with the motor shaft bushing. Replace as a whole assembly to save time and money
      • All radiator fan assemblies are guaranteed to fit and function on the application it is listed for
      • Refer to the vehicle’s shop manual for specific installation instructions
      • After installation, be sure to run engine until the cooling fan(s) cycle on and off. If fans do not operate properly, refer to shop manual for more diagnostics
      • Always compare the original to the replacement axle
      • Check these critical dimensions Overall length, number/type of splines, bolt hole/stud pattern, bearing surface diameter
      • Inspect the original shaft in the bearing area. Replace the bearing if the original shows signs of excessive wear, flaking
      • Follow all installation instructions in the shop manual
      • Replace any worn components such as retaining clips, seals, etc
      • If any metal particles are present in the differential housing, the housing MUST be flushed thoroughly before the replacement axle is installed. Failure to do so will result in premature failure of the bearing and replacement axle