August 30, 2009, 12:32
Ball Joints
PURPOSE
Ball joints are a component that connects the control arm to a stub axle, making it a very important component. Some ball joints are serviceable with a grease nipple. Ball joints are best checked every 10,000Kms.
THINGS TO LOOK FOR
A ball joint may produce a slight or heavy metallic noise as you turn the steering wheel or it may wear or elongate without producing any noise. The best to check a ball joint is to jack the vehicle up but before you do, watch the video as there are different types of ball joint testing procedures for each type of suspension and always use jack stands when jacking up any vehicle to ensure your safety.
IS IT EXPENSIVE TO REPAIR?
Ball joints cost around $60.00-$90.00 including fitting, plus the cost of a front end alignment. Your local spare parts dealer should stock the most common brands at a fair price.
TEMPORARY REPAIR AND LONG TERM REPLACEMENT
Replacing the old ball joints with new only ball joints is recommended as there are no temporary repairs to ball joints.
August 30, 2009, 09:51
Alternator
PURPOSE
The alternator is a component that is fitted outside or around the front of the engine. It is a round component and has a fan belt connected to it. If the fan belt is connected tightly it will allow the alternator to charge somewhere between 13.8-14.2 volts. The alternator is designed to charge at this voltage to the battery. The alternator’s purpose is to keep the battery recharged..The alternator is not designed to fully charge the battery if the battery is flat. If the battery is flat have it recharged by an auto electrician and then the alternator will keep the battery recharged at its full capacity. The alternator may have an external voltage regulator or an internal regulator. Most have an internal voltage regulator which regulates the voltage. The internal voltage regulator may have brushes attached to it as a complete unit and this is the component that allows the battery to receive the charge.
THINGS TO LOOK FOR
The alternator should have a tight fan belt. If not, this will affect the charge rate. An alternator should also have a secured lead and terminal at the rear of the alternator. This is the main terminal that connects a heavy duty lead from the alternator to the battery. Alternators should be checked for the voltage across the terminals at the battery for 13.8-14.2 volts. If this isn’t the case, then check the voltage at the rear of the alternator on the positive terminal and the earth on the battery terminal. If this is a lower voltage, it is showing that the battery has got a voltage drop therefore an extra lead made up to go from the alternator to the positive battery is another way of ensuring a good charge rate to the battery.
IS IT EXPENSIVE TO REPAIR?
Depending on the make and model , the alternator can cost around $150.00-$200.00 for a reconditioned alternator. Some alternators can be purchased new. Whether purchasing a reconditioned or new alternator, be sure to get a 12 months warranty. as alternators, depending on the make and model do fail. With reconditioned alternators, it depends on the auto electrician. Find a good auto electrician, preferrably one that is recommended.
August 30, 2009, 09:46
Brake System – Brake Fluid
PURPOSE
Brake fluid is designed to operate under high temperatures therefore it contains additives that make it hydroscopic, this means its properties will become affected if it’s exposed to water. Brake fluid is not designed to last forever as moisture may affect the boiling point. For this reason brake fluid must be kept in a dry place and the rubber lid on the master cylinder must be sealed to prevent moisture and dirt from entering into this reservoir. Brake fluid is best kept for 12 months, and after that, throw it away as it may contain moisture.
Things to look for
Brake fluid, depending on its demand, may become discoloured. When this happens renew the brake fluid.. It is important to observe the brake fluid reservoir on a weekly basis as it may descend as the front disc callipers self adjust. It should only descend slightly, measured in millimetres at a time. If the reservoir descends completely in a month then it’s leaking. At this stage, don’t even drive the car to the garage. Brake fade is also a sign to change the brake fluid. Brake fade is when the pedal is still hard but there is no braking reaction
Is it expensive to repair?
Brake fluid is not expensive and if you decide to replace the brake fluid make sure your mechanic bleeds all the nipples and cleans the reservoir. If this is completely flushed, it may cost around $45.00 including time.
Temporary repair and long term replacement
Brake fluid may descend slightly in the reservoir as the disc callipers self adjust. At this stage it’s okay to top it up with new brake fluid to prevent the buoyant level indicator from switching the brake warning light on.
August 30, 2009, 09:42
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM – Battery terminals
PURPOSE
The purpose of the battery terminal is to hold all the cables either on the negative or positive battery poles. The battery terminal needs to be in fixed position. A sure connection is a connection that will not move. The best battery terminal is a brass battery terminal as it is not workable or malleable. There are many different types of battery terminals on the market. Most of these terminals do require replacing over 10 years and should be replaced with a brass terminal. Some battery terminals may be eaten away by the battery acid.
THINGS TO LOOK FOR
The plastic terminal may look clean and perfect but the problem is that if you need to jump start the vehicle, the connection inside the red or black terminal might be isolating the connection or causing a bad connection to the battery pole. The best way to eliminate this possibility is to cut off the red and black terminal and replace it with a brass battery terminal. This way you can see the connection and it is a sure connection. A hard to start engine or a non cranking engine may be due to a faulty battery terminal. The only way to successfully check this is by removing the terminals and cleaning both poles and terminals with a wire brush and replacing them. This might get the car started.
IS IT EXPENSIVE TO REPAIR?
A good brass battery terminal costs around $5.00. There are lead and steel terminals on the market but the best ones are the brass terminals that enable the cables to be mounted on the top. There are clones of the brass terminal that hold the cable on with thin plates. This plate has to have a thickness of 1 mm to hold the cable secure when the cables contract and expand.
TEMPORARY REPAIR AND LONG TERM REPLACEMENT
You can only really replace a battery terminal.
August 30, 2009, 09:38
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM – Charging system – Battery
PURPOSE
The purpose of the battery is to receive the charge from the alternator. This charge should be received in a perimeter of 13.8-14.2 volts. If this charge is lower, eg 13 volts, the battery will be affected. If the charge is higher than 14.2 volts the battery will also be overcharged and this will shorten the life of the battery. The battery should be checked to make sure that it is receiving at least 13.5 volts of charge. It also should be checked with the headlights on as this will ensure that the battery is receiving a charge under load.
THINGS TO LOOK FOR
You need to make sure that the battery is secure and that the water level is at the correct height. The best way to check this is over the plates and under the caps. An overfull battery will create more vapour and will start to eat any metal including the battery cradle. If the battery cradle has a white powdery substance around the terminals or battery poles or cradle, hot water and/or baking soda is used to eliminate this. Baking soda is a neutralising agent on the acid, so it will take longer for the acid to return to the battery poles and the battery cradle.
IS IT EXPENSIVE TO REPAIR?
The battery should cost between $50.00-$120.00. The best battery to buy is one that you can service by filling it up with either tap water or if you’re not sure of the quality of the water, distilled water. The battery level must be maintained. If it is too low and has been neglected for a long time and you decide to put water in it then this may affect the battery. Batteries should last at least 18-24 months. Keep your warranty if you need to have it replaced within the warranty period as batteries do have a high mortality rate.
August 30, 2009, 09:34
Clutch System – Clutch Master
PURPOSE
A clutch master cylinder is designed to hold a reservoir of brake fluid and apply pressure down a line to the slave cylinder. The master cylinder must hold residue pressure making it a completely sealed unit away from air allowing this hydraulic applicator ready at all times with the slightest pedal push.
THINGS TO LOOK FOR
The reservoir must never drop in level. The clutch pedal should never require pumping or have excessive play. This is an indication that there is a leak or air is leaking into the system. This requires attention ASAP.
IS IT EXPENSIVE TO REPAIR?
Most clutch master cylinders cost from $50.00-$200.00. Shop around for a good price. Brake master cylinders are repairable but because most brake master cylinders are made of alloy, they may an irreparable ball, making it cheaper and quicker to replace the cylinder rather than repairing it. Remember to bleed the system after fitting
TEMPORARY REPAIR AND LONG TERM REPLACEMENT
If the pedal goes to the floor with no resistance and the clutch master reservoir is empty, try topping it up and pump the pedal slowly and this should self bleed. At the same time check that the slave is not pouring out fluid. If it does then the only thing to do is get a tow truck.
