Ever spot what appears to be a second oil filter under a vehicle? Lemmy and Nick discuss the advantages of spin-on transmission filters for fluid protection and service.
Description When plastic parts break, sometimes replacements can be prohibitively expensive or hard to find. Learn how to use a hot staple tool to salvage broken plastics for auto repairs and other projects.Related Videos
Disclaimer: I purchased this tool at full retail price. In fact, I actually purchased two so I could try out the version with a high-voltage lead.If you’ve met my fellow Shop Press contrib Pete, seen his videos, taken his classes, or read his articles, you’ll know...
Description Coiled wire is a smart idea for adding service loops or mechanical strain relief on automotive electrical jobs or other projects. In three easy steps, you can make your own coiled wire sections for all kinds of applications.
Anyone who knows me is aware I am slavishly beholden to the concept of picking up a book before picking up a wrench. Heck, that’s the cornerstone of Dorman’s own Training Center, and I’ve been preaching that for a long time. I’m not the only person beating that drum....
You know topping off brake fluid is generally a no-no, but when a customer’s brake fluid needs to be flushed completely, knowing what to put in the reservoir isn’t as clear-cut as it once was. The master cylinder cap may say the vehicle uses DOT 4 brake fluid, but are...
The financial burden of owning a vehicle has kept pace with the rising cost of living, which is to say neither is easily affordable for many Americans. As a result, many automotive repair shops are caught in the crossfire as service writers must strike a balance...
Today’s article might score a little lower on technical difficulty and higher on automobilia esoterica, but I make no apologies. In my salad days, I worked as a dismantler at a salvage yard. Pulling motors was commonplace, so I learned quickly about this tip I’m sure...
I used to feel real dumb when I didn’t know what a tool was. After fixing things for a bit, I have come to learn that there are a lot of specialized tools and the only dumb thing is not learning about them. So when Dorman Trainer Pete Meier showed up recently with a...
There is a paucity of divorced transfer cases fitted to vehicles traversing the roadways in 2024. In fact, some technicians—especially younger ones—aren’t even aware a setup beyond the married arrangement exists. If you’re unfamiliar with them, our own Technical...
As a new tech, all I did was borrow tools from mechanics who were good to me. They usually lent and trained me on etiquette just after. (If you need to borrow it more than once or twice, maybe you ought to buy your own.) It’s not that often that I find myself without...
Recently I had occasion to watch the following video from Dorman Training Manager (and ASE Master Tech) Pete Meier: I was fortunate enough to be there live and talk to Pete after he was done shooting, and this video really stuck with me. If you think about it, the...
This article is a quick reminder to buy (and use!) a surge protector on your (or your shop’s) scan tool(s). The modern vehicle scanner has WiFi, a screen, and touch input. It is, for all intents and purposes, a computer, and it doesn’t like “dirty” power. Protect it...
I’ve mentioned the easy business you can score by offering to perform trailer service for customers that pull. When doing a job not long ago, someone asked me why I was adding lubricant to the dust caps. It’s a fair question. When getting into bearings, I know I’m...
