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If you have a soldering iron, you need a solder sucker (VIDEO)

Description When an automotive repair involves solder, it often involves desoldering too. Removing old solder is a crucial part of preparing a component for a new soldered connection, and a desolder pump (often called a solder sucker) is the ideal tool for the job. It...

The very best way to remove grease from auto upholstery

I try to keep my customers’ cars at least as nice as they keep them. You probably do, too. The only problem is that I am perpetually filthy. I have a trick I’ve used for a long time on the occasions I’ve sullied a nice interior with grease or dirt. (I will never...

A different type of timed event: the Bobby Bosch Relay Race

I’ll hazard a guess you’re familiar with the 24 Hours of Lemons. If not, it’s endurance racing for Joe Sixpack on a severely tight budget ($500). Ridiculous paint jobs are de rigueur. Costumes are encouraged. Everyone sandbags and cheats and tries to fudge the budget...

How to use a lockout kit (VIDEO)

If you work on cars for a living or you’re a diehard gearhead, odds are excellent that people look to you when some basic automotive snafus need to be handled. I’m sure those who know you have asked you to help with the following items: Reviewing an estimate Jumping a...

Drag racing semi-trucks (VIDEO)

Hi, my name is Lemmy and I enjoy the inappropriate application of power. It’s the lighter side of our mutual profession, I feel. I’ve written before about keeping your mojo flowing if the biz of fixing stuff is wearing you down. Here’s another way to do that: watch...

Bump steer – ASE practice questions (VIDEO)

Description All of the following could cause bump steer EXCEPT: A) Incorrectly mounted steering rack B) Worn idler arm C) Worn center link D) Incorrect camberMore ASE Practice Questions

When NOT selling helps business

When I was a wee sprat in my first automotive job selling service, I was beleaguered by a tech in the shop who wrote thorough, lengthy estimates. He would occasionally blow up at me for not selling enough, going so far once as to accuse me of not even trying to sell...

The best explanation of a differential is from 1937

by | Apr 25, 2024

The first time I saw this video, I was hooked because I’m natively a bike guy and it starts off with motorcycle stunt riding. But the guys horsing around on those ol’ Harley VLs actually are the producer’s interesting and educational way to visually demonstrate why a differential is necessary in any two-track vehicle. Here, take a look-see.

This video sucked me in beyond the bikes, though. Being a video guy—man, this production value is through the roof. Many camera angles, beautiful cutting, on-screen graphics—this is some pretty heady stuff. Heck, the Wizard of Oz didn’t even have its famous scene in color until 1939! I mean, they are literally using horse-drawn wagons that people at that time might have been more familiar with to illustrate the theory of operation. They even built a special vehicle interior to illustrate why low-pinion driveshafts came about.

The other reason I love this video (and you will, if you turn wrenches or sell parts for your daily bread) is that it is so good. Forget about the age of the vehicle; the explanation and illustration is easy to understand and it’s still totally relevant.

Sure, nowadays we have portal axles, LSDs, (and simulated LSDs by way of four-channel ABS), but if you started at this video, all those concepts are pretty easy to understand.

Enjoy it. And maybe invite the up-and-coming C-tech or your current lube bay jockey to take a peek, too—they’re likely the ones who will benefit most.

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