Showing posts with label air. Show all posts
Showing posts with label air. Show all posts

Friday, June 6, 2014

Air Ride Suspension Components

Air ride was first used in 1909, but it was quickly eliminated as the systems had a tendency to leak. Properly functioning air ride systems were a common feature in luxury automobiles in the late 1950s. These systems use several components to change the ride quality and height.

Compressor

    The air compressor is typically hidden behind the rear seat or in the trunk. The compressor uses the 12 volt power to run an internal piston and build air pressure. This air is used to adjust the ride height or quality.

Pressure Switch

    The pressure switch is an integral part of keeping this system operating properly. This pressure switch measures the pounds per square inch (psi) in the system and turns the compressor on and off as needed.

Air Bags

    The air bags are underneath the vehicle and connected to the suspension. The air bags are rubber bags that fill with air provided by the compressor. The bags perform a few functions: ride height adjustment and ride style. The bags raise the vehicle by inflating and lower the vehicle by deflating.

Lines

    The air lines in this system transfer air from the compressor to the air bags. These lines are typically rubber with braided steel covers.

Adjustment Switch

    Some trucks and SUVs have a switch inside the cabin to adjust the system. The switch is designed to raise and lower the vehicle at the drivers command.

Disabling Switch

    Some vehicles, Ford, Lincoln and Mercury primarily, have automatic adjusting shocks that work whether the vehicle is off or on. When you lift these vehicles, for any reason, the system senses the change in pressure and begins inflating the air bag. When this happens, it can cause the system to blow a hole in the air bag. This is why the disabling switch was put on these vehicles. This switch is typically in the trunk.

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How to Reset the Air Bag Lights in a 1995 Nissan Sentra

How to Reset the Air Bag Lights in a 1995 Nissan Sentra

You can reset the airbag light on your 1995 Nissan Sentra without the aid of any special tools. The Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) light will illuminate on the instrument panel when there is a malfunction with the airbag assembly. When this light turns on, have the vehicle towed to a mechanic rather than risk driving it. Theres always the chance the airbag will accidentally deploy while you are driving it. When the problem has been repaired, shut off the SRS light yourself.

Instructions

    1

    Look for and open the fuse panel cover. You can find it underneath the steering column. Pull down on it from the top using your fingers.

    2

    Find the yellow plug. This is the electrical connector for the airbag system. Pull this plug out of the panel.

    3

    Wait 10 minutes, then secure the yellow plug back in place. Put the fuse panel cover back on.

    4

    Put the key into the ignition and start the engine. Look at the instrument panel to verify that the SRS light has turned off.

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Wednesday, March 26, 2014

How to Remove a Lincoln Air Line

Lincoln vehicles have a self-leveling suspension system that uses air pressure to ensure each corner of the vehicle sits in the proper position. When an air line -- another component of a Lincoln air suspension system -- becomes damaged, You must remove and replace it to keep the suspension working correctly. The air line connections used by Lincoln employ a quick-release system that uses a ring and a brass fitting to secure the air line to the shocks, solenoid and pump providing air for the system.

Instructions

    1

    Move the Lincoln to a hard, level work surface. Set the parking brake. Open the trunk, and locate the air suspension switch. Turn the switch to the "Off" position.

    2

    Set one wheel chock in front of each of the vehicles front tires. Set a floor jack at an approved lifting point at the back of the vehicle. Pump the floor jack to raise the rear tires of the Lincoln off the ground. Place one jack stand under the frames, directly in front of each rear tire. Lift and support the front of the vehicle.

    3

    Clean the connecting point between an air line and another component of the air suspension system by wiping around the air line with a clean rag.

    4

    Push the red or orange collar -- sitting at the point the air line meets the suspension component -- toward the connection. Pull the air line away from the connection. Repeat the process to disconnect the other end of the air line from the suspension.

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Monday, March 3, 2014

Machining Tools for an Air Cooled VW

Machining Tools for an Air Cooled VW

Several variations of the air cooled Volkswagen engine were in production from 1936 to 2006 and were most notably used in the Volkswagen Beetle. The air cooled engine consists of four cast iron cylinders, a magnesium crankcase, cast aluminum alloy cylinder pistons and heads, a forged steel crankshaft and connecting rods. As air cooled engines gain wear and tear from mileage, they need maintenance and repair.

Air Cooled VW Crank Pulley Puller Tool

    The air cooled VW crank pulley puller tool works on Type 1 and Type 2 engines produced before 1972. It can remove the crankshaft pulley without removal of the engine or any tinware. The puller tool fits pulleys ranging 5.75 inches to 7 inches.

Air Cooled VW Coil Spring Compressor

    The air cooled VW coil spring compressor is used for safe removal and installation of coil springs. It comes in a set of two compressors for easy adjustment to fit all types of struts.

Air Cooled VW Adjustable Engine Timing Pointer

    The air cooled VW adjustable engine timing pointer is for tuning Type 1 engines with stock or power pulleys. It gives an accurate read of timing within four degrees.

Air Cooled VW Jack Stands

    Air cooled VW jack stands are for jacking your car up when it needs maintenance and repair. The ratcheting style jack stand has a two ton capacity. The floor jack has a 4000 pound capacity and raises to 15 feet. It comes with swivel casters for easy positioning.

Air Cooled VW Valve Adjustment Tool

    The air cooled VW valve adjustment tool is a hand tool that allows you to tighten the jam nuts with more accuracy without the handle getting in the way.

Line Bore Gauge Tool

    The line bore gauge tool allows you to measure the bore in unmarked engines in sizes .2, .4, .6 and .8 overbore.

Air Cooled VW Oil Filler Nut Tool

    The air cooled VW oil filler nut tool is for removal and installation of the oil filler by loosening or tightening the difficult to reach retaining nut. It is made of heat treated steel that is designed to snap over a 1/2 inch drive extension.

Dual-Action 1/4" Ratchet

    The dual-action quarter-inch ratchet allows you to use a forward or reverse action dial to remove and install retaining nuts.

Air Cooled VW Heat Gun

    The air cooled VW heat gun is used to heat shrink tubing, smooth vinyl and remove decals. A concentration nozzle focuses the heat, ranging from 250 to 1100 degrees Fahrenheit.

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Saturday, March 1, 2014

How to Test an Air Mass Meter

How to Test an Air Mass Meter

Air mass meters, more commonly known as mass air flow sensors or MAF sensors, are devices used in vehicle engines. They are used to determine and measure the amount of air that flows into a vehicles engine. A hot wire element provides information to the vehicles on-board computer on the air flowing into the engine by becoming cooler when more air enters the engine. However, the MAF sensor can become faulty over time and provide wrong information to the on-board computer. You can check your MAF sensor regularly by performing a few tests to determine if it is functional.

Instructions

MAF Sensor Test

    1

    Park the vehicle on a flat surface. Turn off both the ignition and the vehicles engine. In many vehicles, turning the key in the ignition once will power the vehicles battery. This allows the user to control electrically-powered devices such as the radio. Turning the key further will power the engine to start the vehicle. In this case, turn the ignition and the engine off. Disconnect and remove the electrical connector on the MAF sensor.

    2

    Connect the ohmmeters positive probe on the MAF sensor terminal that is marked as "SIG".

    3

    Join the negative probe on the ohmmeter to the "GND" terminal on the MAF sensor.

    4

    Record the reading from the ohmmeter. If the reading indicates an infinite resistance or open circuit, the hot wire element of the MAF sensor is damaged.

Power Supply Test

    5

    Park the vehicle and turn on the vehicles ignition. Do not start the vehicles engine but ensure that the ignition is on.

    6

    Open the vehicles hood. Determine the location of the MAF sensor and its electrical connector. Generally the sensor is located on the intake duct on the air filter housing in the front portion of the engine.

    7

    Disconnect the MAF sensors electrical connectors. Join the voltmeters negative probe to the sensors GND terminal and the positive probe to the terminal indicated as "B+".

    8

    Record the voltage on the sensor. A voltage reading of zero indicates the MAF sensor may not be receiving any or enough electrical input from the vehicles on-board computer, which means the MAF sensor is not functioning properly. There should generally be a steady fluctuation in the voltage if the MAF sensor is functional.

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Thursday, February 13, 2014

Does Air Pressure Have to Build Up in a Car Transmission for It to Work Properly

Does Air Pressure Have to Build Up in a Car Transmission for It to Work Properly?

Complex machinery, like a cars transmission, requires periodic maintenance to ensure a long lifespan. Allowing air pressure into the transmission assembly can harm the transmission, rather than help.

Function

    A typical transmission moves power from the cars engine, through its gear assemblies and out to the wheels to propel the vehicle forward. Transmission fluid flows throughout the assembly to provide pressurized cooling, lubrication and control gear shifting.

Considerations

    Air pressure seeping into the transmission, such as from a leak, causes the transmission fluid within the hydraulic system to lose pressure. As a result, the clutch disc begins to slip, causing the vehicle to change gears roughly or not at all.

Prevention/Solution

    To prevent air pressure from infiltrating the transmission, make sure all seals for the transmission filter and pan are free from cracks or twists. Verify that all bolts holding the filter and pan are torqued evenly so the seals can meet effectively.

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Saturday, February 1, 2014

Problems with Car Air Conditioning

Problems with Car Air Conditioning

A cars air conditioner that isnt working properly, or isnt working at all, may be caused by a variety of problems, ranging from broken buttons on the console to loose hoses. Although most air conditioning problems need to be fixed by a mechanic, having an idea about what is going on under the hood will help you know what to expect and what questions to ask.

Broken Controls

    When you notice a problem with your air conditioning, check the dashboard controls before anything else. Poor air conditioning may simply indicate a broken knob, button or digital display, according to the Auto Media website. See if any of buttons or dials look damaged before you assume that the air conditioning unit itself is experiencing problems.

No Cool Air

    Air conditioning units that fail to produce cold air may be lacking rigerant. While it is natural for cars to lose some coolant over time, any significant loss is likely to affect the temperature of the air coming out of the vents. Refilling the coolant is a simple procedure, but a mechanic should test the system for any leaks to prevent the problem from occurring again. Water or oil spots beneath the car may indicate a rigerant leak.

    A lack of cool air may also indicate a loose or broken belt, clogged valve or faulty air compressor. Since specialized equipment is often needed to diagnose these problems, they are best handled by a mechanic. If no air is coming out at all, it may be that the blower fan is malfunctioning.

Unpredictable Air

    If the air coming from the cars vent is not as cool as usual, or if the cool air is unpredictable, it may be due to ice that has formed in the air conditioning units tubing, according to the Edmunds website. In order to resolve this problem, the system must be vacuumed in order to remove any unwanted moisture. The line may also be blocked by other contaminants. Other causes of partial cooling include a loose drive belt or defective clutch.

Noise

    Loose or shaky hoses may cause the air conditioning system to run louder than usual. Unfortunately, noise may also indicate that the compressor itself is going bad. High pressure or contaminated rigerant are other causes of this problem.

Odor

    Occasionally, the air coming from your cars vents may have an unpleasant odor. This is almost always caused by bacteria growing in the air conditioning system, reports the AA1 Car website. Even if you can tolerate the smell, the microbes in the air create a health hazard. Solve this problem by having a mechanic spray the system with a chemical solution.

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Friday, December 6, 2013

How to Reset the Air Bag Light on a 1993 Toyota Corolla

How to Reset the Air Bag Light on a 1993 Toyota Corolla

A 1993 Toyota Corolla comes equipped with an OBD, or On-Board Diagnostics, computer system that reads and stores trouble codes sent to it from sensors placed throughout the vehicle. The sensors keep track of all of the vehicles mechanical systems. When the air bag (or SRS -- Supplemental Restraint System) light illuminates on your dashboard, you need to have the vehicle checked right away to prevent a malfunctioning air bag. Once you have completed the repairs, reset the air bag light right away, so the computer will continue to monitor the air bag system properly.

Instructions

    1

    Find the fuse panel cover on the dashboard between the steering column and the drivers door. Pull down on the panel cover with your fingers to open it. It may take a good tug to release the retaining clip.

    2

    Locate a yellow connector inside the fuse panel and remove it from the panel.

    3

    Unfold a paperclip and attach each end if it to each of the terminals on the connector. This will short the light out.

    4

    Put the connector back in the fuse panel and replace the cover.

    5

    Put the key into the ignition and start the engine. Verify that the air bag light has turned off.

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Sunday, November 24, 2013

How to Get Air Out of a Hydraulic System

How to Get Air Out of a Hydraulic System

Air causes the pressure in a hydraulic system to drop. This causes a variety of problems, depending on the type of hydraulic system. When air enters a vehicle brake system, you will need to apply more pressure to the brake pedal to stop the vehicle. In contrast, a hydraulic jack will not lift any weight when air displaces fluid in the hydraulic cylinder. Bleeding the system removes air from the system and allows the system to function properly.

Instructions

    1

    Fill the fluid reservoir to the full line with hydraulic fluid. Remove the fill screw if you are removing air from a hydraulic jack to add fluid directly to the hydraulic cylinder.

    2

    Pressurize the hydraulic system by extending the hydraulic cylinder. For example, press and hold the brake pedal of a vehicle if removing air from a brake system.

    3

    Open the bleeder valve located near the hydraulic cylinder with an adjustable wrench. Close the bleeder valve when no air flows from the valve. Repeat the procedure three to four times to remove all air from the system.

    4

    Fill the hydraulic system with hydraulic fluid after removing all air from the system. Install the fill screw if you removed it to fill the hydraulic system.

    5

    Test the system to ensure proper operation. Repeat the bleeder process if the system does not function correctly.

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Friday, October 25, 2013

How to Check the Oil on a Craftsman Air Compressor

How to Check the Oil on a Craftsman Air Compressor

If you own a home and like to do your own maintenance or are fond of projects, youre sure to realize the many benefits of owning an air compressor. You can attach air compressors to nail guns, sand blasters, caulk guns, spray guns and even air ratchets. The power provided by an air compressor increases your work productivity and efficiency while decreasing the time required on a project. Check the oil levels on your Craftsman air compressor prior to each use.

Instructions

    1

    Turn your air compressor off. Unplug the machine from the power supply unit and allow it to cool down, if necessary.

    2

    Locate the crankcase on your air compressor and identify the oil tank.

    3

    Remove the oil fill plug (sometimes referred to as the dipstick) from the oil fill hole. The oil should be leveled with the oil fill hole. If the oil is 3/8-inch or more below the fill hole, add oil to the tank.

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