Electric power steering has become the norm in today's vehicles, with over 95% of new cars equipped with electric rack and pinion systems versus hydraulic versions. But while these modern electric racks offer improvements in fuel efficiency and responsiveness, they also come with a major downside - they cannot be easily rebuilt or serviced at home. Unlike hydraulic racks, electric racks utilize an internal rubber drive belt, similar to a timing belt in an engine. This belt connects the electric power steering motor to the rack's gearing. Over time, this belt wears out and breaks. When this happens, the electric assist shuts down and steering reverts to manual mode - making the vehicle extremely difficult to turn. Edelmann now offers a true game-changer for the DIYer - an Electronic Rack and Pinion Belt Kit. This revolutionary repair solution lets you fix the most common failure point - a worn drive belt - without needing to replace the entire rack. Edelmann Rack & Pinion Belt Kits can be installed with common hand tools and do not require any programming or alignment after the repair.  Find the Electronic Rack and Pinion Belt Repair Kits in the "Steering" category of the RockAuto catalog. New kits are being added quickly so check back often for more applications. | |
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 I got my first car when I was 16 and decided soon after that I ought to know how to do some basic automotive maintenance. My parents didn't own a single tool, so I bought a socket set and started wrenching away. After a while my dad took notice and asked me to take a look at his brakes. I decided it just needed front brake pads. So I picked some pads and proceed to replace them. As I am finishing the assembly, I notice a small packet of grease in the box. I've done this a couple times now and haven't used grease during the process. Wanting to be extra thorough, as this was my dad's car, I applied the grease to all the moving parts. During the test drive the car barely stopped no matter how hard I pushed on the brake pedal. I carefully drove back home, but I didn't find anything wrong after inspecting my work. I decided the pads just need a little extra "breaking in" time. After slowly driving around for quite a while, the brakes gradually start getting more responsive. I eventually gave dad the keys and told him "It's good to go." Some time after, that I learned that the grease is for the back of the brake pad, not the friction side, and the light bulb came on as to why his car would not initially stop after I replaced the pads. I never told him about the botched brake job, but in all honesty I am not quite sure he'd understand even if I told him today. Sorry dad! Neal in California Share Your Story |
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 Understanding projector headlamps is easier when the headlamp assembly is separated from the headlamp bulb. A projector headlamp assembly design includes at least one distinctive looking projector lens that focuses light similar to a magnifying glass. The light source behind the projector lens could be a halogen bulb, high intensity discharge (HID) bulb or an array of LEDs. (Conventional sealed-beam headlight bulbs and other reflector headlamps have the filament or light bulb in front of a reflective, mirrored surface while projector headlamps put the light source behind the projector lens.) More and more new vehicles have come with projector headlamps as original equipment (OE). Sometimes the base-level vehicle came with old-school reflector headlamps and projector headlamps were an optional upgrade. If the projector headlamp (or reflector headlamp) assembly is illuminated by a light bulb or bulbs then replacement halogen or HID headlamp bulbs will be found for that vehicle under "Electrical-Bulb & Socket" in the RockAuto.com catalog.  2013-2018 RAM Reflector & Projector Headlamps If the light source for the headlight in the projector headlamp is LEDs, then there will not be a replacement bulb listed under "Electrical-Bulb & Socket." Long lasting LEDs are typically built into the headlamp assembly to meet government regulations intended to optimize light output for both the driver and the drivers of oncoming vehicles. The entire headlamp assembly and its LEDs are typically replaced as one unit. Sometimes OE projector headlamp assemblies use a mixture of halogen bulbs and LEDs for low beams, high beams, parking lamps and daytime running lights. Some headlamp assemblies use a mixture of projector lenses and reflective surfaces for the different bulbs/light sources. Changing between OE reflector headlamps and OE projector headlamps is frequently not as simple as unplugging one design and plugging in the other. The different OE headlamps often have different electrical connectors and wiring harnesses. They both may use halogen bulbs but they could be different halogen bulbs. HID bulbs have a HID ballast and other electronics that are separate from the headlamp assemblies. The shape of the headlamps and the surrounding bodywork could differ as well. Reflector or projector, fresh unblemished headlamp assemblies will always improve a vehicle's looks and headlight visibility. A vehicle's appearance can often be easily modified further by switching between OE finishes (chrome, black...) and/or switching to different halogen headlamp bulbs (extra bright, Xenon look, etc.). Tom Taylor, To read more of Tom's articles, click this link and choose from story titles on the Newsletter Archives page. |
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I spent about eight years looking for an older Pontiac Grand Prix like this. I had one many years ago and just loved it. When I came across this low mileage, one owner example, I snatched it up as soon as I could. The original owner took great care of the Grand Prix, and for the most part it was ready to drive. But, after a few parts (hydraulic lines, tie rod ends, fuel pump and engine gaskets) from RockAuto, I had the confidence that she was ready to hit the road again. I just love taking it out when the weather allows. At almost 50 years old, my old Pontiac is a pleasure to drive, and she still turns a few heads. Ron in Ohio |
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 Your Hard Work Do you purchase parts from RockAuto? If so, RockAuto would like to give you the opportunity to have your car or truck possibly featured in one (or occasionally more) of our publications such as the monthly newsletter, collector magnets or other commercial use. New, old, import, domestic, daily driver, trailer queen, classic, antique, we want to see them all! For submission instructions and tips for taking pictures of your car, please visit our Photography Tips & Submission Info page. Your Most Infamous Auto Repair Blunder Use your woe to help others avoid similar mistakes. Please email your story to marketing@rockauto.com. Include your mailing address and if you would like a RockAuto Hat if we publish your story. See the Hats under Tools & Universal Parts in the RockAuto catalog. The story will be credited using only your first name and your vague geographic location (state, province, country, continent, etc.) so you can remain semi-anonymous! | |