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Back in 2004, in response to growing demand from automotive enthusiasts around the world, RockAuto began accepting electronic funds transfer payments. These payments are appealing to customers who want to use their local, non-US$ currency without additional conversion fees or who do not have a debit/credit card available. Electronic funds transfer payment options are available to just about anyone (through most banks or third-party providers like Wise). Over the years, we have refined these options based on customer feedback and are pleased to announce our biggest improvements to date for 2024! Customers who pay with € SEPA Transfer, £ Bank Transfer, or Wire Transfer (US$) will receive clearer, simpler payment instructions and experience a reduced delay between payment and shipping.  We have also added new payment options in Australia, New Zealand, and Hungary. Customers in these countries can now pay via bank transfer in their local currencies (AU$, NZ$, HUF). | |
Stop waiting for online orders! RockAuto parts ship in a few hours, 24 hours a day... |
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 I was installing a new exhaust manifold on my 1998 Dodge Ram 3500 Dually with a 5.9 liter 12-valve diesel engine so that I could monitor the exhaust temperature with a new set of gauges. I needed to remove the oil filter and filter housing to make more room to remove and reinstall the turbocharger, oil drain line and the intake itself. Delays spread the project over several weekends, but I meticulously completed the reassembly without any serious problems. I cranked the engine and monitored the new gauges (exhaust temperature, transmission temperature and turbocharger boost pressure) that I had installed below the radio, but I was immediately distracted by the dashboard warning lights and complete lack of oil pressure showing on the factory gauge. I had seen low pressure a time or two before but never zero! I let the engine idle for a minute or so while I pondered the readings. I got out of the truck to examine the still running engine. I was shocked to find a huge puddle of oil on the ground below where the oil filter should have been! Obviously, I had forgotten to check that one "minor" detail. I refilled the engine with oil, cleaned the driveway and cranked the engine. All good and it continues to run great after several years and another 60,000 miles. I hope someone can learn from my mistake. Gary in Alabama Share Your Story |
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 Newer heavier duty pickups, vans, SUVs and 4X4s often have not made the switch to rack and pinion steering. Their traditional steering gear designs often include a steering damper (steering stabilizer) to mute unwanted jarring when a front wheel hits an obstacle like a deep pothole. Some older cars have steering dampers as well. A steering damper can help make a light vehicle's steering less skittish (VW Beetle) and a luxury vehicle's steering more isolated (Mercedes-Benz sedans). A steering damper typically looks like a shock absorber mounted horizontally. One end is usually bolted to the steering linkage and the other end to some solid point on the chassis. An aftermarket steering damper that has been added to a vehicle's steering system may be attached with U-bolts instead of original equipment (OE) brackets. Unlike shock absorbers, steering dampers typically resist compression and expansion equally. Compression of the damper resists sudden movements caused by one wheel and expansion of the damper resists sudden movements by the wheel on the other side. Some steering damper systems further maximize and equalize left/right damping by using two hydraulic damper cylinders.  Various Steering Dampers Similar to shock absorbers, worn out steering dampers may leak hydraulic fluid, make noise and/or be easy to compress/expand by hand. Most OE steering dampers are integral parts of the steering system's design rather than just an optional accessory. A failing steering damper may make the steering feel loose at low speeds or jittery at higher speeds. The steering wheel may seem to jerk excessively on even mildly rough roads or trails. Excessive jarring the driver feels through the steering wheel because of a worn out steering damper may also increase the wear and tear on other parts. If a new steering damper does not do enough to improve steering feel then the vehicle may also need new steering (tie rod ends, pitman arm, bushings...) or suspension (ball joint, control arm...) parts. Replacing a steering damper is often a straightforward job for a DIYer with satisfying results. A puller tool or pickle fork may help extract a stuck steering damper mounting bolt. See the replacement OE-design Steering Dampers and aftermarket Steering Damper kits available for your specific vehicle under "Steering" in the RockAuto.com catalog. Under the "Tools & Universal Parts" tab and then "Steering" category, RockAuto also has some universal Monroe steering damper cylinders that might be able to replace an aftermarket steering damper that was installed on your vehicle. 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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This is my 1964 Chrysler New Yorker that I bought two years ago and have been slowly reviving. It’s an all original, 413 V8 powered, 35,000 mile, three owner car that absolutely drives like a dream. I wouldn't hesitate to drive my old New Yorker anywhere! I have presented it at a few local car shows, and it gets a tremendous amount of looks wherever I go. It’s a blast. Parts that I have used to revive this car include brake shoes, hardware and drums, belts, water pump, gaskets, hoses, lights, tune-up parts, shock absorbers, transmission cooler, and parking brake cables. RockAuto has been instrumental in getting this car up to snuff! Chris in New York |
Share Your Hard Work And Stories | |
 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! | |