Front Axle Replacement Parts The front axle is a vital component to both vehicle reliability and safety. On front wheel drive vehicles the front axle not only serves as the method of control for the front wheels but is also integrated into the transmission to provide the driving force to the wheels. For these vehicles the front axle serves these two distinct purposes simultaneously. The transmission powers the wheels through the front axle and steering wheel input is also transmitted through the axle to the wheels for directional control. On a rear wheel drive vehicle the front axle serves a much simpler purpose, providing only directional control from steering wheel input. There are a variety of reasons why a front axle would fail. Many times this is simply related to the age of the vehicle. Just as any other mechanical part has a given life span, front axles also tend to fail after a given period of time. While they are typically made of rugged construction they are most likely to fail near joints or in places where they join up with other parts such as the transmission. In addition, the way the vehicle has been operated may also have something to do with the lifespan of the front axle. Vehicles that have spent the majority of their time on well paved roads and have been driven carefully are not likely to experience the same problems regarding the front axle as vehicles which have been operated on rough country roads or that have been aggressively driven. Therefore, vehicles that are operated on ranches or in other situations where a four wheel drive vehicle is necessary are more likely to experience problems with the front axle […]
Used Drive Shaft Parts
Used Drive Shaft Parts The drive shaft is an essential part of your rear wheel drive vehicle. As part of the vehicle’s drive train, the drive shaft is responsible for transferring power through the engine and transmission to the rear wheels and allowing the vehicle to move. The drive shaft is connected at one end to the transmission and at the other end to the rear axle assembly. After the vehicle is started and put into gear, as the gas pedal is pushed down the drive shaft turns. A set of gears within the transmission then turns the drive shaft and the drive shaft then turns an additional set of gears located in the rear axle assembly of the vehicle. When these gears are turned bearings which are attached to the rear wheels allow the wheels to turn and the vehicle is able to roll. The more the gas pedal is pushed down the more speed these gears turn with, thus allowing the vehicle to roll faster. Therefore, it is essential that the drive shaft is in good condition in order for the vehicle to perform well. Many different vehicles operate using a drive shaft. If your vehicle is rear wheel drive or all wheel drive then a drive shaft is responsible for powering your vehicle. As with any other moving part, things can sometimes go wrong with the drive shaft. Most of the time drive shaft issues center around the U- joints that connect the drive shaft at either end to the transmission and the rear axle assembly. These joints can sometimes wear out, especially after several years of use. When problems occur with the U- joints on the drive shaft the vehicle begins […]
Clutch Slave Cylinders
Clutch Slave Cylinders The clutch slave cylinder on your vehicle receives hydraulic pressure from the clutch master cylinder. The slave cylinder operates a rod or release bearing to operate the clutch on a manual transmission. Cylinders wear out over time and lose the ability to provide pressure. This reduces the performance of the clutch and makes shifting difficult. We can help you find the slave cylinder you need. Enter your part information into the box at the top of the page to search our national parts database. When you press on your clutch pedal, the master cylinder converts the mechanical power to hydraulic power. The cylinder contains a piston that moves back and forth inside. The movement of the piston compresses the hydraulic liquid creating fluid pressure. This pressure is transferred through a metal tube or high-pressure hose to the slave cylinder. Problem symptoms of master and slave cylinders are similar. You may have to inspect both to determine which unit is not operating correctly. Normally you can tell this by a hydraulic fluid leak. Slave cylinders come in two styles. One type will be mounted on the outside of the transmission and held in place with two bolts. A rod will extend from this cylinder when the clutch pedal is depressed. The rod will contact the clutch fork and activate the pressure plate. With an internal slave cylinder, the cylinder and release bearing are one piece and no fork is used. When you work on a clutch cylinder, make sure to cap off attached hydraulic lines. This will reduce the loss of fluid and prevent debris from getting into the hydraulic system. Always inspect the hydraulic lines to ensure they are in good condition. […]
