Repair And Fix it

The Honda Prelude is a sports coupe that Honda manufactured from 1978 to 2001. The 1998 model is available with several types four-cylinder, 2.2-liter engines, which have a single or double overhead camshaft. These engines use a timing belt to keep the rotation of the crankshaft and camshaft synchronized. The timing belt has a limited lifetime and its repair consists of replacing the timing belt at periodic intervals.

Instructions

1

Disconnect the cable from the negative battery terminal with a socket wrench. Turn the crankshaft clockwise to move the No. 1 cylinder to its top dead center position. Remove the covers for the valves and timing belt.

2

Fasten a bolt for the timing belt cover to the adjuster arm of the timing belt tensioner with a socket wrench. This will hold the adjuster arm in place temporarily. Loosen the adjuster nut for the timing belt by one turn and push the tensioner for the balancer belt away from the belt to reduce the tension on the belt.

3

Hold the tensioner for the balancer in place and tighten its adjusting nut with a socket wrench. Remove the balancer belt from its pulleys and detach the sprocket for the balancer belt from the crankshaft.

4

Loosen the lock bolt and adjusting nut on the timing belt tensioner with a socket wrench and push the tensioner to relieve the timing belt tension. Tighten the adjuster nut to hold the belt tensioner in place and remove the timing belt from the camshaft pulley.

5

Turn the crankshaft clockwise to align its timing pointer with the timing mark on the flywheel. Turn the camshaft pulley clockwise until the word "UP" is on top of the pulley.

6

Install the timing belt onto its pulleys and belt tensioner. Loosen the locking bolt on the timing belt tensioner with a socket wrench. Loosen the adjusting nut for the timing belt, then tighten it. Turn the crankshaft clockwise to move the timing belt forward by three teeth to place tension on the timing belt.

7

Loosen the adjusting nut for the timing belt with a torque wrench, then tighten it to 33 foot-pounds. Tighten the locking bolt for the timing belt tensioner and turn the crankshaft clockwise to align the timing marks. Place the sprocket for the balancer belt on the crankshaft and turn the pulley for the balancer belt so that its timing mark aligns with the notch on the oil pump.

8

Install the balancer belt onto its pulleys, ensuring that its timing marks remain aligned. Loosen the adjusting nut for the balancer belt tensioner slowly to place tension on the balancer belt.

9

Turn the crankshaft clockwise one turn to align the timing marks on the timing belt and tighten the adjusting nut to 33 foot-pounds with a torque wrench. Remove the bolt that is holding the timing belt tensioner in place. Install the covers for the timing belt and valves. Connect the cable for the negative battery terminal with a socket wrench.

Suzuki markets the Suzuki Cultus under a variety of names, including the Chevrolet Metro, Geo Metro and Suzuki Swift. The engine for the 1998 Chevy Metro is a four-cylinder 1.3-liter engine with multiport fuel injection. This type of fuel injection requires the fuel pump to deliver fuel under high pressure. The fuel pump for the 1998 Chevy Metro is in the fuel tank, so you must remove the fuel tank when you replace the fuel pump.

Instructions

1

Open the cap for the fuel tank, and remove the control relay in the fuse box. Start the engine, and allow it to stall. Crank the engine for a few seconds to ensure no fuel remains in the fuel system. Disconnect the cable on the negative terminal of the battery with a socket wrench to ensure you dont accidentally start the engine.

2

Remove the rear seat cushion, and disconnect the electrical wiring for the fuel gauge in the bottom of the rear seat. Raise and support the vehicle on jack stands. Disconnect the fuel line from the fuel filter, and connect the open end of the fuel line to a hose. Siphon the fuel from the fuel tank into a gasoline container.

3

Disconnect the hoses for the fuel pipes on the fuel tank. Detach the fuel filler hose and breather hose from the fuel tank. Support the fuel tank with jack stands, and disconnect the mounting bolts for the fuel tank with a socket wrench. Lower the fuel tank from the vehicle.

4

Release the clamps for the fuel hoses to the fuel pump assembly. Remove the mounting screws for the fuel pump assembly with a socket wrench, and detach the electrical connector for the fuel pump. Lift the fuel pump assembly and gasket from the fuel tank.

5

Install the new fuel pump by reversing steps 1 through 4. Fill the fuel tank, and turn on the ignition to pressurize the fuel system. Start the engine, and check for fuel leaks.

The firewall in a 1998 Toyota Tercel is designed to protect the passengers from an engine fire. When you are building your own car stereo system for your Toyota Tercel, the firewall has small plugs that can be punctured to run wires through. In order to find these small plugs, you have to locate them on the firewall.

Instructions

1

Pop the Tercels hood by pressing the hood button inside the car.

2

Look inside the cars hood. Look for the large firewall, a large rectangle with rounded corners, behind the engine and just before the Tercels cab.

3

Find the rubber plug jetting out off the right side of the firewall. There will be only one plug coming out of the right side of the firewall. This is the firewall plug.

The Chevrolet C/K series is a family of full-size pickup trucks that General Motors has manufactured since 1960. The Silverado was the top trim level for the 1998 C/K trucks, and General Motors upgraded it to a separate model beginning with the 1999 model-year. The 1998 Silverado comes standard with an anti-lock braking system (ABS), which allows the vehicle to stop more effectively under emergency conditions. The Electro-Hydraulic Control Unit (EHCU) controls the amount of braking force to apply to each wheel.

Instructions

1

Locate the EHCU in the engine compartment on the left side of the engine. It is the black box with four brake lines running to it.

2

Detach the connectors for the electrical wiring from the EHCU. Disconnect the fittings for the brake lines with a socket wrench and detach the brake lines from the EHCU.

3

Disconnect the mounting bolts for the EHCU bracket with a socket wrench and remove the bracket from the vehicle. Remove the mounting bolts from the EHCU and detach the EHCU from its bracket.

4

Install the new EHCU onto its bracket and tighten the mounting bolts to 5 foot-pounds with a torque wrench. Connect the EHCU bracket to the vehicle and tighten the mounting bolts for the bracket to 33 foot-pounds.

5

Connect the brake lines to their original positions on the EHCU and tighten the fittings to 16 foot-pounds with a torque wrench. Attach the electrical connectors for the EHCU, ensuring the connections are secure.

6

Connect a TECH-1 scanning tool to the vehicles data link connector. Bleed the EHCU valve with three J-39177 tools and correct any ABS errors reported by the scanning tool. A professional mechanic would normally perform this step.

The Toyota Camry, one of the most popular mid-size cars in the United States, boasts many safety features, and a range of options to fit almost any budget. The Camry is also well known among mechanics as an easily repairable car, making it that much more desirable. The 1998 Camry is no exception. Known for comfort and safety, this car needs little in the way of maintenance, and repairs tend to fall toward the inexpensive. With a set of mechanics tools and the right Chiltons manual, you can make many of these repairs yourself.

Instructions

Fixing a 1998 Toyota Camry

1

Gather information about 1998 Toyota Camrys. Read customer reviews and mechanic websites. Learn about the common problems and maintenance issues specific to a 1998 Camry. Gather maintenance schedules and information about tire sizes, oil types and other fluids that are specifically compatible with a 1998 Camry.

2

Inspect the car yourself. Test drive the car and listen for any strange sounds. Make note of any pulling or other motion-related disparities in the movement of the car. If possible, pop the hood and get underneath the car. Check for leaking fluids or broken parts.

3

Research any problem you notice. With the information you gathered from the inspection, look through your Chiltons manual, which describes how to fix any mechanical problem you may encounter with your car.

4

Consult with a mechanic, or begin the repair yourself, depending on the nature of the repair needed for the car. If you need to seek professional assistance, contact a mechanic that specializes in foreign cars, or better yet, one that specializes in Toyotas. If you are mechanically inclined or are facing a simple repair, you may choose to fix the vehicle yourself. Make sure you observe safety standards if you need to raise the car on jack stands, and use gloves to protect your hands. You can purchase parts for your Camry at most automotive stores or online. Keep your Chiltons manual close by for reference.

Crankshaft pulley bolts are among the toughest bolts to break loose on vehicles, simply because they are constantly rotating, subjected to high heat and require a high torque value to stay tight. In order to prevent the pulley from turning while loosening the bolt, youll need a crankshaft pulley holding tool. This tool bolts to the inside of the crankshaft pulley using the holes cast into the steel pulley spokes. You can rent or purchase this tool from most auto parts stores.

Instructions

1

Alight the holes in the crankshaft pulley holding tool with the screw holes on the inside of the crank pulley.

2

Install the bolts that came with the crankshaft pulley holding tool with a ratchet and metric socket. Snug the bolts tight so the tool is firmly secured to the pulley.

3

Place a metric deep-well socket on a T-handle breaker bar, then slide a small diameter steel pipe over the breaker bar; the pipe will give you the increased leverage you need to break the crank pulley bolt loose.

4

Grab the crankshaft pulley holding tool in one hand, then grab the breaker bar and pipe in the other. Hold the pulley still with one hand while you break the bolt loose with the other. If the bolt is extremely tight, you may need an assistant to hold the pulley still while you focus on breaking the bolt loose.

The 1998 Pontiac Grand Prix GTP was a sub-version of the standard Grand Prix. It featured a 3.8-liter engine with a Super Charger to upgrade the vehicle to a muscle car. Replacing the battery on one version of the 1998 Grand Prix is the same as on any other in the series. Tightly fit behind the passenger-side headlight, the battery is fairly heavy and requires a little finagling to remove it from its tray.

Instructions

1

Open the hood to the 1998 Pontiac Grand Prix GTP.

2

Put on the safety goggles and mechanics gloves.

3

Remove the four upper engine cross member retaining bolts that run from the passenger-side fender rail to the grille using a ratchet and a socket.

4

Place the extension on the ratchet and use a suitable socket to reach and remove the battery hold-down wedge bolt. Reach down between the battery and engine cradle to remove both the retaining bolt and hold-down wedge.

5

Remove the negative battery terminal bolt with an 8 mm box-end wrench by turning it counterclockwise (to the right since the terminal bolt is on the inside of the battery casing). All car batteries should be ungrounded by removing the negative battery terminal first to prevent sparks (which can result in igniting hydrogen gases the battery may be emitting, causing the battery to explode).

6

Remove the red cover (if applicable) from the positive battery side post terminal and then remove the terminal bolt with the box-end wrench (again turning it to the right).

7

Remove the battery from the battery tray. Some batteries may offer an upper handle to manage the battery better. If not, tip the battery slightly towards the back of the engine and grasp it from each side. Batteries that are not equipped with handles tend to offer small shelves in either side of the battery for grasping.

8

Install the new battery by reversing the procedure. Be sure to connect the red positive terminal bolt first and the black terminal bolt last to prevent sparking.

9

Replace and tighten the battery hold-down wedge and retaining bolt and then replace the cross-member and retaining bolts by reversing the removal procedures.

Repairing the backup lights on the rear of your 1998 Chevy Truck requires changing the bulbs. The backup lights provide clean, white light that allows you to see what is behind you when backing up the truck after dark. The lights also provide a way for other drivers to see you backing up. The bulb used in the backup lights of the Chevy is a 2057 and is available from parts retail stores.

Instructions

1

Open the tailgate of your Chevy and locate the two taillight retaining screws in the side of the bed where the tailgate would sit when closed. There is an upper and lower retaining screw on each taillight assembly.

2

Remove the retaining screws from the taillight assembly with a Phillips screwdriver. Pull the taillight assembly straight out of the body. Locate the electrical connector on the rear of the assembly, press the locking tab down, and disconnect it from the assembly.

3

Rotate the backup light bulb socket counterclockwise, and pull it out of the assembly. Pull the bulb straight out of the socket, and replace it with a new 2057 bulb. Slide the bulb socket into the rear of the assembly. Turn it clockwise to lock it in place.

4

Connect the electrical harness connector to the taillight assembly. Slide the assembly into the body opening. Install the two retaining screws through the body and into the taillight. Tighten the screws with a Phillips screwdriver.

5

Move to the opposite side of the truck and repeat the process if required. Close the tailgate.

If you are having problems with your GMC pickup truck, there are two components that need to be checked. The battery on the truck is what fires the electrical current to start the motor. If your battery is dead or corrosion has formed on the battery terminals, your truck will not be able to start. The GMC truck relies on gasoline to run so gas has to be in the fuel tank in order to start the vehicle.

Instructions

1

Pop the hood to your GMC truck and locate the battery to the right of the engine.

2

Look the terminals over for any corrosion. Loosen the terminals with a socket wrench and pull them off of the battery.

3

Use soda and a wire brush to clean the corrosion off of the battery terminals.

4

Reattach the terminals to the batter and try to start the truck.

5

Use jumper cables and another car to jump-start the truck.

6

Leave the truck running for about 5 minutes and then turn it off. Try to restart the truck. If the truck does not restart, replace the battery.

7

Fill the gas tank up with 1 gallon of gas. Try to start the truck. If the truck starts, have a mechanic repair the gas gauge.

The 1998 model of the Mitsubishi Galant ranks high on MSN Autos reliability rating scale. However, since inception, two recalls were reported concerning suspension system ball joint protection failure and after-market fuel pump leaks. Galant owners can now benefit from a few maintenance tips drawn from 13 years of consumer complaints cataloged about their car.

Lower Lateral Arm Ball Joints

Rusty ball joints can disconnect and cause road accidents. Take your 1998 Mitsubishi Galant to a local dealership. Ask the service department to look for wear on the lower lateral arm ball joint. Damaged rubber boots on this suspension system component can cause dirt and water to seep into joints. Mitsubishi dealerships will be able to identify the original lower lateral arm ball joints placed at assembly. Due to a recall of this part issued December 18, 2000, the dealership will replace the worn factory part with a new lower lateral arm ball joint that is designed differently to prevent the intrusion of corrosive materials. If your lower lateral arm ball joint is not worn, the dealership will still place a protective sealant on it free of charge.

After-Market Fuel Pumps

Review your 1998 Mitsubishi Galants work orders. Look for the installation of an Airtex fuel pump. Even if you did not replace your fuel pump, if you are not the original car owner, take your Galant to a local dealership. Ask the service department to check if the fuel pump module assembly is made by Airtex. This check could prevent a possible fuel fire. On July 26, 2007, model number P/N E7081H of the Airtex fuel pump module assembly was recalled because its wall is not thick enough to prevent a fuel leak, which can result in a fire if ignited. There were 222 1998 Mitsubishi Galants fitted with this aftermarket part. If this model of fuel pump is detected, the dealership will replace this part at no cost to you.

Master Cylinder Change

Replace brake fluid after changing the master cylinder. The best way to do this is to fill the brake fluid reservoir and then disconnect the brake lines from the master cylinder. Have someone else press down on the brake pedal while you hold your fingers over the outlet port. The other person should then release the brake pedal. These steps should be repeated until the brake fluid reservoir is filled to capacity.

Driveshaft Installation

It is easy to damage the 1998 Mitsubishi Galant driveshaft when installing or removing it. To prevent damage, do not hit the anti-lock braking system rotors against other driveshaft parts.

Like other years for the first generation of the Dodge Stratus, the 1998 Stratus is standard-equipped with a 2.0 L SOHC engine. If you have experienced persistent electrical problems and you have singled out the car battery as the cause, it is likely that an alternator replacement is in order. The replacement procedure for the alternator on this model is a fairly straightforward task that can be done quickly and easily at home.

Instructions

1

Disconnect the negative battery cable from its terminal post and slip the cables rubber grommet over the electrical post to prevent an accidental discharge.

2

Disconnect the electrical field circuit from the alternator, which is located toward the front of the vehicle and is turned by the drive belt. Disconnect the B+ terminal wire by prying off its terminal cover with a flat screwdriver and removing the wires retaining bolt.

3

Loosen the pivot bolts on the alternator until you can maneuver the alternator back and create slack in the belt. Remove the belt, then finish removing the alternator mounting bolts, making sure not to lose the spacer on the pivot bolt on the top. Slide the alternator forward and remove it from the vehicle.

4

Place the new alternator in position and mount it with the bolts, but leave the bolts loose. Reconnect the B+ terminal wire and tighten it in place with its retaining bolt, then reconnect the field circuit terminal. Install the drive belt and properly tension it, then lock it into position by tightening the alternator mounting bolts.

5

Reconnect the negative battery terminal. Start the car and inspect for proper functioning of the electrical system.

The Dodge RAM series of full-size pickups includes several specific models. The procedure for replacing the fuel pump in a Dodge pickup truck is generally the same for all model years from 1997 to 2000. These vehicles use an electric fuel pump module that consists of the pump, fuel gauge sending unit and the fuel float. The fuel pump module is located on top of the fuel tank, so you must remove the fuel tank to replace the fuel pump module.

Instructions

1

Relieve the pressure in the fuel system, and remove the fuel from the fuel tank. Disconnect the fuel tank from the vehicle, and disconnect the fuel lines from the fuel pump.

2

Clean the surface of the fuel tank around the fuel pump module to prevent debris from falling into the tank when you remove the fuel pump module. Locate the alignment mark on the fuel pump module, and note its position for future reference. Two door models generally have the alignment mark on the fuel pump module at the 7 oclock position, and four door models generally have the alignment mark at 4 oclock position.

3

Apply a thin layer of lubricant to the fingers and finger locks of the fuel pump module if it is so equipped. Pry back the lock tab of the fuel pump module with a screwdriver if it is so equipped. Remove the locknut of the fuel pump module with a socket wrench. Remove and discard the old fuel pump module and gasket.

4

Clean the fuel filter, and install the new gasket. Install the new fuel pump so the alignment mark is in the position that you noted in step 2. Tighten the locknut until it locks into place if it has fingers and finger locks. Otherwise, tighten the locknut to 40 ft. lbs. with a torque wrench.

5

Connect the fuel lines to the fuel pump, and install the fuel tank. Fill the tank with fuel and pressurize the fuel system by turning the ignition on and off several times.

Most cars will eventually develop some sort of noise or fault that will require a diagnosis. The Ford Taurus may exhibit noisy steering, which may have a number of causes.

Power Steering

Your Taurus power steering pump could have become low on oil, which will cause it to make noise; check oil levels, and fill it if needed. You may also have a loose pulley, in which case you should correct and tighten it appropriately. Check the hoses for clogs, which can also cause noise; if none of the above solves the problem, your pump may be defective and need replacing.

Joints

If the steering tends to make noise only when you turn the wheels, you may notice a knocking noise, which may result from a bad universal joint. The universal joint is a sort of knuckle joint that attaches between the wheel and the axle. When the bearing has gone bad, or the rubber cover has worn out, you will hear the knocking noise when you turn the wheels to the far left or right.

Fluids

Power steering fluid plays an essential role in the smooth operation of the steering system. If the power steering fluid levels have become excessively low, top them off immediately and check them on a regular basis.

The sway bar links of a 1998 Dodge Caravan connect the front struts to the sway bar. The sway bar transmits torque across the minivan from one side to the other. When cornering, the weight of the Caravan shifts to the outside of the turn, compressing the strut more on one side than the other. The pressure is transmitted through the way bar links to the sway bar, placing pressure on the opposite strut. This reduces roll and stabilizes the 1998 Caravan. The sway bar links have ball and socket designs. Over time, the socket wears and a clunking noise emits from the sway bar link. Eventually, the stabilizer link will break if it is not replaced.

Instructions

1

Park the 1998 Dodge Caravan on a level flat surface and set the parking brake. Lift the front of the vehicle with an automotive floor jack. Place jack stands under both sides of the front of the vehicle under the subframe.

2

Remove the lug nuts using a lug nut socket and impact wrench. Remove the tires.

3

Remove the nuts attaching the sway bar link. The sway bar links attach with a stud and nut at both the front strut and the front sway bar. Place a wrench on the nut first. Use a small 8 mm wrench to prevent the stud from spinning while loosening the nut. Repeat for the second nut. Repeat for the opposite side.

4

Position the sway bar links. Install and tighten the nuts. Use the double wrench setup to prevent the stud from turning as you torque the nut.

5

Reinstall the tire. Install the lug nuts finger tight.

6

Raise the vehicle with the automotive floor jack. Remove the jack stands. Lower the vehicle.

7

Torque the lug nuts using the 1/2-inch lug nut socket and 1/2-inch drive torque wrench to 100 foot-lb. torque.

Chevrolet is one of General Motors most popular brands. The company manufactures 17 models of cars, trucks, crossovers, sport utility vehicles (SUVs) and vans. Some steering issues with 1998 models have been reported.

Complaints

Steering complaints regarding 1998 Chevrolets center on power steering features. When vehicles are turning, the steering wheel feels as though its stuck. Then the vehicle jerks violently in the direction of the turn. Some models have been recalled.

Recalls

The following 1998 Chevrolet models have been recalled to repair or replace steering components: Venture, Tahoe, Cavalier, Corvette, Monte Carlo, Lumina, Malibu and B7. If you own one of these vehicles, contact a local authorized dealership to make sure that the recall has been addressed. If buying used, ask for a vehicle history before purchasing to verify the repair has been made.

Considerations

Drivers of other models which have not be recalled still report issues with steering. One recommended fix is to unplug and then clean or replace the steering wheel position sensor. Another suggestion is to check levels of power steering fluid and look for leaks. If you feel the car is not safe to drive, it is best to contact an authorized dealership. Keep copies of all records and maintenance reports so future issues may be accurately addressed.