Monday, November 17, 2014
Jeep Cherokee Bumper Removal
Removing either the front or rear bumper on the Jeep Cherokee requires basic hand tools and a few minutes time. Even a novice home mechanic can complete the process in the driveway at home or in the garage. The bumpers are not heavy so you can do the job by yourself but a second set of hands is helpful to support the bumper as the last bolts come out. The mounts never changed over the entire production run of the Cherokee, so no matter what year Cherokee you own, the bumpers come off the same way.
Instructions
Front Bumper
- 1
Slide under the front of your Jeep and locate the mounts where the bumper and frame rails meet. There are two side plates, one on the each side of the frame, with three bolts securing them to the frame.
2Loosen the three bolts on both sides of the Jeep with a socket and ratchet. Remove two on each side but leave one in place so the bumper does not fall.
3Remove the last two bolts, while supporting the bumper. Pull the bumper straight off the front off the Jeep. On older models, there may be a vacuum line attached to a ball on the inside of the bumper. Pull the line off when you remove the bumper.
Rear Bumper
- 4
Open the lift gate on the rear of your Jeep Cherokee then slide under the rear bumper of the Jeep. Locate the bumper mounts on the body of the Jeep; there are four bolts on each mounts that thread into the body.
5Remove three of the four bolts from each mount using a socket and ratchet. Leave one bolt on each mount to keep the bumper from falling on you.
6Remove the final bolt on one side with a socket and ratchet while supporting the bumper. Slide to the opposite mount and remove the final bolt there as well.
7Pull the bumper straight off the rear of the Jeep. Set the bumper aside and close the rear lift gate.
Thursday, March 20, 2014
How to Change a Jeep Wrangler Exhaust
The exhaust system on your Jeep Wrangler can be replaced to increase the power, fuel economy and performance of your vehicle. Stock exhaust systems do not allow the air to flow from the engine as efficiently as some aftermarket products, creating high exhaust temperatures and decreasing the vehicles power and fuel economy. Replacement exhaust kits may be purchased on-line or at your local auto parts store and installing the new exhaust requires only a ratchet and socket set.
Instructions
Original Exhaust Removal
- 1
Loosen and remove the clamps that connect the muffler to the exhaust tailpipe with a ratchet and socket.
2Lubricate the rubber isolators at the frame by spraying them with lubricating fluid.
3Remove the hangers on the muffler from the rubber isolators on the frame of the vehicle by pulling the hangers out of the rubber isolators. Lower the muffler to the ground.
Replacement Exhaust Installation
- 4
Place an exhaust clamp at the rear output pipe of the muffler.
5Lift the muffler into position and insert the output pipe into the stock pipe. Push the hangers on the muffler into the rubber isolators on the frame. Tighten the clamp with a ratchet and socket.
6Place an exhaust clamp on the output pipe of the muffler. Attach the tailpipe to the muffler and tighten the clamp with a ratchet and socket.
7Look underneath the vehicle and confirm that no wires are touching the exhaust system.
8Start the vehicle and check for leaks.
Sunday, February 23, 2014
How to Replace Jeep Grand Cherokee Shocks
Shocks should be replaced on your Jeep Grand Cherokee every 75,000 miles to maintain a high quality ride. Shocks mount from the frame of the vehicle to the axle and absorb any bumps from the road. Shocks work in parallel with springs to soften the ride and performance. Shocks are filled with nitrogen and are specific to each vehicle. Faulty shocks can lead to premature tire wear, rough ride and poor handling.
Instructions
Front Shock Replacement
- 1
Loosen the lug nuts of one of the front tires with a lug nut wrench. Place a jack under the axle of your Jeep and lift the vehicle enough to remove the tire. Remove the lug nuts and pull the tire from the axle.
2Open the hood and locate the upper shock bolts inside the engine compartment. These are on each side of the engine on the fender wells. Remove the nut with a 14 mm socket and a ratchet.
3Remove the nut from the bolt that secures the shock to the mounting bracket on the axle with a ratchet and socket. Pull the bolt from the bracket.
4Remove the shock from the vehicle.
5Place the new shock into position and install the lower mounting bolt through the bracket and into the shock absorber. Tighten the nut with the ratchet and socket. Install the upper nut that secures the upper shock to the vehicle inside the engine compartment with the ratchet and socket.
6Reinstall the tire and tighten the lug nuts with the lug nut wrench. Lower the vehicle to the ground with the jack.
7Repeat the process on the opposite side of the vehicle.
Rear Shock Replacement
- 8
Loosen the lug nuts on one of the rear tires with the lug nut wrench. Place the jack under the axle of your Jeep and lift the vehicle enough to remove the tire. Remove the lug nuts and pull the tire from the axle.
9Locate the two mounting bolts that secure the shock into position. There are two bolts, one on the top and one on the bottom. Remove these bolts with the ratchet and socket. Remove the shock from the vehicle.
10Place the new shock into position. Thread the mounting bolts through the bracket and into the shock. Tighten the bolts with the ratchet and socket.
11Replace the tire onto the hub of the axle. Tighten the lug nuts and lower the vehicle to the ground.
12Repeat this process on the opposite side of the vehicle.
Saturday, February 22, 2014
Removal of a 1989 Jeep Gas Tank
Removing the fuel tank from your 1989 Jeep for replacement of the tank, sender or other parts takes a few minutes and a little pre-planning. The tank should be as close to empty as possible to make removal safer and easier. The tank does not have a drain plug, so you will need to siphon the fuel from the tank into an approved storage container before you start or drive it until it is nearly empty. Replacement tanks, sending units and related parts are available at most major auto-parts stores.
Instructions
- 1
Remove the filler cap from the Jeep and set it aside. Position a jack under the Jeep and raise the rear off the ground, then place a set of jack stands under the rear axle to support the vehicle. Remove the jack for now.
2Disconnect the fuel filler hose and vent line from the drivers side of the tank, using a flat screwdriver to loosen the hose clamps. Pull the hoses off the tank fitting and let them hang to one side.
3Position a jack under the skid plate on the fuel tank, then remove the nuts around the edges of the skid plate, using a socket and ratchet. Lower the jack slowly, allowing the fuel tank and skid to drop down from the Jeep until you can reach the hoses and wiring harness connections on top of the tank.
4Disconnect the wiring harness connector from the fuel sending unit and set it aside. Remove the clamps from the hoses on top of the fuel tank with a flat screwdriver, then disconnect the hoses and set them aside.
5Lower the jack, dropping the fuel tank and skid plate out of the Jeep as a complete unit. Slide the tank out from under the truck so you can access any part of it required for the repair you are performing.
Monday, February 10, 2014
How to Replace the Exhaust on a Jeep Wrangler
You can replace the exhaust system on the Jeep Wrangler in pieces or completely from the engine to the rear of the Jeep. The system uses a header pipe, a catalytic converter, and a muffler and tailpipe assembly. In most cases the muffler and tailpipe assembly is the only section you will replace, unless you are adding a performance system. The entire system bolts together and hangs onto a few rubber hangers for ease of replacement.
Instructions
- 1
Jack up the Jeep and support all four corners by placing jack stands under the frame rails. Get the Jeep high enough to work comfortably under it while still allowing you to reach all the bolts.
2Remove the two rubber hangers that hold the tailpipe assembly behind the axle. They will just pull off the mounts on the frame with a little effort.
3Locate the flange where the muffler and tailpipe assembly joins the catalytic converter. Remove the two bolts, using a wrench or socket and ratchet, and separate the flange. Slide the muffler and tailpipe out from under the Jeep.
4Locate the flange at the front of the catalytic converter, and remove the three bolts in that flange using a wrench or socket and ratchet. Remove the converter from the Jeep by sliding it out of the rubber hanger to the left side of the converter.
5Locate the four studs on the base of the exhaust manifold where the head pipe attaches. Remove the four nuts using a deep socket and ratchet.
6Remove the head pipe by lowering it down from the Jeep. Install the new head pipe by sliding it up into position and installing the four nuts onto the studs. Do not tighten them completely yet.
7Install the new catalytic converter by first sliding the mounting rod into the rubber mount under the Jeep. Align the mounting flange with the one on the head pipe, and loosely install the three mounting bolts.
8Slide the new muffler and tailpipe assembly into position under the Jeep, and slide the two mounting rods into the rubber mounts on the frame rail. Align the mounting flange with the flange at the back of the catalytic converter, and install the two bolts that connect them.
9Start at the head pipe and tighten the bolts, working your way toward the back of the Jeep until all the bolts are tight. Check each location where the pipes join to be sure there are no exhaust leaks.
Tuesday, January 28, 2014
How to Replace the Exhaust Manifold Gasket on a 1988 Jeep Comanche
As the engine in your Jeep Comanche runs, hot exhaust gases are expelled from the combustion chamber into the exhaust manifold. The gases are kept in check by a series of exhaust gaskets, most notably the exhaust manifold gasket. If the exhaust manifold gasket is damaged or leaking, the engine will produce excessive noise, and the exhaust gases will escape into the engine compartment instead of exiting out the tailpipe as they should. Replacing the gasket is fairly straightforward, and you will need only a few tools to complete the job.
Instructions
- 1
Raise the hood of your Comanche and prop it open. Remove the negative cable from the battery by turning the bolt counterclockwise with the wrench.
2Locate the exhaust manifold bolts and spray them with the penetrating oil. The bolts are usually corroded into place, so if possible allow the oil to soak into the bolts for a few hours.
3Loosen the exhaust manifold bolts by turning them counterclockwise with the socket. Pull the exhaust manifold from the engine. Remove any of the old gasket with the scraper.
4Coat the exhaust manifold bolts with anti-seize compound. Slide the new gasket into place between the exhaust manifold and the engine. Tighten the exhaust manifold bolts by turning them clockwise with the socket. Start with the inside bolts and work toward the outside as you tighten.
5Reattach the negative cable to the battery by turning the bolt clockwise with the wrench. Start the engine and check for exhaust leaks.
Monday, December 9, 2013
How to Change a Clockspring in a 2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee
The clockspring provides constant electrical contact to the steering wheel-mounted module and related components. Its primary responsibility is feeding power from the battery to the air bag for emergency deployment. If the clockspring fails, it affects the air bag, horn, and cruise control, if equipped. As with any part, the clockspring may fail due to age. It is especially susceptible due to the constant rotation of the steering wheel. There are two versions of clocksprings. If you have cruise control, you need the three-wire version. Otherwise, buy the two-wire model.
Instructions
- 1
Position the front wheels straight-ahead. Remove the key from the ignition.
2Remove the negative battery cable wrap the terminal with high-quality electrical tape. Wait a minimum of two minutes before proceeding with repairs on the vehicle. The reserve capacitor holds a charge to deploy the air bag even after disconnection of the cable.
3Remove the two Phillips screws just below the steering wheel on the dashboard. Remove the panels located behind the knee panel. Youll encounter two Phillips screws and two clips.
4Using your Phillips screwdriver, remove the two steering wheel shroud cover screws.
5Use a hex driver to remove the air bag module mounting bolts at "10" and "2" on the rear of the steering wheel. Gently tilt the module forward.
6Press the connector for the yellow air bag wire toward the module until the lock spreads open. Use a small tipped prying tool to gently pry the connector from the module while holding the lock open. Unplug the black and white horn wire and slide off its rubber sleeve.
7Unplug the green wire located near the steering wheel retaining bolt if your vehicle has cruise control.
8Carry the air bag module with the bag and trim cover pointed away from the body in case of accidental deployment. Place it in a clean and dry area with the cover side up.
9Prevent the steering wheel from turning while using a 21 or 22 mm socket to remove the retaining bolt.
10Mark the steering wheel and shaft for re-alignment. Extract the steering wheel from the shaft by using a steering wheel puller.
11Disconnect the remote switch harness connectors. If you are unable to start or unlock your vehicle remotely, you can ignore this step.
12Look up at the steering column from the floorboard. Disconnect the clocksprings two lower electrical connectors.
13Remove the clocksprings retaining screws and slide it up and off the upper steering column shaft.
Installation
- 14
Slide the new clockspring on the steering column with the locking pin in place. If you remove the locking pin before installation, youll have to perform other centering measures before you can install the part.
15Align the clockspring and seat its three pins on the rotor hub with the three holes in the turn signal cancel cam. The oblong pin belongs at the top of the clockspring rotor. Align and seat one pin and two mounting holes with corresponding holes in combination switch.
16Install the two clockspring retaining screws.
17Reinstall the steering wheel, including tightening the retaining bolt.
18Tilt the air bag module into place and re-attach the horn, air bag and, if applicable, the cruise control connectors. Place the module into position and tighten its bolts.
Reinstall all the panels and re-attach the battery cable.
Saturday, December 7, 2013
Information on the B10 Transmission for a Jeep
The B10 transmission, officially referred to as the BA 10/5, is a light duty, rear-wheel drive, manual transmission designed by Peugeot in France and used by Jeep in the late 80s. It looks similar to Jeeps heavier-duty, AX-15 transmission except it is smaller in size.
Vehicles Used In
The BA 10/5 transmission was used in numerous 6-cylinder Jeep models, including Cherokees, Grand Cherokees, Comanches, Wagoneers, CJ2As, CJ31s, CJ5s, CJ6s, CJ7s, CJ8s, Jeepsters, Scramblers and Wranglers (in 4.0L models from 1987 to 1989 and in 4.2L models from 1987 to 1990).
General Description
Unlike the AX-15, which uses a one-piece, aluminum case, the BA 10/5 features a two-piece, aluminum case that is split lengthwise, and held together by upper and lower bolts. It features a 1 1/8-inch input shaft with an output spline of 21 or 23. As indicated by the "5" in its name, it is a 5-speed transmission.
BA 10/5 Gearing
This transmission features a factory gear-ratio of 3.39 for first, 2.33 for second, 1.44 for third, 1.00 for fourth and 0.79 for fifth gear.
Saturday, November 16, 2013
How to Fix Rust Holes on a Jeep Wrangler
If you happen to live in an area where salt is applied to the roads during the winter, your Jeep Wrangler will eventually develop rust holes. Unfortunately, these holes will get worse unless you patch them. The only permanent way to deal with rust corrosion is to replace the part; however, if youre short on cash, a few other options are available that require only a bit of time and money.
Instructions
- 1
Locate the rust hole. Sand several inches around it down to bare metal with the rotary sander.
2Place a metal patch over the hole. Overlap the hole at least one inch in all directions.
3Apply a generous layer of body filler over the metal patch. Flatten and allow it to dry.
4Sand the patch smooth and paint it.
Tuesday, November 5, 2013
What to Do About Jeep Recalls
If you own a Jeep and learn that the vehicle has a manufacturers recall by searching the recall list from the Jeep.com website or receiving a letter, then you should make plans to have the issue taken care of as soon as possible. This is especially important if the issue is safety related. Knowing the proper procedure and options involved in dealing with a recall on your Jeep will help you get back on the road worry-free much sooner.
Contact Jeep Dealer
The first thing youll need to do when you learn of a recall on your Jeep is to contact your local dealer, according to the Jeep website. Even if the vehicle wasnt bought at that Jeep dealership it is acceptable to return it there since the manufacturer will be paying for the services.
Set up an appointment at your earliest convenience and bring the car down along with any information you have received about the recall.
Check For Manual Addendum
Often the letter that goes out from the manufacturer to the consumer will include an addendum for the owners manual. This may be a set of notes or instructions that address something the manufacturer didnt realize when the manual was originally published. Typically it has to do with the recall issue.
If your letter has one of these addendums, fold it up and put it inside your owners manual in the vehicle. Online recall notices will likely have the same information that you can print out.
Already Paid
If you had trouble with your Jeep because of the recall issue before the recall was sent out and had to pay for a repair, then you are likely entitled to a reimbursement from the manufacturer.
You will need proof of payment such as a receipt for the repairs, then send it to the Chrysler Recall Center, according to the Jeep website. Keep a copy for yourself.
Dealer Cant Or Wont Fix Free
If the Jeep dealership you take your vehicle to does not fix the recall issue in a reasonable time or claims it cant or wont do the repair without charging, then you should notify the manufacturer, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration website. The manufacturer requires all dealers to fix recalls without charge.
If you are still not satisfied with the results, write a complaint to the Administrator of the National Highway Traffic Safety Commission.
Limits On Recalls
The manufacturer does not cover recalls after the vehicle is 10 years old. The 10-year period begins when the Jeep is sold new for the first time, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Monday, October 28, 2013
How to Replace a Blower Resistor on a Jeep Liberty
Replacing the blower motor resistor on your Jeep Liberty may be necessary if the HVAC blower motor has stopped working in all but one speed. The resistor limits the amount of electrical current that is fed to the motor, causing the motor to run faster or slower respectively. If the resistor fails, the motor will work at full speed or off but nothing in between. A new resistor is available from any Jeep parts department.
Instructions
- 1
Open the hood of your Liberty and loosen the clamp bolt on the negative battery cable with a wrench. Remove the negative battery cable from the battery terminal and set it aside.
2Open the passengers side door of the Jeep then the glove compartment door. Access to the resistor is through the back of the glove compartment.
3Locate the connector latch on the wiring harness connector for the blower motor resistor. Depress the latch, pull the connector off the resistor and set it aside.
4Remove the two retaining bolts from the resistor with a socket, ratchet and extension bar then pull the resistor off the HVAC housing and discard it. Position the new resistor on the housing and install the two retaining bolts, tightening them until they are snug.
5Push the electrical connector onto the new resistor, making sure it locks into place. Close the glove compartment.
6Connect the negative battery cable to the negative battery post and tighten the clamp bolt with the wrench until it is secure. Close the hood of your Jeep and test the repair by running the blower motor through each speed setting with the blower switch inside the vehicle.
Tuesday, October 22, 2013
How to Replace the Turn Signal Flasher on a 2001 Jeep Cherokee
The 2001 Jeep Cherokee turn signals and emergency flashers both are controlled by the flasher relay. If your turn signals or emergency lights are not flashing properly and you have verified the bulbs are functional, the relay may be burned out. You can purchase a replacement relay from an auto parts store and replace it at home. Keeping your turn signals and hazard lights functioning properly provides safety on the road.
Instructions
- 1
Position the Cherokees steering wheel in the highest position possible to make it easier to access the dashboard panels.
2Remove the three screws securing the lower dashboard panel below the steering wheel with a Phillips screwdriver. Pull the trim panel off the dashboard.
3Grasp the turn signal relay, and pull straight back to disconnect it. The turn signal relay is mounted just above the fuse box on the drivers side, and the relay is stamped with either "50732" or "TBB89" for easy identification.
4Push the replacement relay into the mounting area until it is secure. Replace the lower dashboard panel. Insert the three screws back into the dashboard panel, and tighten them with a Phillips screwdriver.
5Return the steering wheel to your preferred position. Test the turn signal relay for proper function.
Saturday, October 19, 2013
Jeep Liberty Suspension Problems
As of 2010, Chrysler has issued three separate recalls for Jeep Liberty vehicles due to suspension problems. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, only 2002-2006 models were affected by these recalls.
Time Frame
On November 4, 2003, Chrysler recalled 336,000 model year 2002-2003 Jeep Liberties. On August 1, 2006, 826,687 more Jeeps were recalled including model years ranging from 2002-2006. The most recent recall, on April 7, 2009, involved 43,489 additional 2002-2003 Liberty Jeeps.
Defect and Risk
A loss of lubrication to the lower control arm ball joints could lead to potentially dangerous levels of wear. Corrosion may cause the steering knuckle to separate. If the ball joint separates from the knuckle, the driver could lose control of the vehicle. This could cause a crash.
Remedy
Authorized dealers were instructed to inspect and replace the ball joint assemblies on these vehicles and, in some cases, install new heat shields to protect these Jeeps from damage. Concerned Jeep Liberty owners may contact NHTSA or Chrysler to determine whether their vehicles may have been part of these recalls.
Saturday, October 12, 2013
How to Tow a 1987 Jeep CJ6
If your 1987 Jeep CJ6 wont start unexpectedly and you cant push it to a shop, you must tow it to have it fixed. You can tow the truck to any repair shop as long as you have a tow truck or a vehicle strong enough and equipped to tow a car the size of your CJ6. Since the car wont start on its own, having it pulled while in neutral is the safest way to get it out of the roadway and to a safe location for repair.
Instructions
- 1
Drive your tow vehicle to the front of the CJ6. Align the two vehicles so you can attach the tow cable to the Jeeps undercarriage.
2Pull enough cable from the back of the truck to create a short distance between the two vehicles during a tow.
3Reach underneath the Jeep with cable in hand, and create a double loop around both sides of the front axle with your towing cable. Clamp the loop shut by using the hook at the end of the cable.
4Enter the Jeep, and shift it into neutral.
5Turn on the hazard lights during the tow.
6Close the doors of the Jeep securely.
7Enter the tow truck. Drive to the repair shop where youd like to have the Jeep serviced. Take the safest route possible, and stay away from any sharp turns or sudden stops.
Monday, October 7, 2013
How to Reset Airbag Lights in 97 Jeep Wranglers
The airbag light, or SRS (Supplemental Restraint System) light, will illuminate on the instrument cluster of your 1997 Jeep Wrangler when there is a malfunction in the airbag system. Have your vehicle towed to your mechanic to have it checked out and repaired before attempting to drive it again, and before you reset the light. Once the issue has been addressed you can reset the light yourself to save time and money. You must purchase a code scanner to get the job done. An auto parts store may let you borrow its scanner for free.
Instructions
- 1
Place the key into the ignition and turn on the vehicle, but dont let the engine turn over.
2Find the diagnostic port under the steering wheel. This port will be the same size and shape as the connective end of your code scanner. Carefully plug the scanner into the diagnostic port, taking care not to force the plug in. If you force it, the pins inside could be damaged. The vehicles battery will power on the scanner.
3Use the arrow keys on the scanners keypad to scroll through the menu options. Find the "delete" or "reset" option and select it. This will turn the SRS light off. Unplug the scanner and turn off the vehicle.
4Wait 60 seconds, then turn the engine on. Observe the instrument cluster to verify that the airbag light is off.
Saturday, October 5, 2013
Jeep Cherokee Catalytic Converter Removal
Removing the catalytic converter from the exhaust system of your Jeep Cherokee takes just a few minutes and requires minimal tools. Replacement converters are expensive so you may want to consider purchasing an aftermarket unit instead of an original equipment manufacturer (OEM) one as a cost savings measure. Replacement converters are available from your local Jeep dealership or most auto parts stores.
Instructions
- 1
Raise the front of the Jeep Cherokee off the ground with a jack then position a set of jack stands under the front suspension to support it. Slide under the passengers side of the Jeep and locate the converter in the exhaust. The converter sits near the center of the Jeep, between the frame rails.
2Locate the rear mounting flange between the catalytic converter and the muffler. Remove the nuts from the retaining bolts with a wrench then remove the bolts from the flange. Separate the muffler from the converter and push the muffler aside.
3Remove the nuts from the retaining bolts that secure the mounting flange at the front of the converter with a wrench. Remove the bolts from the mounting flange and set them aside.
4Separate the converter from the front exhaust pipe. Lower the converter and slide it out from under the Jeep.
Friday, October 4, 2013
How to Replace the Ignition Switch on a 1995 Jeep Wrangler
The 1995 Jeep Wrangler design makes replacing the ignition switch easy. Unlike many other vehicle models, there is no need to remove any panels or parts to access the switch. By simply adjusting the ignition to the correct spot, youll have the old switch out and replaced in about an hour. Theres no need to call a professional. This is definitely a do-it-yourself job.
Instructions
Uninstall the Old Switch
- 1
Detach the ground battery cable from the battery post. Use a wrench to turn the battery post clockwise. This is a black cable that is next to a minus sign on the battery post near the ignition.
2Insert a key to the the ignition and turn it to "Off-Lock".
3Remove the ignition switch. Unscrew the bolts on both sides of the ignition that hold it in place with a ratchet and socket.
4Use your hand to pull the ignition switch from the actuator rod. The actuator rod is what holds the ignition switch to the base of the steering wheel.
5Release and remove the switch completely from the steering wheel base. Unplug the black and white wires from the ignition switch. These wires run from the steering wheel base to the ignition switch.
Install the New Ignition Switch
- 6
Adjust the slider on the side of the new switch to "ACC."
7Plug the black and white wires running from the steering wheel base into the new switch. Place them in the locations on the new switch that match with the places you removed them from on the old switch.
8Slide the new switch on to the actuator rod in the steering wheel base.
9Replace the mounting bolts on both sides of the new switch. Use the old bolts unless you have been supplied with new bolts with the new switch. Tighten the bolts in place with an adjustable wrench.
10Insert a key into the ignition and turn it to the "ACC" mark on the steering wheel base.
11Reconnect the battery post to the ground battery cable. Use a wrench to tighten the connection by turning it clockwise.
Wednesday, October 2, 2013
Installing an Exhaust Manifold on a Jeep Grand Cherokee
Preparation
Before the exhaust manifold on a Jeep Grand Cherokee can be installed, the vehicle must be prepped. The battery and air cleaning assembly, including the filter, must be removed; and all coolants, such as windshield cleaning solution and radiator fluid, should be drained and flushed from the system. Disconnect the air-conditioner and detach the starter motor and all heating hoses. You are removing them to gain access to the cylinder head.
Removing Existing Parts
Remove the manifold by, first, taking out the heat-shield components and disconnecting the starter motor. Detach the Y-pipe, and unbolt and lift out the manifold, along with the gasket between the unit and the engine. Rusty bolts and fasteners are usually treated and cleaned before the new manifold is installed.
Installation
Before the exhaust manifold is attached to the cylinder head, covering all six cylinders, position the manifold gasket over the edge of the opening. Then set the manifold into place over the gasket. Tighten the bolts, starting in the center and moving toward the ends, and reconnect the unit to the Y-pipe. Reinstall the disassembled parts in the opposite order in which they were removed.
Thursday, September 26, 2013
How to Replace a Hub Assembly on a Jeep Wrangler
Replacing the hub assembly on your Jeep Wrangler, while time consuming, can save you a substantial amount of money. The hub assembly on the front of your Jeep Wrangler supports the brakes, the front drive axle and the bearing assembly. It is not serviceable except as a complete unit but replacement hub assemblies are readily available from most auto parts stores and through the Jeep dealer network.
Instructions
- 1
Locate the spindle nut in the center of the wheel before removing the wheel from the Jeep. Remove the cotter pin from the from the end of the axle shaft with a pair of pliers and then loosen the spindle nut with a breaker bar and a spindle nut socket.
2Loosen the lug nuts on the wheel with a lug wrench while there is still weight on it but do not remove them from the wheel studs. Raise the front of the Jeep with a jack until the tire is off the ground, then insert a set of jack stands under the axle tube to support the truck.
3Remove the lug nuts from the wheel studs, then remove the tires and set them aside. Locate the two slide pins that support the brake caliper on the back of the caliper. Remove both pins with a socket and ratchet and then lift the caliper off the brake rotor and mounting bracket. Support the caliper from the upper suspension with a wire so it does not damage the rubber brake line.
4Slide the brake rotor off the hub and set it aside. Locate the three 12-point bolts on the back side of the steering knuckle that retain the hub to the knuckle. Remove them with a 12-point socket, ratchet and extension, then set the bolts aside.
5Pull the hub assembly straight out of the steering knuckle, carefully sliding it off the axle shaft, and then discard the old hub assembly. Clean the inside of the steering knuckle with a wire brush to remove any rust or corrosion from the knuckle, then coat the inside with anti-seize compound.
6Slide the new hub assembly over the axle shaft and into the steering knuckle. Push it in until it seats completely, then install the 12-point retaining bolts into the hub from the rear of the steering knuckle. Torque the retaining bolts to 75 lbs.-ft. with a torque wrench.
7Install the brake rotor over the wheel studs and hub assembly, then position the break caliper over the rotor, aligning the hole for the slide pins with the holes in the mounting bracket. Install the slide pins and torque them to 36 lbs.-ft. with a torque wrench and socket.
8Position the wheel over the wheel studs and thread the lug nuts on until they are snug. Thread the spindle nut onto the axle shaft end and tighten until it is snug.
9Raise the Jeep off the jack stands with a jack, remove the stands, and set the Jeep on the ground. Tighten the lug nuts with a lug wrench and then torque the spindle nut to 175 ft.-lbs. Install a new cotter pin in the axle shaft and bend the ends over with a pair of pliers to secure it.
Saturday, September 7, 2013
How to Repair the Interior of a Jeep Wrangler
Jeep Wranglers are a popular vehicle for their ability to drive in different terrains and under all sorts of climates. Interior problems can occur. Repairs such as mold buildup, dashboard cracks and tears in leather seats. Sometimes a new steering wheel is required during a renovation. A repaired Jeep makes for a happy owner and many more miles of fun on the road.
Instructions
- 1
Scrub mold from carpeted areas with a solution of Borax laundry and warm water. When mold is gone scrub area with plain warm water. Let dry. Vacuum area to fully remove old mold spores and dried soap residue. For non-porous areas like dashboards and seats sponge on white vinegar. Let air dry.
2Repair dashboard cracks by cutting the dashboard with a utility knife to cut the cracks open less than 1/32-inch on either side. Run a moist almost dry piece of fabric along the new cut to pick up any plastic shavings. Let dry. Run pieces of painters tape along the cuts sides. Leave a bit on each side. Place silicon caulking along the cut. When dry pull off tape and paint with car interior vinyl paint. Let dry. Use fine grit sandpaper to smooth.
3Install a new steering wheel by disconnecting the car battery. Front tires must face forward. Remove the horn button to expose the nut attaching the wheel and shaft. Remove the nut. Mark the top of the wheel on the shaft. With the wheel puller, mark the shaft to indicate the location of the top of the wheel. Take off old wheel being careful not to pull out battery connecting wires. Reconnect the new wheel to color coded wires. Put the new wheel on the shaft and connect the nut. Replace the horn button and reconnect the car battery.
4Repair a leather seat tear by cutting away threads and fabric remnants from the tear. Dip cloth in warm water and clean around the leather near the tear. Measure and cut a piece of replacement leather leaving a 1-inch border on all sides. Apply glue on the tears edges and apply replacement leather piece atop it. Let dry. Gently sand away any remaining glue.