Engineworld

Engine backfires are one of the most obvious symptoms of car trouble, and they are annoying and potentially damaging to the car’s exhaust and catalytic mechanisms. Backfires occur for various reasons and may be accompanied by a Check Engine light. Common reasons for this to happen: When moisture or resistance in the car’s electronic ignition system allows a crossover generation of current to the wrong cylinder. A lean mixture caused by either an engine vacuum leak or low fuel-pump pressure. A faulty air injection check valve (part of the car’s emission control system) allows too much air into the car’s exhaust system. A failed air intake boot can cause a backfire by altering the feedback voltage to the PCM. Faulty ignition components or spark plugs may also cause backfires if the ignition timing drifts off or the plugs fire intermittently. An exhaust leak such as broken welds or other small holes can take in cool air during deceleration and cause a popping or

What is the Center Support Bearing all about? While many of the cars on the road today use a front-wheel drive format, there are plenty of rear-wheel drive vehicles out there. These range from trucks to SUVs to passenger cars, and they all use drive shafts that connect the transmission to the rear differential in order to turn the rear wheels. However, in very long drive shafts made with two sections, strains are problematic. A center support bearing is used to provide support for the shaft, reduce strain on drivetrain components, and allow the shaft to turn freely. It is a universal joint that allows free motion even if the shaft isn’t fully straight. If the center support bearing is worn, seized, or damaged, you will hear excessive squeaking noises or experience a “binding” feeling when driving. This is how a typical center shaft bearing looks like. The bearing here shown in the picture is of Toyota Tacoma Prerunner. This is a typical disection of the center support bearing

What is the Anti-Lock Control Relay all about? The term “anti-lock control relay” is something of a misnomer. The relay doesn’t operate the controller – the controller operates the relay. The relay itself is responsible for operating the pump, which pressurizes brake fluid in the ABS system’s accumulator. If the relay fails, then the pump will not operate and the fluid pressure in the accumulator will not build. The end result is that the ABS system won’t work. Essentially, the anti-lock control relay is used to energize the electric pump in some types of ABS systems. This will vary from one system to the next, and is dependent not on the automaker so much as on the manufacturer of the ABS system. Like other electrical components, the anti-lock control relay is subject to wear and tear. Over time, it’s possible that it will fail, although pump failure is more common than relay failure, and fuse failure is more common than both. In all instances, failure means that the ABS syste