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Shop Press is the news and idea hub for everything related to working on cars and trucks, focusing on repair, technology, and wrenching lifestyle.

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The best explanation of a differential is from 1937

The first time I saw this video, I was hooked because I’m natively a bike guy and it starts off with motorcycle stunt riding. But the guys horsing around on those ol’ Harley VLs actually are the producer’s interesting and educational way to visually demonstrate why a...

Rust exhaust hole – ASE practice questions (VIDEO)

Description Which of the following is the most critical result of a rust hole in an exhaust system? A) Escaping exhaust gas B) Failed inspection C) Excessive noise D) High cost of repairMore ASE Practice Questions

Before selling a vehicle, make sure to remove personal data (VIDEO)

Description Smartphones, laptops and computers are normally cleared of all data before selling or discarding to protect personal information. Modern vehicles store all kind of information in their infotainment systems and that means they should be treated with the...

Dust Cap Tool Explained (VIDEO)

Description How many times have you seen a hub dust cap with ugly dents from a sloppy installation? A dust cap tool is handy for installations on customer vehicles. It helps to prevent damage while securely driving the cap into place.

Why a magnetic drain plug is a worthwhile upgrade (VIDEO)

Description Do your customers know the benefits of magnetic oil drain plugs? Swap out their standard drain plugs to help protect against unnecessary engine damage. Magnetic drain plugs are especially helpful for vehicles with long oil change intervals, as well as many...

Brake booster valve – ASE practice questions (VIDEO)

Description A customer states the brake pedal falls slightly when the brakes are applied while starting the engine. Technician A says that a faulty brake booster check valve may be to blame. Technician B says this can be caused by a leaking brake booster diaphragm....

The final days (and cars) of AMC

In the last days of AMC, two employees brought a video camera into the Kenosha, Wisconsin plant to document the end of an era. Billy and Danny take a thorough tour of the old AMC buildings and production line, which was producing its last L-body Plymouth Horizons and...

What is a core charge?

The article title is a question I asked when I was a young counterman, and most of you oldtimer mechanics and parts people of course know the story: the core charge is a way to be sure the smoked part makes its way back to the parts counter. A core charge is a deposit...

Serviceability Hall Of Shame: captive chassis mounts

Serviceability Hall Of Shame: captive chassis mounts

by | May 10, 2022

In today’s SHOS, I’d like to discuss captive chassis bolts. You’ll find these holding things like subframes and control arms to unibody chassis, and probably in some other spots, too. In this article, I’m showing the way Dodge chose to mount the first-gen Dakota cabs...
Don’t do dangerous stuff: a reminder to be safe in the shop

Don’t do dangerous stuff: a reminder to be safe in the shop

by | May 3, 2022

Dear Past Me, Stop doing dangerous stuff in the shop. Love,Future You That was basically all I wanted to write for this piece. I am of an age where I am still young enough to do dangerous things, and I am also old enough to realize how many are stupid. I was raised in...
The fastest way to remove valves from a cylinder head (VIDEO)

The fastest way to remove valves from a cylinder head (VIDEO)

by | Apr 28, 2022

Removing valves from a cylinder head should be done carefully if you have a notion to reuse the valves, springs, collars, and keepers. A spring compressor is the right tool for the job. That said, in my salvage yard days, I learned a trick I still use today if I’m...
Serviceability Hall Of Shame: CDJR batteries

Serviceability Hall Of Shame: CDJR batteries

by | Apr 7, 2022

Serviceability Hall of Shame is an occasional rant on vehicles that were simply not made mechanic-friendly. Have your own repair nightmare? Let us know at ShopPress@DormanProducts.com. Sometimes I marvel at the complexity of a task on a vehicle, and I’m sure you do,...
Is it OK to plug a tire? (VIDEO)

Is it OK to plug a tire? (VIDEO)

by | Apr 5, 2022

My career started with tire repairs, and I bet yours did, too. Depending on how many years ago that was, you may have been patching tires, plugging tires, or patch-plugging. I recall being told solemnly by my manager that I was never to plug a tire because it was...