Shop Press

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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“Can I borrow a…”

I recall being very alarmed at how far the door spring traveled. As a teenager in my first job at a dealer, I was working on a small S-10 truck that needed door hinge pin bushings. I levered that door spring out of its perch with a slotted screwdriver like a goon and...

A visit to Elite JDM (VIDEO)

Description Recently we took a trip to Dorman Proving Grounds manager Nick D'Alessio’s personal shop, Elite JDM. While we were there, we shot some videos about some fascinating things we found in his shop. We decided to put those four videos together in a playlist for...

Oil leak – ASE practice questions (VIDEO)

Description Which of the following is LEAST LIKELY to cause an oil leak?A) Torn valve cover gasket B) Worn wrist pin bushings C) Worn rear main seal D) Worn piston ringsMore ASE Practice Questions

Low-mileage JDM automatics: Worthwhile or worthless? (VIDEO)

Description Nick and Lemmy check out a flex plate from an imported Japanese automatic transmission with very few miles under its belt. Even so, Nick explains why nobody really wants these transmissions or parts… and why many of them end up in the scrapyard.

Harmonic balancers – ASE practice questions (VIDEO)

Description Technician A says a defective harmonic balancer can affect the accuracy of ignition timing readings. Technician B says a defective harmonic balancer can damage the crank. Who is correct?More ASE Practice Questions

Diagnostics case study: don’t overcomplicate things

Diagnostics case study: don’t overcomplicate things

A vehicle recently came to me that made me feel pretty terrible. The customer was not happy, and I know for a fact the shop lost money on the job, so presumably they were unhappy, too. The vehicle—and scenario—seemed ripe for a quick story, because there were so many...
Several tips to make brake line removal less of a headache

Several tips to make brake line removal less of a headache

“Got a seven-foot section of brake line out without dropping the tank, cutting the line, or ruining a fitting. Today was a good day.” I sent that text to a friend of mine the other day. In a past life he was a wrench at a Cadillac dealer, so I think he sort of...
What is the best type of air filter? (VIDEO)

What is the best type of air filter? (VIDEO)

What is the best type of air filter? (VIDEO) Description Air filter elements come in a variety of shapes and designs, but which one is right for you? Nick and Greaser discuss the advantages and drawbacks of three air filter designs, including filtration effectiveness,...