Repair 7

Your catalytic converter is the part of your vehicles exhaust system designed to reduce the amount of toxic emissions of gases that leave your car and enter into the environment. Because of increasing concerns about pollution, catalytic converters are among the most heavily legally regulated parts of your vehicle. It is illegal to modify or alter your catalytic converter in any way, so the only way to legally repair your clogged catalytic converter is to have an exhaust shop or certified mechanic replace it.

Instructions

1

Take your car to mechanics shop that specializes in exhaust problems and repairs. Have a certified professional mechanic evaluate your vehicles problem and determine definitively that its the catalytic converter causing it. The mechanic is not allowed to replace the catalytic converter unless he is able to thoroughly document a problem with it. No individual or mechanic is legally allowed to tamper with the converters mechanical workings in any way, theore the converter must be replaced. If your car has failed emissions test or state inspection, you should keep the documentation related to that as proof that there is a problem with the catalytic converter.

2

Determine if your car is still covered by the federally mandated catalytic converter warranty. This means if your car is less than eight years old or has fewer than 80,000 miles on it, the original manufacturer is responsible for replacing the catalytic converter free of cost. In this case, you should take all the documentation of the problem to your local dealers parts and service department and have them replace the catalytic converter free of charge under the warranty.

3

Have mechanic replace catalytic converter with an identical model. Youre not allowed to alter the design or change models from the original manufacturer installed catalytic converter. Once the converter has been installed, make sure your mechanic correctly fills out and submits the federally required warranty card. Keep all documentation for catalytic converter in case a problem arises later during emissions testing.

The Tongue Weight

The tongue weight is the downward force that the tongue of the trailer applies to the hitch of the tow vehicle. This will affect the height of your trailer hitch, and it should be 10 to 15 percent of the total trailer weight.

Gross Towing Weight

Gross towing weight is the weight of a fully loaded trailer. Distributing the weight on the trailer will adjust the tongue weight and height of the trailer hitch. Sixty percent of the load should be on the trailer floor in front of the axle.

Bottom Line

Trailer hitch height from the ground should be around 15 to 18 inches. This can be adjusted with the tongue weight and gross towing weight. The tongue weight must be in balance for a safe towing vehicle.

There is no room in your hydraulic power steering system for air. If you dont bleed your power steering of air, your power steering is almost useless because the system cant compress the air like it would power steering fluid.

Effects

If your steering becomes difficult, or your vehicle makes noise when you steer, there may be air in the power steering system. Making turns or parallel parking will usually make these issues more noticeable.

Causes

Low power steering fluid may be the problem. However, filling the power steering reservoir may only fix the problem temporarily. If there is a leak in the system somewhere, your fluid level will just drop again and the problem will return.

Considerations

If you recently changed any part of the power steering system, such as the pump or pressure hose, you probably want to bleed the system. In most cars, this is an easy process, but you may want to hire a professional.