Recent content by speedkar9

Here's a different take on the latest Toyota Corolla - from a purely mechanical and technical perspective. This is my first car review, so I figure I'd try something different by taking a look underneath the hood and underneath the vehicle to see what's inside and how it works: Here's a look...

Here’s how to add a Bluetooth audio connection to any car stereo for under $10. I’ll be demonstrating this on my 2004 Toyota Camry with a basic CD AM/FM radio. The first thing to do is remove the stereo: Four 10mm bolts: Some connectors and it comes right out: Remove a bunch of screws from...

I took apart the door lock and latch mechanism from my Toyota Corolla to find out what's inside and how it works. I made a short video that I'd like to share with you all: The door latch mechanism is held inside the door itself, and connects to the handles and key cylinder via actuator rods...

I took apart the fuel injection system on my Corolla to see what's inside and how it works. I made a short video explaining what's inside a port injected fuel injector: Here's a brief explanation: The fuel injectors are located on the fuel rail on the intake side of the engine: This is the...

Here's how to replace the strut or strut mount using spring compressors on a Toyota or Lexus with MacPherson strut front suspension. I made a short DIY video on the process: While quick-struts are available for these cars, not all of them are made to the same quality and specifications as the...

I took apart a Toyota Corolla radio to see what's inside and how it works. I made a short video on the simplified way it works, of course new radios are more complex: The radio I took apart was a single DIN, AM/FM/CD radio: Radio lid removed: The main motherboard has a number of main...

One of the common problems with older cars is that they burn too much oil. I took apart a 1ZZ-FE Corolla engine and explained why they burn so much oil and made a short video on it: The two main causes of engine oil burning are piston rings and valve stem seals. Here's a break down of the...

I wanted to share a little video I made, taking apart a Corolla's starter and explaining how it works: The starter sits between the engine and transmission and is responsible for turning the engine over to start the combustion process. Here's what it looks like, removed from the car...

Just thought I'd share my short video on the basics of automotive suspension systems. Using my Corolla as an example, I tore down each component and explained the difference between the two most popular types, double wishbone and MacPherson strut front suspension: Skip toward the end to watch...

Yes, if the single coil fails then you'll get misfires on all cylinders.

Out of curiosity, I cut open an A/C condenser and drier from my car to see what’s inside and how it works. I made a short video explaining what’s inside: Here’s a few photos of the breakdown: The A/C condenser and drier are located at the front of the vehicle. The condenser dissipates heat...

Here's what's inside an ignition coil and how it works to increase the voltage to fire a spark on your car: Here's a few photos of the ignition coil. Starting with the coil, removed from my Toyota Corolla: An ignition coil is located on top of an overhead cam engine. Its responsible for...

I thought I'd share my teardown of a power steering pump. Its quite interesting what's inside and how it works! Here are a few photos of the pump teardown. This is the high pressure line and pump removed: This is the pressure port union. The two small holes are what fluid travels through...

Here’s how a strut or shock absorber works in your car to dampen the ride. I took apart a strut and grinded it open to see the mechanics inside and made a short video on it: The spring is responsible for supporting the weight of the vehicle. It absorbs the majority of the impact when...

I’d like to share some behind the scenes info on my current project: Reverse Engineering an entire car! That’s right, I’ve completely taken apart an entire car, grinding it open part by part, and made a full video series on it. Here’s the introduction video, from which you can find links to the...