solutionsforeverything

How to Identify Diode Markings Diodes are electronic components that permit the flow of electric current in one direction only, shutting current off when it reverses. These handy devices have dozens of important uses in circuits, including as power supplies and radio signal detectors. Because diodes have polarity, their packaging carries distinct markings that help you connect them correctly in a circuit. Signal Diodes The smallest discrete diodes are designed to handle about 100 milliamps of current. These devices are typically packaged in tiny glass cylinders with a connecting lead at each end. A stripe on the cylinder marks the diode’s cathode, making the opposite side the anode. With some diodes, you may need a magnifying glass to see the stripe clearly. Mid-Power Diodes Diodes used as rectifiers in small power supplies are usually rated between 1 and 5 amps of current, maximum. These components usually have a cylindrical body made of dark epoxy or ceramic with a white or...

How to Connect Diodes Diodes are semiconductor materials that behave like switches. They are open to electricity in one direction and short-circuited in the other, meaning that current is allowed to flow in only one direction. Silicon and germanium are two materials they are often made from. The symbol for a diode is an arrow to show the direction current flow is allowed. A diode placed in a circuit this way is known as forward-biased. A diode with current flow in the wrong direction is called reverse-biased. Ordinary reverse-biased diodes will finally allow current when there is too much current flowing the wrong way. When this happens, they are destroyed. Things You'll Need Silicon diode, such as a 1N4001 Resistor Multimeter Breadboard Jumper wires Battery Instructions Measure the forward-biased voltage on the diode by placing the multimeter on the diode setting. Put the positive or red lead on the anode side of the diode, which is unmar...

Why Do I Need a Blocking Diode on My Solar Panel? Blocking diodes in photovoltaic systems serve two functions. They can prevent batteries from draining at night, and can isolate damaged or under-performing solar cells. The latter can be solved with either a blocking or a bypassing diode. Function A diode is a semiconductor device, a one-way valve for electricity. Diodes are rated in the maximum current they can pass through while on and the maximum voltage they can block when off. When the correct conditions are met, the diode will stop current from flowing. Shaded Panels Solar panels contain several solar cells wired together in series. If part of the panel is shaded, all of the cells become less efficient. Bypass Diodes A blocking diode in the panel "averages out" any shaded cells. The diode allows the loss of voltage from a shaded cell to be shared among the others, so that the panel functions more normally. Battery Drain At night, dusk and dawn, the batter...

How to Choose the Right Diode Diodes are electronic one-way valves, letting current flow in one direction but not the reverse. If you're designing a circuit that uses them, you'll need to know they have limits. They can handle a rated maximum current, and if you exceed this limit you'll destroy the part. They also have a reverse voltage limit, past which they will start conducting, possibly with damaging results. And diodes come in several different physical case styles, with leads or in a surface-mount (SMD) case. Things You'll Need Pencil and paper Calculator Circuit schematic Semiconductor catalog Instructions Evaluate the schematic at the point where the diode will be located. Determine the maximum current that will be flowing through that point and write the figure down. Determine the maximum voltage that the diode will have to sustain. Voltages are differences in potential between two points, so if one side of the diode is at 25 volts ...

How to Use a Diode to Stop Battery Drainage Diodes are used in electronic circuits to prevent electrical current from flowing in more than one direction. They are also used to push electrical current from one point in the circuit to another, such as is the case in a solar cell charging circuit. When a diode is used as a means to control the direction of current flow, it is referred to as a "blocking" diode. When solar panels are exposed to light, these panels generate electricity and can charge a battery. If a blocking diode is not present, the solar panels can also drain the battery when the solar panels are not exposed to light. Things You'll Need Protective eyewear Electrical pliers Soldering iron Secondary cell (rechargeable) battery Photovoltaic (solar) cell (equal voltage to the battery) 1N4001 diode Electrical wire Electronic (rosin core) solder Instructions Put on the protective eyewear. Cut three pieces of wire, and strip each wire of 1/2 inch ...

How to Use a 12-Volt Circuit Tester Power is supplied to a vehicle's engine ignition, electric door locks, alarm systems and other accessories by the 12-volt circuitry that runs throughout the vehicle. When a circuit fails, you will find that a 12-volt tester is an invaluable tool for locating the source of the problem. If you are a do-it-yourself auto mechanic who understands basic electrical circuits, you can verify the presence or the absence of electrical power in your vehicle quickly and confidently by using a 12-volt circuit tester. Things You'll Need 12-volt circuit tester Maintenance manual Instructions Turn on the vehicle's electrical power. The accessory position on the ignition switch powers up everything except the engine ignition circuit. To check the ignition's 12-volt wiring, turn the switch to the "On" position. Connect the ground clip of the 12-volt tester to a well-grounded source. The battery's negative terminal is the best...

For How Long Can a Car Battery Charge a Cell Phone? Car batteries are available even in the most remote places. With a 12-volt adapter, these batteries can charge your phone. Knowing how long you can use the battery to keep charging your phone requires some basic math skills. How Powerful Is The Battery Car batteries deliver a steady 12 volts, but the current varies according to the design of the battery. Batteries are rated in amp-hours, describing how many amps the battery will deliver over a set period of time. High amp-hour batteries last longer than low amp-hour batteries. How Much Power Does The Charger Use? Phone chargers draw power from the battery and convert it to a voltage suitable for the phone. Putting power into the phone necessitates taking power out of the battery, and the faster the power is taken, the quicker the battery is discharged. Typical Charger Power Usage Research conducted at the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory shows a mobile phone charger,...

How to Charge Cell Phone Batteries in a Car With an Adapter If you are on the road and notice that your cell phone battery is running low or dead, you can actually charge the phone from the car's own power supply. This is useful for restoring a cell phone battery's life. In addition, you can use the cell phone while the battery is being recharged, which is ideal in emergency situations. The battery will charge safely in the same way it charges when plugged into a regular wall outlet. Things You'll Need Vehicle with cigarette lighter or power supply port Car charger adapter for your model of cell phone Splitter (optional) Additional battery and battery charger (optional) Instructions Locate a power supply outlet or the cigarette lighter in your vehicle. Some vehicles have multiple outlets, a common place is on the passenger side on the side of the center console. These outlets are often the same size and type as the cigarette lighter one. Purchase a car charge...

How to Build a Battery Isolator Automotive battery charging circuits are designed to recharge and maintain a single battery. However, automobiles with custom audio systems, electric winches or other high-drain devices may require a second battery to power these devices. One of the problems with connecting two batteries directly to an automotive charging system is that if one battery is weaker (provides less electrical current at the same voltage) than the other, the charging system may be taxed beyond its design parameters for providing power. This also has the undesirable consequence of draining the “good” battery to equalize the charge in both batteries. One way to charge both batteries without overtaxing the charging system is by using a battery isolator. A battery isolator is constructed using two diodes, which act as one-way electrical check valves for the charging system. Things You'll Need Solder-type lug terminals (3) High-current diodes (two; RF1501TF3S or ...

How to Charge a Car Battery Through a Cigarette Lighter An automotive electrical system normally has one or more power accessory points. These accessory points are often cigarette lighter outlets. However, most vehicles manufactured since the 1990s contain dedicated power accessory outlets. Many automobiles have their cigarette lighter outlets wired so that the outlets only work when the automobiles are running. However, power accessory outlets are usually hardwired to the battery, and are always active. A power accessory outlet may also be used as a means to trickle charge an automobile battery. Some accessories, such as solar battery chargers, are designed to take advantage of the bidirectional nature of a hardwired power accessory outlet. Things You'll Need Automobile with hardwired power accessory outlet Solar battery charger with automotive cigarette lighter plug Instructions Place the solar battery charger, shiny-side up, on the automobile's dashboard....

How to Install a Motorcycle Cigarette Lighter In general, motorcycles are built to serve as basic transportation. As such, most motorcycles lack features found in even the most basic of automobiles – cup holders, electrical outlets, ashtrays or cigarette lighters, for example. For some motorcycle riders, it is convenient to have an available power source (such as a cigarette lighter receptacle) to recharge small electronic devices, such as cell phones. A weatherproof DC power outlet can be wired to the motorcycle battery using two wires added to the electrical system. Things You'll Need Motorcycle with installed battery Set of hex wrenches (if motorcycle battery is mounted under the seat) Screwdriver Electrical pliers Red electrical wire (16 AWG or thinner) Black electrical wire (16 AWG or thinner) Crimp-style ring terminals (2) Splice connector terminals (2) Weatherproof 12V automotive power outlet Cable ties (three or more) Instructions If the b...

How to Install a New Cigarette Lighter in a Car Most cars produced now days no longer have an actual cigarette lighter inside of the car. The port the lighter uses can still be found in all modern models, but these are now used to power electronic devices. Even if you have an older vehicle you may have burned out the cigarette lighter. If you tend to smoke in your car you may want to look into installing a new cigarette lighter in your vehicle. Things You'll Need Replacement cigarette lighter Instructions Place the key to your vehicle in the ignition and power on the vehicle. You do not need to start up the ignition, but at least turn the key far enough to start up your radio and power up the windows. Place an electrical device that uses the lighter charger into the charger to make sure it still works properly. It is possible to accidentally blow out the charger if you have extracted too much power from it at one give point. Pick up a replacement cigarette lighter. Th...

How to Replace a 12-Volt Power Outlet A 12-volt power outlet has been commonly used to power a cigarette lighter, usually mounted in the dash panel of your vehicle. Now, traditional 12-volt power outlets have given way to outlets designed to charge your mobile phones or power your MP3 players. They are the same 12-volt power outlets used in older cars, only the manufacturer opts not to give you the cigarette lighter with them now. Replacing the 12-volt power outlet is the same on new cars as it is on older cars. Things You'll Need Socket set Screwdrivers Pliers or adjustable wrench Instructions Remove the dash panel to which your 12-volt outlet secures. In general, you need a Phillip's screwdriver and/or a socket set to remove the plastic panels on the dashboard. Every make and model uses a slightly different process for installing the dash panels. If necessary, refer to the vehicle repair manual for your vehicle make and model if the bolt locations for the dash p...

How to Wire an Extra 12 Volt Outlet in a Car Adding an extra 12 volt outlet really comes in handy when you want to plug in that charger and the other outlet is being used. Wiring the outlet is simply a matter of connecting a positive and negative wire from the battery to the back of the outlet. Add an inline fuse in the positive wire and attach the negative wire to ground for safety. Test the outlet and you are finished. Things You'll Need Wire Wire cutters Wire crimpers Wire connectors Wire fasteners Inline fuse with holder Electric tape Drill Pliers Instructions Investigate the area behind the panel where you plan to install the outlet. Make sure there is enough room for the outlet to fit and be mounted. Outlets have different mechanisms used for mounting. It may have a ring behind it that must be screwed or a spring clamp that must be compressed to hold it in place. Some outlets are held in place with screws located in front at each side of...

How to Fix the Accessory Power Outlet in a Car Current technology has transformed a car’s accessory outlet from a mere cigarette lighter to a vital piece of the commuting puzzle. Paper maps have gone the way of cassette players with the advance of global positioning satellite navigation units and mapping applications on cellular phones. These 12-volt sources now power devices that provide navigation, traffic updates, weather conditions and emergency communication capabilities making car travel safer and more comfortable. Determine If the Outlet Is Bad Try a different accessory with the outlet. If the second accessory does power on, the problem is the original accessory and not the outlet. If both accessories fail to turn on in the outlet, the outlet is probably the culprit. If this is the case, proceed with further troubleshooting steps to determine the root cause of the outlet failure. Check the Fuse Accessory power outlets are protected by a fuse in a fuse block. It is ther...

How to Check Leaks for Power Brake Boosters The automobile's brake booster's main function is to give the vehicle maximum braking power with minimal pressure applied to the brake pedal. The brake booster primarily functions on the vacuum system of the vehicle. If the vacuum system is working properly, the booster pushes into the master cylinder when pressure is applied to the brake pedal, allowing the car to come to a stop. If there is an issue with the vacuum system, the car will still have brakes, but it will take a much greater effort on the pedal to stop the vehicle. Instructions Get into the car and start the engine. Without applying any pressure to the brake pedal, allow the car to idle for 60 seconds. Turn the engine off after the one-minute idling time has passed, and allow the car to rest with the engine off for an additional minute. Push on the brake pedal and release several times. If the vehicle's vacuum system is working properly, each push of the br...

How to Tell If the Brake Booster on a Ford F150 Is Bad? Your Ford F-150 comes equipped with a power brake system, which includes a booster, vacuum hose and fittings. This system greatly increases the pressure you can apply to the brake pedal when slowing or stopping your pickup. After years of service, though, the vacuum hose connecting the engine to the booster may harden, crack or swell, and finally leak. Also, the booster internal diaphragm may rupture or some other component may wear out and render the unit inoperative. Know the condition of the brake booster in your F-150 now by performing two simple tests at home, without the need to use any tools. Instructions Apply the parking brake in your F-150, but do not touch the brake pedal. Start and idle the engine in your F-150 without touching the brake pedal. Let the engine idle for one minute, turn off the ignition and wait for another minute before proceeding on to the next step. Depress and release the brake...

Symptoms of a Bad Brake Booster Because of the prevalence of disc brakes, power-boosted braking systems now come standard on nearly all new automobiles and recent-model used vehicles. Disc brakes are not self-energizing like drum brakes, so they require a power brake booster to keep pedal effort reasonable for all drivers. But like any human-made device, power brake boosters can go bad. Booster Failure The primary symptom of power brake booster failure is a high, hard pedal that requires greater than normal pedal pressure to stop the car. You may also notice that it takes a much longer distance than normal to stop your car The high, hard pedal and longer stopping distance mean you are not getting power boost. Proper Function A properly functioning power brake system should provide power assist on first application of the brakes every time, with normal pedal travel, pedal pressure and stopping distance. However, if your brake pedal is low, spongy, requires pumping or fails un...

How to Remove a Brake Booster From the Brake Pedal in a Tahoe The Chevrolet Tahoe has been popular among soccer moms and big families for years. Over that time, they've become fairly advanced, including features like electronic throttle control and a tighter turning radius. The brake pedal of the car connects to the brake booster at the top of the pedal assembly, and although it's not a difficult process to remove the linkage, getting to it can be a bit complicated. In this case, the project vehicle is a 2003 Chevrolet Tahoe. Things You'll Need Flashlight Flat head screwdriver Instructions Open the door and look underneath the dash with the flashlight, following the brake pedal up from the floor to the linkage at the top of the mount. There is a round bar that comes off of the top of the pedal, with a wired switch and the booster linkage bolted to it. Reach an arm up there with the flat head screwdriver to access the metal clip at the end of the bar. Place th...

How to Replace the Break Booster on a Chevrolet Silverado The Chevy Silverado´s braking system operates with disc brakes, which require the use of power brake boosters. Prior to disc brakes, stopping a truck required much more effort compared to the modern systems that take advantage of a vacuum created by the truck´s engine. Just like any truck part, the brake booster undergoes normal wear and tear and can lose its capacity to assist in braking. When this occurs, it is time to replace the brake booster and regain your truck´s braking ability. Things You'll Need Socket wrench Flashlight Screwdriver Instructions Lift the hood of the truck and locate the master brake cylinder -- it is located on the firewall, opposite of where the brake pedal is in the cabin of the truck. You can identify the master brake cylinder by the brake lines that are attached to it; these brake lines run from the brake linkage through the truck´s firewall and connect the brake booster to the m...

How to Change a Brake Booster The vacuum type brake booster on your vehicle multiplies the force you apply to the brake pedal to slow or stop the car. Engine vacuum acts on a diaphragm inside the booster, pushing a rod into the master cylinder to create the necessary pressure in the brake system. This booster diaphragm may develop punctures and other related mechanical failures after years of service. A failing booster may hinder your ability to brake making necessary to change the unit. Things You'll Need Nose pliers Ratchet and socket Ratchet extension Slip joint pliers Wrench New cotter pin Removing the Old Brake Booster Park your car in a safe place with enough room to work around the front and driver side of the vehicle. Locate the booster push rod connected to the brake pedal. Remove the cotter pin securing the booster push rod pin to the brake pedal using a pair of nose pliers. Release the push rod pin from the brake pedal and sli...

How to Troubleshoot a Brake Vacuum Booster The brake booster is a power braking system provided by a vacuum and hose mechanism attached to the system. This should, in theory, assist braking; however, if it is not working properly then you may find it actually makes pressing on the brake pedal to slow or stop the car much more difficult. Naturally, it is absolutely vital to remedy this potentially dangerous issue. There are steps you can take to diagnose and fix the problems. Instructions Pump the brake several times and hold the pedal down while attempting to start the engine. If the power brake is working, it will pull the pedal down further. If the pedal does not move, you have a problem. This confirms that you need to carry out a basic troubleshooting process. Start the engine and check for vacuum in the hose. The engine should smooth out if you plug the hose end. If you don't feel the vacuum suction, the problem is a restricted vacuum port and this must be cleaned. A...

How to Check a Brake Power Booster A brake power booster is a vacuum operated device which reduces the effort needed to press the brake pedal and apply the brakes. In most cases the vacuum is created by the running engine and air is drawn from the booster through a rubber hose connected to the intake manifold. Diesel engines do not produce much vacuum and may employ a vacuum pump. High pedal effort and poor braking action indicate a problem with the booster or the vacuum system. Things You'll Need Vacuum gauge Instructions Depress the brake pedal repeatedly with the engine off. Continue to hold the brake pedal down and start the engine. The brake pedal should be pulled down slightly after the engine starts. A problem with the brake booster or the vehicle vacuum system is indicated if the pedal does not pull down slightly. Connect a vacuum gauge to the hose from the engine to the brake booster and start the engine. A reading of 16 inches or more of vacuum rules ou...

How to Bleed Calipers on a 2008 Jeep Wrangler Jeep produced the 2008 Wrangler in the X, Unlimited X, X RHD and Sahara trim levels. All of the Wrangler models were powered by a 202-horsepower, 3.8-liter, fuel-injected V-6 engine. The brake system used a vacuum booster to increase braking power while reducing effort at the pedal, and an anti-lock brake system for safety and improved traction control. Air bubbles trapped in the brake system can lead to spongy brakes and reduced braking performance, and must be purged to restore the brakes to their proper feel and performance. Things You'll Need Shop rags Mopar DOT 3 Brake Fluid, meeting SAE J1703 requirements Clear vinyl tubing Open-end wrench Clean container Assistant Instructions Wipe the top of the brake fluid reservoir with a clean shop rag to remove any road grime that could contaminate the system. Remove the reservoir cap. Add fresh brake fluid until the fluid level reaches the "Full" mark. Pour some f...

How to Fix An Exhaust Drone Exhaust drone is primarily the result of sound waves traveling through the air and vibration that is transferred through a vehicle's frame, body and components. Exhaust drone vibration may also be a result of sound frequency alignment between the engine and exhaust. When the frequencies are aligned, the result is a pressure wave between the engine and exhaust. Sound waves, transferred sound and sound frequency must be controlled to quiet the exhaust. Exhaust system modifications and the application of sound control material will reduce exhaust drone in your vehicle. Things You'll Need Resonated tip Muffler Steel weights Lead weights Ring clamps Hood liner CLD tiles Sound-blocking mats Seam tape Exhaust System Modifications Install a resonated exhaust tip on the tailpipe. Resonated tips are lined with material that damps sound waves. When exhaust gas passes through the resonated tip, the lining damps the sound produ...

How to Quiet an Exhaust System Loud exhaust systems can result in tickets in many states. They can also be an annoyance to yourself and others. Your exhaust system could be loud either because of alterations intended to increase the vehicle's performance, or because of failing equipment. Regardless of the reason, there are permanent as well as temporary ways to quiet an excessively loud exhaust system. Things You'll Need Muffler Drill Steel Wool Wire Permanent Fix Make sure the catalytic converters and the mufflers are working properly. If they become damaged or have been bored out to increase performance, they can be very loud. In most cases, the check engine light will be on if the muffler or catalytic converter are damaged or altered. Change the mufflers. On most vehicles there are four bolts which hold the muffler onto the tail pipe. If you have dual exhaust, there will be two mufflers. Glass pack mufflers tend to be very loud, but also tend to allow the be...

Do Exhaust Tips Improve Sound? Whether exhaust tips alone can change the sound of a car depends largely on the components used. Going from a 1.5-inch diameter tip to a 4-inch tip can make the exhaust note deeper but far less so than simply buying a new muffler. There are a number of factors to take into consideration, such as intended effects, budget and additional modifications. Buying Factors Though the main part of the exhaust note is determined by the mufflers, resonators, catalytic converter and pipe diameter, there are a few factors that affect sound at the tip. Tip size actually has very little to do with sound, unless you go to a much larger or smaller diameter. Smaller diameter pipe will restrict the engine, slowing the exhaust stream and decreasing engine noise, and a larger diameter tip will make the engine louder only if the original tip was a restriction. Down-turned tips, particularly those that dump underneath the car, can deepen the exhaust note by bouncing...

How to Make Your Exhaust Sound Deep on a V-6 The size of your V-6 engine is the greatest single influence on exhaust resonance. The volume of space the engine displaces determines the actual volume of the exhaust gas output which passes through the exhaust system. The muffler type, muffler design, exhaust pipe design and construction, and attached aftermarket tips will all contribute to the exhaust sound profile produced by any V-6 engine. In terms of modifications, replacing the muffler will allow for the greatest change in sound resonance, followed by the exhaust pipe design and size. Exhaust tips are typically used to amplify or dampen the exhaust sound output. Things You'll Need Muffler Exhaust pipes Exhaust tip Hacksaw Muffler Replacement Inspect the existing muffler to determine if it is a stock or performance muffler. Stock mufflers, installed and often branded by the manufacturer, commonly compromise performance to reduce sound output and costs...

How to Make My Exhaust Sound Louder A vehicle's exhaust sound is affected by four factors. The first and greatest is the engine size. The greater volume of engine displacement -- usually measured in liters or cubic inches -- the greater the exhaust output. Assuming the engine will remain the same, muffler type and construction, exhaust system piping, and exhaust-tip style may be altered or replaced to directly affect the overall sound profile of your vehicle. The replacement of exhaust system components with those designed to increase the exhaust output without sound dampening will make your exhaust sound louder. Things You'll Need Exhaust tip Muffler Exhaust pipe Instructions Replace the muffler with one designed to amplify the sound of your vehicle. Glass packs, straight-through exhausts and straight-pipe designs will significantly increase the sound output over a stock muffler. When you decide to select a new muffler type, consult a muffler shop or select a desi...

How Do I Make Exhaust Louder With a Water Hose? The roar of an engine is one of those sounds motoring enthusiasts love, and many a home hobbyist has spent ages trying to tune and retune his car to get the peak performance that comes with a highly charged engine. Others just want to take a shortcut and make their vehicle louder without the tune up. Adapting exhaust systems is the easiest way to accomplish this. If you have a glasspack muffler, one shortcut you can use is to use water to harden the sound-dampening fiberglass inside the muffler. Instructions Drive your vehicle enough to significantly heat up the exhaust system. About 30 minutes of uninterrupted highway driving should be enough to heat up your muffler enough. Leave your vehicle running so it’s sill producing exhaust, and insert a water hose in the tailpipe until it reaches the start of your glasspack. Turn the water on, and let it run for about three seconds, then remove the hose from the tailpipe. This causes a...

How Can I Make My Muffler Louder? Making your vehicle sound louder doesn't always require a custom exhaust system, which can be very expensive. You will have to buy new exhaust pipes and connect custom Flowmaster or Glasspack exhausts to the back. An easy way to make your muffler louder is to increase the main exhaust exit hole noise by enhancing the sound with a cone-shaped header and by increasing the amount of exhaust exit holes in the muffler itself. Things You'll Need Drill 1/4-inch drill bit Tape measure Allen wrench Exhaust tip header Instructions Tighten a 1/4-inch drill bit into a drill. Plug in the drill. Position yourself under the rear of your vehicle directly under the muffler. Drill 20 to 30 holes in the base of the muffler that are evenly spaced. Measure the rear exhaust hole diameter on your current muffler. Purchase an exhaust tip header that is the proper diameter; you will want to buy a tip that is cone-shaped so the exhaust sound is amp...

How to Make a Car Exhaust Louder Without Buying Anything The catalytic converter and muffler operate to dampen sounds and control vehicle emissions. Some states require that all vehicles manufactured after a certain date have both. Increasing the noise level of your exhaust on newer vehicles requires purchasing aftermarket exhaust systems. Older vehicles, such as a 1960's era truck, are grandfathered in, allowing for the use of straight piping. You can modify the exhaust on an older vehicle easily without having to buy any expensive parts. Things You'll Need Angle grinder Drill Instructions Cut the exhaust pipe with an angle grinder where the exhaust pipe meets the muffler coming out of the engine. Cut the hangers on the disconnected pipe with the angle grinder and remove the excess pipe. You will see two to three hangers connecting the pipe and the frame extending towards the rear of the vehicle. Cut all of them. Drill three holes near the ti...

How Can I Make My Stock Exhaust Sound Deeper? There was a time back in the 1980s when auto enthusiasts were all but certain that doom was on the horizon. The rise of emissions equipment, computer controls and whispers of "sealed engine bays" were believed to herald the end of hot-rodding and customization forever. But a funny thing happened on the way to the 21st century -- namely, exactly the opposite. Since the turn of the century, horsepower and hot rods have seen a rise in popularity not known since the muscle-car era. Today, engines are more powerful, cars are faster and more sophisticated, and getting just the right sound is more important than ever before. Mufflers and Cat-Backs This is the default solution for many seeking a bit more bass from their ride, and for good reason. Cat-backs are complete replacement exhaust systems that bolt onto the back of the catalytic converter, preserving emissions compliance while enhancing sound. They're often relatively ...

How to Remove an Exhaust Resonator An exhaust resonator on a car acts like a preliminary muffler. It mounts after the catalytic converter, and silences the exhaust an extra step before the muffler. Some people like this, but others prefer the sound of a vehicle with a bit more exhaust rumble. For them, one option is to remove the exhaust resonator from the system, which will make the exhaust louder in the process. This should take around an hour to do. Things You'll Need Jack Jack stands Tire iron Reciprocating saw Metal reciprocating saw blades Gloves Eye protection Hearing protection Instructions Lift the vehicle up with the jack and put it onto a set of jack stands. Make sure there is enough room underneath the vehicle for you to work with the reciprocating saw. Locate the exhaust resonator, which is mounted after the catalytic converter, and is typically just before the muffler. Put on your eye and hearing protection, as well as the gloves. Put the metal ...

What Is an Exhaust Resonator? Internal combustion engines usually make a lot of noise while they are running, and this noise can be annoying and exhaustive to your ears, especially when it is heard for a long period of time. Thus, mufflers were created to reduce the noise generated by the exhaust system. Exhaust resonators, meanwhile, further reduce the noise by making sound waves that cancel noises out. Structure A typical automotive exhaust resonator is made of a hollow steel cylindrical tube and is attached to the muffler of an exhaust system. This type of resonator is designed similar to that of an acoustic resonator, which creates an “exhaust note” that gives the exhaust noise a less annoying and more pleasant tone. The sound can be enhanced by means of adjusting the exhaust note. Function Exhaust resonators are usually add-on features in exhaust systems. They are placed together with the mufflers along the exhaust pipe and work primarily to decrease exhaust...

What Is the Function of a Muffler? Mufflers are installed on cars and motorcycles to increase airflow out the engine by dissipating exhaust gases. They are also used to suppress exhaust noises by decreasing sound levels emitted by the engine. Performance Mufflers are the last part of the exhaust system. By channeling exhaust gases, they promote better airflow in the engine, which allows for better combustion and, in turn, translates to better performance and gas mileage. Sound Suppression A muffler channels the pressure waves created by the engine valves and bounces them around a chamber, creating opposite waves. The clash of the two sets of waves annuls each one, and the emitted noise is muffled. Considerations Mufflers come in varying lengths, designs and material. Performance mufflers are designed to provide more power output rather than noise reduction. A straight muffler increases maximum airflow of exhaust by allowing gases to pass through the muffler and out the ta...

What Is the Function of the Exhaust System? An exhaust system carries waste gases and other combustion products away from an automobile engine. It allows the vehicle to operate with minimal noise, smoke and pollution transmitted to the environment. A properly maintained exhaust system is essential to the clean and efficient operation of the car. Function For the internal combustion engine that drives trucks, cars and motorcycles, the exhaust system carries waste gases away from the engine and through a system of manifolds and pipes. The exhaust system is an essential part of a vehicle engine and must be kept in good working order, otherwise engine performance and mileage will suffer. Exhaust Manifold The exhaust manifold is the first component of the exhaust system. It comprises a stainless steel, aluminum or cast-iron unit that adjoins the engine's combustion cylinders and collects exhaust gases from the combustion process. Car enthusiasts have the option of detailin...

What Are the Functions of the Brake System? A brake system is one of the most important parts of a vehicle. No matter what kind of vehicle people use, an efficient braking system will always be of utmost concern to ensure safety. Deceleration The main function of the brake system is to decelerate or decrease the speed of a vehicle. By stepping on the brake pedal, the brake pads compress against the rotor attached to the wheel, which then forces the vehicle to slow down due to friction. Absorption A brake system absorbs the kinetic energy of the vehicle mechanically or electrically in order to decrease its speed. In mechanical brakes, friction converts the kinetic energy into heat. In electric brakes, an electric current forces a magnet to apply the brakes. Brake Booster Vehicles have power brake boosters in order to boost or enhance the pressure applied in the brake pedal. They minimize the pressure needed from the driver to decelerate or stop the vehicle. Antilock Brake...

What Is a Split Braking System? The simplest way to describe a split braking system is to visualize that the pressure to the brakes are applied to the wheels on separate lines carrying a special hydraulic fluid. This is done for several reasons, safety among them. There are two basic types of split braking systems. One is a front and rear split system. The second is called a diagonal split braking system. There are different reasons for both, though they share the common goal of straight-line braking. A Primer Since braking systems work based on hydraulic fluid that runs through lines that apply pressure to braking cylinders in the wheels, a brake line failure may prove catastrophic. If the line leaks or breaks for any reason, pressure is lost. Without pressure when the brake pedal is applied, the braking cylinders in the wheels couldn't apply the force needed to stop the wheels from spinning and, in turn, not stop the vehicle. This applies to both systems. Double Bac...

Safety Precautions When Handling Brake Fluid Like commercial aircraft landing gear, backhoe buckets and racing jacks, your vehicle’s brakes are driven by a powerful liquid-based system. This pressurized, sealed system uses the muscle pressure of a hydraulic medium to slow your vehicle when you press the brake pedal. Brake fluid, regulated by the Department of Transportation, is hazardous and must be handled with care. Glycol-based Brake Fluid DOT-3, DOT-4 and DOT-5.1 glycol-based brake fluid has several hazardous properties. Ingestion is a major concern and may cause liver or kidney failure, and affect lung and central nervous system function. Although it has low volatility, inhalation of large quantities of glycol-based brake fluid mist, fumes or vapor may cause cough, nausea, vomiting, convulsions, or even death. It is an eye irritant and can be absorbed through the skin. Spilled glycol-based brake fluid is slippery and may cause falls. Silicone-based Brake Fluid Silicone-b...