Articles by 4DIYers
25/05/18
Impact wrench: https://mobiledistributorsupply.com/24662-oemtools-24662-20v-max-lithium-ion-1-2-in-drive-cordless-impact-wrench-oem.html
20/04/18
Video tutorial on how to replace the spark plugs on a Volvo 2.5L straight 5 cylinder turbo’d engine. This car I am working with here is a 2007 Volvo C30 T5, but this same engine was also used on the S40, V50, and C70 Volvo models, as well as some Ford models. A similar procedure can most likely be used on other Volvo models too. Typically worn spark plugs can cause poor performance, poor fuel economy, delayed throttle response, poor idling, flat spots along the rpm range, misfire, and poor emissions.
07/04/18
Video tutorial on how to disassemble and replace the battery on this model of Volvo key fob. This particular key fob is from a 2007 Volvo C30. Typically a low a low battery, the keyless entry will not work from far away and you will also have a warning message on the gauge cluster stating that the remote battery is low. If the battery is completely dead, the key fob will not work. Reprogramming the fob is not required after the battery replacement, however this may vary if the fob was not an original factory one and added later.
23/03/18
Video tutorial on how to remove the center caps on BMW Style 5s or also know as BBS RC090. Someone had requested this video quite a while ago, so I had a little time to throw this together. These are quite easy to remove, do no use a screwdriver which I have seen some use in the past. Prying at the caps will chew up the edges, chip the paint, and even crack the caps. BMW has a center cap removal tool attachment in the trunk which is normally found in a foam block. This is normally in the spare tire well, either above or below the spare wheel.
16/03/18
Video tutorial on how to change the oil on a BMW M62. This particular vehicle I am working with here today is a 1997 BMW 540i E39 equipped with the 4.4L V8. This same engine can be found on the BMW E31, E38, and E53 models. A similar procedure can also be applied to the older M60 V8 which was found on E31, E32, E34, and E38 models. BMW’s recommended oil change interval is up to 25,000km or 15,000 miles, but refer to your owner’s manual as this may vary between vehicles. Personally I change the oil every 10,000km or just over 6000 miles.
09/02/18
Video tutorial on how to change the oil on a BMW M30. This particular vehicle I am working with here today is a 1984 BMW 733i e23 body style equipped with a 3.2L inline 6. The M30 can also be found on the E24, E28, E32, and E34 vehicles. Oil weights will vary depending on where you’re located, the owner’s manual does have a good chart for helping pick the correct oil weight. Total oil required for this engine is 6.1 US quartz, 5.75 litres, or 10.1 pints.
10/11/17
Video tutorial on how to remove the rear window shelf on a BMW E39. A similar procedure may apply to other BMW models as well. For this I am using a 1997 BMW 540i which doesn’t have fold down rear seats so there is slightly more work involved. Be sure to stay tuned for the restoration process of this panel. I will be repairing the faded fabric but to it’s original black color.
03/11/17
Video tutorial on how to remove the rear seat in a BMW E39. As always, if you’re not a subscriber, then be sure to hit that subscribe button. If you have enjoyed this video, don’t forget to give me a thumbs up. This particular car I am working with is a 1997 BMW 540i sedan with non fold down rear seats. So if you do have rear fold down seats, the procedure is different.
30/10/17
Video tutorial on how to replace the driveshaft flex disc and center support bearing on a BMW E39. For this video I am using a 1997 BMW 540i. This car is a manual with M sport suspension, so there maybe slight differences with an automatic and ground clearance will definitely be tighter due to the lowered suspension. My car has about 260,000km so it’s hard to say if these flex disc or center support bearing has ever been replaced. A faulty center support bearing can failing in two ways, either the bearing being worn out or the rubber damper eventually wearing out.
06/10/17
Video tutorial on how to troubleshoot a faulty driveshaft flex disc. For this particular video, I will be using my 1997 BMW 540i. A flex disc, also known as a guibo is a rubber damper between the transmission flange and driveshaft flange which allows for a smoother driving experience. It dampens take offs, accelerations, changes between gears, and when you remove your foot off the throttle. As you can see this is the rubber flex disc. Over time with age the rubber will eventually deteriorate causing a failure.
18/09/17
Video tutorial on how to solder wire with a mini torch. So considering I am wiring a heavier wire, 12 gage, my soldering iron is isn’t powerful enough to work with this wire. It will eventually heat it up with patience and time, but it takes far too long. For this I am using a small handheld torch which operates off butane which can go up to 1300C or 2400F. This is a great work for working with heavier gage wire or working in areas where you may not be able to use an electric soldering iron. It’s important to work in a well ventilated area and wear safety glasses when soldering.
03/09/17
Video tutorial on how to how to check the level in a lever style grease gun. This may seem like a simple check, but I’ve came across quite a few people who were unsure how to check the level in this style of grease gun. There is no need to take the grease gun apart as that’s added work and can be messy. The plunger on the bottom of the cylinder is actually used to check the grease that is left. The plunger is actually submerged into the grease when pushed in all the way. Simply pull out the plunger until it stops.
11/08/17
Video tutorial on how to adjust the valves on a BMW M30, along with crush washer replacement which is towards the end of the video. Out of adjustment will cause engine ticking, poor performance, poor throttle response, idling issues, and poor fuel economy. This particular vehicle I am working with here today is a 1984 BMW 733i, equipped with a 3.2L inline 6 cylinder. A similar procedure may apply to other BMW engines of this generation as well. Disassembly procedure may vary between vehicles, as I know this engine was found in the 5 and 6 series as well.
02/06/17
Video tutorial on how to replace the front wheel bearing on a BMW E39. A faulty wheel bearing normally makes a grinding or howling noise when driving down the road. However before it came to that point I managed to catch the problem just by rotating the bearing by hand and will show you once it’s been removed. Beyond being heard, this can also be felt by hand too. It will have somewhat of a grinding feel, not smooth or stiff turning compared to what a new bearing should feel like. This particular vehicle I am working with here today is a 1997 BMW 540i.
19/11/16
Video tutorial on how to bleed your brakes with a vacuum pump. If you’ve replaced a wheel cylinder, caliper, flex lines, brake lines, master cylinder, or any other brake components associated with brake fluid, you will need to bleed the air from the brake system. Other times if your brake pedal feels spongy, air could possibly be present in the lines and will need to be bleed. This applies to both disk and drum brakes. For this example I will be using disk brakes. When working with brake fluid, DO NOT allow it to come in contact with the paint.
12/09/16
Video tutorial on how to clean the commutator of an armature for a motor. Having a dirty commutator can cause a poor connection between the brushes resulting in the motor not functioning correctly. If you are also replacing the brushes of a motor, it is also important to clean the commutator before usage again.
09/09/16
Video tutorial on how to set the clock in a Ford Ranger. This video was requested by a viewer, so thank you for that. Unfortunately they didn’t have the vehicle’s owners manual so luckily I have access to the one for this video. The radio found in this truck is found throughout various years of Rangers along with other Ford and Mazda models. The procedure unfortunately is not outlines in the main owner’s manual but in the audio manual instead. It’s found on the pages 20 to 21 and it’s a fairly simple process. This particular vehicle shown in the video is a 1998 Ford Ranger.
05/03/16
Video review on a Ratcheting Terminal Crimp Tool with Dies made by Mac Tools. The part number is TCT747-KIT. It is able to manually crimp to factory specifications and features a precision full cycle ratchet for accurate repeatable crimps. Included in the kit is 6 dies for insulated 22-10 AWG, non insulated 22-10 AWG, non insulated 22-8 AWG, RG58, RG59/62, BNC/TNC, RG59, RG6, CATV F-Type, and Cord End Terminal 22-10 AWG. It has an RL warranty code which means it is a limited lifetime replacement warranty. The product is $124.99 plus tax on their website.
19/01/16
Video tutorial on how to replace the spark plugs and wires on a Ford or Mazda 2.5L 4 cylinder twin/dual spark engine. This tutorial does no require having to remove the air plenum to gain access to the spark plugs. The replacement does involve a little more patience, but it she cheaper route in the end. This procedure possibly applies to other variations of this engine or vehicles as well. This particular vehicle I am working with is a 1998 Ford Ranger.
01/01/16
Video tutorial on how to repair cracked plastic trim. A similar procedure can be used on a plastic bumper as well and I will be producing that video in the future. This procedure can be used to repair existing damaged trim or make custom trim. This can be applied to a variety of plastics found on both the exterior and interior of a vehicle, but isn’t just limited to automotive applications either.
28/11/15
Video tutorial on how to replace the butyl tape on your vehicles door. Butyl tape is a non hardening sealant which seals and holds on your door’s vapour barrier into place. Over time dust or dirt can become imbedded into the surface either from age or constantly removing the vapour barrier. The vapour carrier then no longer holds into place. With this scenario here I am working with a 1997 BMW 540i E39 body style and instead of a plastic vapour barrier which is found on most vehicles, this is equipped with a foam panel barrier.
24/11/15
Video tutorial on how to custom paint a vehicle’s keyless remote or key fob case. This is a great way to make your remote stand out, match your vehicle’s color, or even just refinish the stock color. Some procedure on taping off the surface or disassemble will slightly vary. I do recommend using a two stage painting process with a base coat of color, then a clear coat because this is an item which gets thrown in your pocket with keys, chains or dropped and is handled everyday. So this will ensure maximum durability using a two stage paint process as opposed to a single stage process.