CV Joint vs. Ball Joint: Are They the Same Thing?
No a CV joint and a ball joint are not the same part and they don’t do the same job A CV joint is a drivetrain component that transmits rotational power from the transmission or differential to the wheel while allowing the axle to operate at a changing angle A ball joint…
What Is a Clevis? Structure, Types, and Common Uses
A clevis is a U shaped mechanical connector with a hole through each of its two prongs A clevis pin passes through both holes and usually through a matching hole in whatever part sits between the prongs letting the connection pivot around the pin’s axis while still carrying load It’s a fastener…
Clevis vs. Shackle: What’s the Actual Difference?
They’re not two unrelated fasteners a shackle is actually a type of clevis built and rated specifically for lifting and rigging Every shackle uses a clevis style U shaped body with a pin but not every clevis is rated or designed to be a shackle The real question isn’t which one is…
What Are the Two Types of Clevises? (It Depends Which “Two” You Mean)
If the question is about a clevis hanger specifically the answer is well documented a clevis hanger is built from two clevises a standard U shaped clevis and a V shaped clevis joined by a pin But clevis as a whole isn’t a two type category it’s a family of four recognized…
How to Measure a Shock Absorber (Extended, Compressed, and Stroke Length)
Measuring a shock absorber means recording three numbers extended length fully open compressed length fully closed and stroke the difference between them the usable travel Where you take those measurements from depends on the mounting style at each end and getting that reference point wrong is the single most common source of…
How Much Does It Cost to Replace a Rack and Pinion? (Parts, Labor, and What Drives the Price)
A full rack and pinion replacement typically costs 700 to 2 800 in the U S parts and labor combined with most jobs landing in the 1 000 2 000 range The spread is wide because it depends heavily on three things whether your vehicle uses a hydraulic or electric power steering…
Why Is DOM Tubing So Expensive, and Is It Actually Stronger Than Regular Tubing?
DOM tubing costs more than standard ERW electric resistance welded tubing because it’s ERW tubing plus an entire second manufacturing stage cold drawing through a die and over a mandrel with tooling lubrication and inspection all added on top of the original weld And yes it’s generally stronger than as welded tubing…
What Thickness or Size of DOM Tubing Do You Need? (Roll Cage OD/Wall/ID Guide)
Roll cage tubing is specified by outside diameter OD and wall thickness never by inside diameter directly Most builds land somewhere between 1 5 and 2 0 OD with a wall thickness of 0 083 0 120 and where exactly you land depends on vehicle weight and which sanctioning body’s rulebook you’re…
Drive Belt vs. Timing Belt: What’s the Real Difference?
A drive belt also called a serpentine belt or accessory belt and a timing belt are both rubber belts in a car’s engine but they’re not the same part and they don’t do the same job The drive belt sits on the outside of the engine and uses friction to power accessories…
Is a Drive Belt the Same as a Timing Belt?
No A drive belt and a timing belt are different parts that do different jobs in the same engine The drive belt also called a serpentine belt sits outside the engine and uses friction to power accessories like the alternator A C compressor and power steering pump The timing belt is hidden…
How to Measure a Drive Belt
To measure a drive belt you need three things its length outside circumference or effective length its cross section top width and thickness and for toothed belts tooth pitch and tooth count Which method you use depends on whether the old belt is still in one piece broken or missing entirely Get…
How to Size a Drive Belt
Sizing a drive belt means finding the correct replacement when you don’t already have a known good belt’s exact dimensions in hand as opposed to simply measuring a belt you’re holding see How to Measure a Drive Belt if that’s your situation There are four starting points and which one applies determines…