NSK’s L-PPS bearings solve heat-induced failures problems

NSK's L-PPS bearing cage technology has improved long-term performance and cost for an unnamed manufacturer of screw compressors in the refrigerant sector, according to the company. 

 The bearings manufacturer says its client was receiving "frequent complaints" due to compressor failures, resulting from damage to bearings operating continuously at temperatures above 70C.

It's an increasingly common problem in an industry demanding ever increasing trouble-free life and longer intervals between overhauls for compressors.
In addition to the greater load carrying capacity and improved lubrication capability demanded from bearings in such compressors, other requirements are excellent thermal and chemical stability.

NSK says brass or polyamide bearing had been designed in, but that the brass cages were exhibiting stress corrosion cracking, while the operation of the polyamide cages was impaired by lubricant at high operating temperatures.

After examining the failed bearings, NSK recommended bearings with cages made from L-PPS (linear polyphenylene sulphide), a glass fibre reinforced plastic designed for use at up to 190C, developed by NSK.

Following the introduction of the new bearings, complaints of failed bearings ceased.
NSK says that although developed for compressor bearing applications, the advantages of bearings employing L-PPS plastic cages are applicable in other applications where high temperature and/or special conditions exist.

Additional benefits claimed for the material are that its strength and chemical stability change little, even when used with compressor oil, refrigerator oil or ammonia gas.

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How to Hook up Hydraulics

Hydraulic systems use a liquid under pressure to perform work. Designing and building a hydraulic system requires some mechanical knowledge and specialised components, but the results can allow a machine to do jobs it would be difficult to do otherwise.

1. Understand how a hydraulic system works. There are basically four elements to the system, as well as possibly many smaller associated components for specialised purposes. Here are the basic four and a brief description of each. 

• Fluid Resevoir. This is a tank or other container that holds the fluid to supply the rest of the system.
• Fluid Circuit. These are the pipes or hoses which transfer the fluid from one element of the system to another.
• Hydraulic Pump. This device pushes hydraulic fluid through the circuit and provides the energy for the system to do its job.
• Hydraulic motor or cylinder. This is the component that causes something to move, driven by the power of the hydraulic pump.
  • Subcomponents that manipulate or regulate the fluid as it does its job include various valves which allow excess fluid to bypass the hydraulic motor or cylinder, control valves or valve spools, regulators, accumulators, pressure switches, and pressure gauges.
   

2. Determine what type of power source your hydraulic system will require. This can be an electric motor, and internal combustion engine, steam, wind, or water power. The main requirement is that the means for supplying the system with energy is that it is available and can generate sufficient torque for the purpose it is intended.

3. Look at some simple, everyday hydraulic systems to help you become familiar with their function. A hydraulic jack can allow a small person to lift 20 tons of weight or more. A power steering system on a car can reduce the force required to steer it considerably, and a hydraulic log splitter can force a steel wedge through even the toughest wood.

4. Plan your hydraulic system project with the design parameters you will require. You will need to decide what type of power you will use for generating pressure for the system to do the work, what type of control valves, if any, what type of pump you will use, and what type of tubing you will pipe/plumb your system with. You will have to choose a power delivery system to accomplish the task you are building your system for, an example would be using a hydraulic cylinder to split a log, or lift a heavy weight.

5. Determine the amount of work your system will do to allow you to size the components correctly. A large capacity system will need a pump rated at a high volume, measured in volume per minute, such as GPM, or gallons per minute, and pressure, measure in weight per unit of area, such as PSI, or pounds per square inch. This being said, and typical hydraulic pump may deliver 0.65 GPM at 2200 PSI. The same applies to the hydraulic engine or cylinder you will use to drive, or operate your machine. An example is a cylinder that lifts a set of forks on a forklift. It requires "X" gallons of oil at "Y" pressure to lift "___" pounds, "___" feet in the air.

6. Choose the appropriate container for your hydraulic fluid resevoir. A steel or plastic tank that can have leak proof fittings attached to it to connect hoses or pipes will work. Remember, the resevoir is not pressurized when the system is operational, but you will need to vent it if you pipe excess fluid directly back to it through a bypass valve or other device.

7. Pick a suitable material to plumb up your hydraulic circuit. Reinforced rubber hoses with o-ring seals or flared fittings may be the easiest to route on your machine, but high-tensile steel tubing is more durable and requires less maintenance over time.

8. Find a suitable valve system for your task. A simple On/Off fluid valve will function as a control valve if it is rated for the operating pressure of your system, but for complicated functions, you will be better off with a variable flow valve spool, which can regulate the flow, and in some instances, the direction of flow in a hydraulic circuit.

9. Select the type of and capacity of your hydraulic pump. There are essentially two types of hydraulic pumps, a generator type, which forces oil between two or more meshed gears in a sealed housing, or a roller type, which operates with a number of cylindrical rollers configured around a cam in a sealed housing. They each have advantages and disadvantages, so choosing one that performs to your machine's requirements is up to you.

10. Pair up a suitable motor to your pump. Pumps may operate off of a direct-drive shaft, a reduction gear drive, a chain and sprocket drive, or a belt drive. Obviously each is more suitable in specific applications, and the choice depends on individual design criteria.

11. Hook up your power application component. For simply moving an arm or lever on a machine, a hydraulic cylinder is your most likely choice. This device is a steel tube with a piston/rod assembly inside of it, sealed to prevent oil from escaping. There are a number of types of cylinders in many different sizes, so again, selection depends on the specific design requirements of the project. Another device that uses the hydraulic power supplied by the pump is a hydraulic motor, seen used on winches and ground drive wheels on some types of aerial equipment, as well as manufacturing equipment like metal forming rollers.

12. Build a support frame that will position each component in a position where it will perform it's task. This can be done on a flat surface, a metal framework, or even in multiple framed, remote function elements. An example would be having a pump, resevoir, and valve assembly on one platform, and having the hydraulic cylinder and support assembly in another location, as is found on hydraulic elevators in 2 to 4 story (or even higher) buildings.

13. Fill the system with the hydraulic fluid you choose, bleed the air out of it, then pressurize it to check for leaks. Now it should be ready to operate it to assess the function of the components. Without specific design criteria and engineering, it is likely you will need to tweak the finished product to optimize its operation.

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Benefits Of Buying Hydraulic Exercise Equipment

Hydraulic exercise equipment are emerging as popular choices in most fitness centers nowadays, and in fact, they are adding to the swanky feel of the place. Even clients are preferring fitness centers with exercise such, without actually knowing what they mean - that is the extent to which these exercise systems have become popular. If you are contemplating on starting a health center, you must certainly be thinking of using hydraulic equipment in your place.

How do Hydraulic Exercise Equipment Work?

It is quite important to understand the mechanics of the hydraulic exercise equipment before making an investment in them. The principle of the hydraulic machines is actually quite simple - it is no more than school level physics. When pressure is applied on one part of a liquid, the liquid transmits the pressure equally to its own entire volume. Now if you set up a release point in this liquid, then the pressure is obtained maximum at this release point. If the liquid is incompressible, then the pressure is completely carried over the point of release.

Consider a pipe filled with oil. This pipe has an inlet and an outlet, both fitted with pistons. Now if you press the inlet piston downwards, you can be sure that the outlet piston will be pushed upwards. This is true the other way round also. What has happened is that the pressure has got carried over from the inlet piston to the outlet piston.

You can make variations in this to get as much pressure as you want. If you use a small inlet and a large outlet, then you will have to push the inlet piston more, but get a smaller displacement on the outlet side. Contrarily, if you use a big inlet and a small outlet, then even if you push the inlet piston by a small amount, you get a large displacement on the outlet piston. This concept is fundamentally important to understand why this type of equipment is better than the others.

Benefits of Hydraulic Exercise Equipment

Let us carry on with the last point above. If you use a big sized inlet piston and a large sized outlet piston, you have to exert a smaller force to get a relatively larger output. This is what many hydraulic exercise equipment do. You have to only apply a little pressure, but it will exert a greater pressure on you. This pressure is carried on to your muscles and greater benefits are felt. If you have understood the explanation well, you will also understand that people working with hydraulic exercise equipment do not tire as easily as they do on traditional machines. With just a little exertion, they get a better workout for their muscles. That is the reason they do not have to exert their bodies quite as much. The result - people can exercise for longer periods of time without feeling pooped out soon.

Then there is the sheer advantage of working out just as much as you want. An important point to note is - the hydraulic exercise equipment will not exert any pressure if the users do not apply pressure on it first. It is not an electrically operated equipment that will go on working whether you are willing or not. With hydraulic machines, the users control the movements. As a result, people on these machines do not get stressed. During their exercise sessions, they can take breaks with the machine whenever they want. As an analogy, consider riding a bicycle. It will not move unless you pedal it. That is the same way with hydraulic exercise equipment. They will work only with your inputs.

As a final clincher, let me tell you that these machines look sleeker and are lighter in weight compared to other traditional machines too. Since they use oil as the hydraulic medium, and not springs and other such devices, they creak a lot less, they do not wear out soon, and they are sturdy. Their higher price is quite compensated by their appearance and utility.

Moreover, hydraulic exercise equipment are the preferred choices of exercisers nowadays. It does make good sense to understand these machines fully well and then consider equipping your fitness center with them.

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How to Choose Luxury Vehicles

Are you searching for an extravagance vehicle? You need to know how to locate 1 through studying upon versions, manufacturers, costs as well as functions. Simultaneously, you should get aquainted using the most recent designs within luxurious automobiles, options open to you, as well as aggressive models. You need to think about renting choices because towards creating a immediate buy. Obviously, the actual monetary elements will be based completely in your designed spending budget as well as feasible refunds. At this time, you need to begin looking close to for that producer or even seller who are able to provide the greatest offer in order to clients.
Exactly what ought to be your own very first actions?
• Consider the state-of-the-art inner functions as well as regulates. You need to request the actual seller to describe the actual features of every as well as program associated with procedures at length. This isn’t simply regular vehicle therefore ensure that you realize the actual instructions pointed out within the guide totally.

• Understand the actual motor. Most of luxurious vehicles possess high-performance motors. Nevertheless, the actual elements can be very complex therefore seek advice from a specialist who are able to navigate a person along with each and every small fine detail.
• This really is whenever you ought to concentrate on the actual exterior look. Luxurious vehicles appear glossy as well as stylish. These types of happen to be produced mainly with regard to elegance, pace, outstanding overall performance as well as luxurious comfort and ease. This kind of automobiles isn’t intended for performance as well as comfort on it’s own.
• Purchasing a luxurious automobile indicates you want greater confidence as well as acknowledgement within interpersonal groups. These types of vehicles tend to be meant for the actual wealthy as well as well-known personas within culture. Whenever you generate an extravagance car before the industrial business, you’ll certainly obtain the jerk of individuals close to.
• The posh vehicle ought to be designed with advanced security equipment for example traction force as well as balance systems, anti-lock braking system techniques as well as contemporary atmosphere totes. It’s also wise to search for adjustable pedals, distinctive mind assistance, telescoping guiding tires, as well as caution systems with regard to fatigue stress.
• Costly automobiles possess expensive add-ons as well as beautiful upholstery. You are able to evaluate the actual inside of the vehicle towards the most contemporary, five-star resort. Therefore, you need to anticipate lying child car seats, cooled down storage space containers, self-parking settings, collision-warning gadget, as well as suspensions which have automated realignment.
• The posh vehicle offers all of the modern technologies when it comes to sound as well as movie amusement techniques, devices, digital cameras, contemporary GPS NAVIGATION monitoring gear, Wireless bluetooth technologies as well as ipod device online connectivity.
• The actual guarantee amount of luxurious models ought to lengthen in order to no less than 4 many years or even 50, 000 kilometers when compared to brief guarantee conditions associated with regular automobiles.

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Best Dump Truck Manufacturers

Dump trucks are big trucks used for carrying loose materials like sand, ore, gravel, etc from one place to the other. This is a standard requirement on mining and construction sites. These trucks come in various sizes and classes such as standard, articulated, transfer, off-road haul and trailer dump trucks. Each of these are used for different purposes in the construction, mining, and manufacturing industry. In order to choose the best truck, you need to first sort out the best manufacturers. The section below in this article will help you in doing so.

List of Best Dump Truck Manufacturers

Volvo Construction Equipment
Volvo Construction Equipment is an operating arm of the Swedish giant 'AB Volvo', which focuses on fulfilling demands of the construction industry. Currently, there are seven dump truck models offered in the F-Series category, which are further classified into other types. Surprisingly, this brand serves over 200 countries with its products. They also have a huge lineup of hydraulic diggers, wheel loaders, backhoe loaders, and other construction machines.

Scania
Another Swedish company in dump truck production is 'Scania'. It is a major European producer of heavy trucks and buses that serves the worldwide market. Started in 1891, it has manufacturing branches in countries such as France, Netherlands, Argentina, Russia, and many others. It operates under the German group 'Volkswagen AG'. Scania construction trucks are believed to be reliable as well as safe in the toughest working conditions.

Freightliner Trucks
This is an American brand which functions under the ownership of Daimler AG, a German auto group. Well-known haulers from the brand consist of 114SD, FLD SD and Coronado SD. Dumpers from this marque are famous for their power, fuel economy, and muscular design. Apart from the Freightliner brand, Daimler AG also manufacturers all kinds of trucks from the Mercedes-Benz brand. This company has been in operation since 1942.

Hitachi Construction Machinery
Hitachi is also a world known name in the field of construction equipment. It has a wide range of equipment that cater to all construction needs. It is primarily noted for articulated to rigid dump trucks. Products from this brand are majorly used in European and Asian construction markets. Other equipment include excavators, wheel loaders, cranes, mounted crushers, and several different machines commonly required in construction purposes.

Kenworth
This brand is a subsidiary of PACCAR, one of the top manufacturers of heavy-duty trucks. This American company has been serving the construction industry since 1923. Along with producing factory trucks, the brand also manufactures customized trucks as per buyers' needs. This brand has a large customer base in the USA, Canada, Mexico and Australia. Some of the best dump truck models available currently are T660, T440, and C500.

Caterpillar
In America, Caterpillar is believed to be the best brand when it comes to construction equipment. It has a variety of solutions for all construction needs, which is why it is directly compared to Hitachi. The brand offers articulated, mining, off-highway trucks in the dump truck category. All of these machines come in the trademarked yellow color. Caterpillar trucks are incorporated with the latest technologies to meet emission and safety standards.

Tata Motors
Tata Motors is a major supplier of construction equipment in India as well as abroad. This brand manufactures durable and fuel-efficient trucks, which are suitable for construction projects carried out on a medium-scale. Hauling trucks from the Tipper range of Tata Motors are available at a very low price as compared to other manufacturers. This Indian brand is believed to be the world's fourth largest truck manufacturer of commercial vehicles.

Komatsu
Komatsu surely deserves to be one of the best brands in dump trucks. It has a lineup of articulated, electric and mechanical dump trucks. These trucks are appropriate for construction projects of all types, be it small or big. The Komatsu America Corp's business of providing construction and mining equipment started in 1970. The company claims to have incorporated innovative technology and human engineering efforts in their machines.

Since purchasing a dump truck is a crucial decision for any dump truck agency, it should be backed up by an exhaustive research regarding the models, price, and features. All of these brands have reliable equipment, which makes choosing the most suitable option a bit difficult. For complete information about the price and features of these loaded carriers, it is suggested to visit the company website and wherever possible, the dealership.

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How to Change a Power Steering Pump

This is the era of swank new cars and extremely efficient engines. Hydraulic power steering, amazing tire suspension and overall a great driving experience is the order of the day. Hydraulic power steering amongst other things have made a lot of difference to the way cars are driven. So how does a power steering work and what are its components? Let's check out.

Well, hydraulic power steering is a hydraulic steering system, which reduces the steering effort on cars by exerting a hydraulic pressure, helping in turning of the wheels. This mechanism consists of a steer torque detector, controlled pressure distributor case, hydraulic booster pump, tank with a working liquid and connection hoses. Now, if the pump has developed a defect and is not working properly, the safety and security of the driver is hampered. Then, to ensure that the car is in a perfect condition, you would need to change the pump. That will be a part of the trouble shooting.

Changing The Power Steering Pump

The first thing you do is loosen the car engine drive belt and let the belt slip over the power steering pump pulley. For sucking as much as power steering fluid, use a suction pump. Disconnect the lines and fluid return hose, after placing the drain pan beneath the pump. Drain the fluid and other things totally. There could be a need to remove the air cleaner housing for reaching to the return hose.
For preventing the leakage, block the ends of all the lines. Detach the electric power steering pump from the engine by removing the mounting fasteners. Make sure that you pull it totally free from the car and inspect it to see if there is any glitch.
Now check out and measure how far is the protrusion of the pump shaft from the face of the pulley hub. That is, if the removal of the pulley is necessary for the access to the pump, which is the case with some engines.
This set up requires to be installed again in appropriate positioning, once the new pump is installed.
Now implementing the reverse removal procedure, replace power steering pump. Ensure all the fasteners are fitted properly. Now let the power steering system bleed for a few moments. Now bleeding here refers to letting out the excess air in the system and fill the appropriate liquid. Check out the repair manual for that and if there are any other issues.

Now in this context, there is also something called power steering pump rebuild, which can help you with the power steering and allied things further. This was a very generic description. Now, for example, if you have a Ford F 150, then let's see how to replace power steering pump.

Changing the Power Steering Pump in Ford F 150

Now first thing, is the same as mentioned previously, that is, draining out the power steering fluid from the pump and collect it in the container. In this car, the pump is on the driver's side of the engine. From the back of the power steering pump, remove both input and output hoses. Attach both the hoses using a nut, located at the end of each hose.
Wrench the nuts loose and pull the hoses away from the pump allowing the fluid to drain in the container.
For the pump belt to slacken, loosen the pump's adjustment bolt using a wrench. Now, lift the belt away from the power steering pump pulley. Then, where the pump meets the mounting bracket, at the bottom of the pump, you would find the adjustment bolt there.
Get the pump out of the engine compartment by removing the retaining bolts of the pumps with a wrench.
Position the replacement pump in the appropriate position and then reinstall the retaining bolts, through the mounting bracket. However, do not tighten the bolts as soon as you do this.
Again install the 2 hoses removed earlier to the back of the pump and place the pump of the belt above the pulley in front of the pump.
Follow that up with pulling the pump away from the engine for tightening the tension on the belt. Now tighten the pump's retaining bolts.
Finally, you are almost done. The last thing you do is fill the power steering pump with power steering fluid. That has to be around ½ inch of the top part. Start the engine and bleed the air out of the steering system by turning the wheel alternatively to right and left. Turning off the engine, check the fluid level of the pump and add more, if you feel it is not enough.

So that's it. It is not as easy as the written description seems to be, but it is not very difficult either. Good luck.

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Hydraulic Hybrid Vehicles

The hydraulic hybrid technology has become the talk of the town of late, with vehicles purely based on this technology being pitched as the vehicles of the future. It is one of the most inexpensive and environment friendly power utilization method, and hence appreciated by the whole world.

Hydraulic Hybrid Technology

The hydraulic hybrid technology is a hybrid system which uses pressurized fluid as an alternative source of power to the engine. Unlike the electrical hybrid system, it doesn't require a battery, and therefore keeps the environment free from toxic chemicals which are used in the electrical hybrid system. The hydraulic hybrid system is made up of four components.

The working fluid
The reservoir
The pump or motor
The accumulator

The pump or motor installed in the system extracts kinetic energy during braking. This in turn pumps the working fluid from the reservoir to the accumulator, which eventually gets pressurized. The pressurized working fluid then provides energy to the pump or motor to power the vehicle when it accelerates. There are two types of hydraulic hybrid systems:-

Parallel hydraulic hybrid system wherein the pump is connected to the drive-shafts through a transmission box.
Series hydraulic hybrid system wherein the pump is directly connected to the drive-shaft.

Hydraulic Hybrid Vehicles

A hybrid vehicle is a vehicle that uses more than one source of power for functioning or movement. In some of these cars, fluid (hydraulic technology) is used as an additional source of power along with diesel or gas - these are referred to as hydraulic hybrid vehicles. This technology seems to be an apt replacement for battery technology which is relatively expensive, bulky and hazardous for the environment. Owing to its advantages, this technology has lately been utilized as an alternative power source for vehicles. In these vehicles, the energy is stored in high pressure hydraulic accumulators, which are generally charged in excess of 3000 psi. An ideal accumulator is required to possess the density of approximately 500 KW/kg.

In hydraulic hybrid vehicles, the engine of the car, run by diesel or gas, powers the hydraulic pump, which eventually charges the high pressure accumulator. This accumulator drives one or more pump motors which are connected to the wheels. Based on the design, there can be a single pump motor to drive a pair of wheels or one pump motor for each wheel (mostly seen in all wheel drive version). The hydraulic circuit is completed by the second accumulator, which has relatively low pressure.

Researchers have started to evaluate the feasibility of using hybrid hydraulic technology in smaller vehicles. The United States Environmental Protection Agency has been working on such a concept involving the designing and testing of hydraulic hybrid vehicles. A hydraulically driven UPS truck was showcased at the International Fluid Power Exposition in Las Vegas, stressing the need for utilizing the alternative source of power, the fluid power.

Some hydraulic hybrid designs, such as full-series hybrid, are still in prototype stage. Allowing full-series hybrids to capture braking losses, and permitting engine-off operations for significant periods can enhance its capacity. Though hybrid hydraulic technology has made decent development in various aspects, it still has to pass some more tests in order to make it feasible for high volume production in the automobile industry. Introducing these systems will definitely help to completely eliminate mechanical transmission, and thus help the economy as well as the environment.

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How Do Hydraulic Pumps Work?

What exactly does a hydraulic pump do? You clearly know what it is, else you wouldn’t be here. Every hydraulic system has to have some sort of pump, or all it would do is just sit there. But what exactly does it do, and how do hydraulic pumps work?
A hydraulic pump creates flow in a hydraulic system. It’s commonly mistaken that the pump creates the pressure in a system, but pressure is really just a by product of having flow (usually measured in gallons per minute). The pump simply generates flow, and the size & speed of the pump determines how much fluid it can move. If a pump is moving fluid through an open system with no resistance, there would be no pressure, but pressure is created when a load is introduced. If you are familiar with electrical systems, there are a lot of parallels to hydraulics. Flow (GPM) would be similar to voltage, while pressure (PSI) would be the equivalent of amperage.

Types of Hydraulic Pumps

There are several different types of hydraulic pumps, mainly gear pumps, vane pumps, piston pumps and hand pumps. Each type uses a different method to deliver the same effect but are typically used for different applications, as they have different attributes.

Gear Pumps

Gear pumps are the most common & versatile of all types, typically having the widest range of uses and are economical & efficient. They work by meshing 2 gears together which creates flow by causing lower pressure on one side. I would compare a gear pump to the good old combustion engine. Maybe a little noisy & may have a bit more vibration, but reliable, efficient and easy to maintain.

Vane Pumps

 Vane pumps use a series of “fins” or vanes to create flow. The fluid is swept around a crescent-shaped housing cavity and flow is created by the difference in volume by the variation in the housing. Vane pumps are typically smoother & quieter than gear pumps, so they commonly work well in industrial systems and hydraulic units that will be used indoors. They have no metal-to-metal contact & self-compensate for wear, since the vanes self extent to fit the housing. They are also very effective in fluid transfer, thanks to excellent suction characteristics. 

Piston Pumps

 Piston pumps are typically much more complicated and are often available in wither fixed or, commonly, variable displacement configurations and with pressure compensation. These are big words that mean that piston pumps can usually adapt to the system pressure, providing maximum efficiency and flexibility. They are often used in “closed center” systems where the pump displacement varies to meet the needs of the work being done. Piston pumps use a “swashplate” to move the pistons and the angle of the swashplate & bore of the pistons determines the displacement. Variable displacement systems are beyond the scope of this article, but will be covered in an upcoming post. Pressure compensation regulates outputs in response to variations in the system. Piston pumps are typically the most efficient type of hydraulic pumps.

Those are the main types of hydraulic pump used in mobile, industrial & agricultural hydraulics. There may be a few other types, but this covers about 99% of all pumps being used out there. Each type has it’s own strength/weaknesses & are available in a variety of configurations, especially when you consider that there are double & triple pumps that use these same principles. So now you have a pretty good idea of how hydraulic pumps work.

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Insurance companies want to make a profit

When you obtain an insurance policy, whether it is for your car or home, the company that provides you with that policy is concerned about what type of risk you will be. They want to make sure that you are not going to cause them to pay out a lot of money. Just like any business, insurance companies want to make a profit. To make sure you are a risk worth taking insurance companies evaluate the following 2 things.

1. Claim risk. Ideally, you never really have to use your insurance. Unfortunately, things happen and that's what insurance is for. Insurance companies on the other hand want to make sure those things are kept to a minimum. They do this by rating different policies based amount the amount of risk they pose. For example, to rate an auto insurance policy there are various factors that are taken into account. Some of those factors include age, gender, vehicle use, type of vehicle, coverage limits, address, driving record, driver's occupation, and even education level. Insurance companies do studies to determine the amount of risk they are incurring and then rate those risks accordingly. Insurance companies are more than willing to pay claims when it is necessary, but they want to make sure they stay solvent by charging a fair price.

2. Payment risk. Many are confused by why it is necessary to check credit for any type of insurance. An insurance policy is actually a unilateral contract. What does that mean? On investopedia.com it explains a unilateral contract as a "contract type where one party is legally obligated to uphold the terms of the contract." Read more: http://www.investopedia.com/terms/u/unilateral-contract.asp#ixzz1d2YaKNIe. An insurance policy is a unilateral contract because you are not legally obligated to uphold the terms of the contract, but the insurance company is legally obligated to pay claims as long as the policy is in force. Obviously the policy would not be in force if you did not pay, but you are not legally obligated to adhere to the entire length of the policy. (Keep in mind that there are some cancellation charges associated with some types of policies). Since you are not legally obligated to adhere to the policy, insurance companies want to make sure that you have a history of paying your bills and paying them on time. When someone does not pay a bill on time, it costs that company time and money to try to collect. Costs include the extra letters and postage, the time a worker spends calling or sending notices, and the time that money is not in the company's bank account is interest lost. This is one of the reasons insurance companies often check credit to rate the policy. There are some homeowner's insurance companies that do not check credit. I would assume that is because homeowner's insurance is usually paid through the mortgage company, which makes collection risks minimal.

There are many factors that go into rating insurance policies. Generally speaking these factors fall into two categories: claim risk and payment risk. Insurance companies want to make sure they stay solvent by rating different policies according to their risk. Life is risky, but insurance provides you peace of mind that certain risks are covered.

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How Do Hydraulic Cylinders Work?

Hydraulic cylinders haven’t really changed a lot over the years. The manufacturing processes are much more streamlined and the tolerances are much tighter, but for the most part cylinders are still the hard working push/pull tools they have always been. These things have literally shaped the world around us. Anything that gets lifted, pushed, hauled, dumped, dug, crushed, drilled or graded has gotten that way by some truck, crane, dozer or tractor using a hydraulic cylinder. But how do hydraulic cylinders work?
The amazing amount of force a cylinder exerts is due to the simple mechanical principle of pressure exerted on the surface area of the piston. Simply put, the larger the diameter of the cylinder, the more it will lift. The formula for this is Area X PSI (Pounds per square inch) = Force.

The PISTON is inside the cylinder, the diameter of which is known as the BORE. OK, Technically, the the bore is the inside diameter of the tubing but this difference is of minor significance. The piston needs a piston seal to keep the pressure from bypassing to the other side, which allows it to build the required pressure (If a cylinder isn’t lifting the force it should, the piston seal is probably worn).
The piston is attached to the ROD (or shaft) of the cylinder, usually with the rod passing through the piston and attached with a large nut on the opposite end. To correctly calculate the pulling force of a cylinder, the surface area of the rod must be subtracted from the formula. The rod is probably the hardest worked component in the whole system. The rod is the largest single chunk of steel in the cylinder, unpainted and exposed to all the elements. It has to be extremely strong (to resist bending), exceptionally hard (to resist corrosion and pitting), and smooth as silk (to keep the rod seals intact to prevent leakage of fluid and pressure). The STROKE of the cylinder is the total travel possible from the fully retracted length and the fully extended length of the rod.
The GLAND or “head” of the cylinder is the part that the cylinder rod extends and retracts through. It contains the rod seals & the wiper seal which keeps contamination out of the cylinder.
The BUTT is the base or “cap” end. This end usually can use a variety of attachment points. Speaking of attachments, how do cylinders attach to their implement? Usually by using a CLEVIS, CROSS TUBE, PIN-EYE or TANG.
 Most commercially available cylinders are double-acting which means they have ports on each end and they are used to push AND pull. These are easy to convert to single-acting (push or pull only) by using a simple breather device to allow the air on the unused side to be expelled.
So that’s pretty much all there is to hydraulic cylinders and how they work! They really are simple devices, capable of doing tremendous amounts of work. If you have anything to add, questions or corrections, feel free to contact me or leave a comment!

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The importance of insurance from the top auto insurance companies

As a road user, you're probably well aware of the importance of insurance from the top auto insurance companies in the United States. The auto insurance industry is an extremely competitive market, with a wide range of products to choose from. Before spending money on car insurance, drivers should decide what type of coverage they need. There are many types of insurance policies for different types of drivers. The following are the main types of coverage available:

Liability coverage - In most states, liability coverage is mandatory. You could be fined and not allowed to drive, if you don't have this insurance. The cost of fixing another car and treating bodily injuries to anyone involved in an incident is covered by liability coverage. You have to have some liability coverage before you can legally drive. Any legal costs that may come from an accident are also covered.

Collision coverage - This coverage pays for damage to your car if its involved in a collision. This applies if a driver gets hit by another vehicle or hits another car.

Comprehensive coverage - This insurance pays for damages to your car and other cars involved in accidents other than collisions. These types of incidences include natural disasters, fire, theft and vandalism.

Medical coverage - In some car accidents, people get injured or unfortunately even die. Medical or funeral costs for drivers and passengers are covered, when people are involved in a serious car accident.

Personal injury coverage - This type of coverage is very similar to medical coverage. However, in addition to paying medical expenses, injured drivers also get paid a certain percentage of the income they lose while they're injured and unable to work. Care required by an injured driver is also covered.

Under insured or Uninsured coverage - Some drivers are under insured, and even worse, some are not insured at all. This is a disaster for anyone with insurance who has an accident with an uninsured or under insured driver, because you may not be able to cover your costs after an accident. Fortunately, you and your family are covered if you have uninsured or under insured coverage. You are insured against an incident with these drivers and your insurance company will pay your insurance bill, even if the other party has no insurance or has not enough insurance to pay your costs.

Towing and labor coverage - This coverage pays for towing and labor costs when your car breaks down. Not all drivers will opt for this type of insurance, but it is useful to have if you can afford to pay a little extra for your premium.

Rental reimbursement - You may need a replacement car for different reasons. Your replacement car will be paid for until you get your own car back, If you choose this type of insurance.

Before you decide to buy auto insurance, you have to decide how much you're willing to spend and what coverage you really need. Liability cover is mandatory, but other insurance is optional. The coverage you choose really depends on your needs and what you believe you really require. Top auto insurance companies like Progressive, Nationwide, GEICO, Allstate and others, continue to compete with each other, and the range of insurance options available also expands to suit a wide range of customer requirements.

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Different Types of Hydraulic Pumps

With the invention of the many elements of nature applied to theory, that today define the extremities of engineering wonders, to create energy that gets to work, all the modern machines and systems, hydraulic energy is one name that is a successful force. In the modern world and a machine age, engineering sure takes all the demand in each sector. With the introduction of hydraulic energy, hydraulic pumps have become popular with their efficiency and simple mechanism. So what is a hydraulic pump and how does it work. It can be defined as a device that uses liquid to convert it to hydraulic energy, that can be used effectively to operate and manage many devices. The fluid when enters the pump, has a specific pressure and speed too. Once this fluids get displaced inside, the velocity and pressure increases, by the time the fluid reaches the outlet. These pumps are used on a wide platform in engineering and are available in various types. Most of them will have a slightly different mechanism, but use the same principle of work. So let us check some of the most common and efficient hydraulic pump types.

Types of Hydraulic Pumps

There are various types that rule the market. Some of them have excellent workings and mechanisms. Below are some of the common types of hydraulic pumps, with a little introduction on the work mechanisms of each pump.

Gear Pumps
These make the most common, easy to maintain and economical type of hydraulic pump. They fall in the positive displacement of fixed displacement category of pumps. They can be further classified in two types - internal gear and external gear. They use meshing of gears built inside the pump that push the fluid inside. Here the fluid gets displaced with the mesh, which builds the pressure, and then the fluid is sent through the outlet. These types of pumps are good for pressures below 200 bar, that is 3000 psi. Most of these pumps are noisy, however there are few varieties in the market that are efficient and less noisy too.

Gerotor Pumps
Gerotor pumps are similar to the gear pumps, these can be classified as a type of a variation of gear pumps. They are also a part of positive displacement pumps, and are included in the internal gear pumps. The rotor gear is in the inside of this pump, while the idler gear is on the external. Now, the rotor and the idler, create a suction for the fluid and act like a seal. Once inside the liquid travels through these gears and is then forced out through the outlet of the pump. These pumps are generally useful for applications that require low pressure. They are quite efficient and are moderately noisy.

Screw Pumps
As the name suggests, these pumps use screws as the main mechanism element. This is also a type of a positive displacement pump. Here the water travels through one or many screws. The fluid travels inside and gets rotated along with the axis of the screw, in between the threads of the screw. The rotor threads and the surrounding casing of the pump make a seal for the fluid from the inlet to the outlet. These pumps are the best for low pressure applications. They do not make much noise, but they may have certain disadvantages, specially in the field where churning of fluid is prohibited.

Bent Axis Pumps
These pumps are a part of both fixed and adjustable types of hydraulic pumps. They come in two designs that support each type. This pump uses a design that contains a rotating cylinder and two pistons that cover the cylinder radially. These pistons are placed at an angle, and are connected to the shaft and thrust plate. The shaft rotates with a specific mechanism and so do the pistols. The shaft rotates in an angle and the pistons are directed to reciprocate depending on the angular relativity of the shaft and the cylinder. It has some of the most efficient mechanisms and outputs.

Axial Piston Pumps
These pumps work very similar to the bent axis pumps. These are designed with a mechanism that helps in variable displacement of the fluid, that eventually helps in better control of pressure. This pump uses pistons, that are rotating and during half the rotation they suck the fluid, the rotation in the chamber of the pump creates the pressure in the fluid, after which in the next half of the rotation they let out the fluid to the outlet. These types of pumps have a smaller design but are very efficient and are more economical too.

Radial Piston Pumps
Radial pistol pumps work under high pressure and produce a smooth flow. They are generally fixed displacement pumps, but most of them also come in variable displacement options. The rate of fluid flow and the output velocity can also be changed with certain adjustment mechanisms. These are excellent for high pressure and have good strength.

Rotary Vane Pumps
These too make the most economical and reliable pumps. They are usually best options for a high flow but a low pressure output. They form the positive displacement pumps group. This pump contains vanes that are fixed and mounted onto a rotor that is on the inside of the cavity in the motor. The internal rotations maintain the pressure of the fluid.

These were the different types of hydraulic pumps, along with a little exposure of the mechanism of each. All these various types of pumps are used greatly in many sectors of industries and engineering. They truly stand as one big remark, as a stepping stone to brilliant engineering!

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Car Insurance Comparison

To get the best coverage, car insurance comparison should include rates as well as benefits to be sure the comparison is accurate. Money is not the only consideration. There are a number of factors that should be considered when shopping for coverage. Not all companies are equal.

Of course, money is one consideration, though not the only one. No one wants to pay more than is necessary. Different companies charge different rates for the same or similar options. The popularity of the company name can sometimes mean a higher premium. True, confidence in a company name is important. But, the same confidence can often be found in the lesser known company names. Just be sure options are comparable.

Another factor in getting the best coverage at the best rate is to decide exactly what is needed and desired. States have specific minimum requirements, and it is important to get at least that much coverage. However, sometimes higher limits are desired. It is important, though, to not get unnecessarily over-insured.

One area to save is in the decision of whether or not to carry comprehensive and collision coverage. If the vehicle is very old it may not be a good idea to carry it. If the car is totaled, there will be a limit to how much will be paid for the older car. The premiums may be so high that the amount recovered will not be worth it. Another area of savings is in getting a higher deductible. This could save a significant amount. If money is saved for the event of an accident, there is no good reason to carry a lower deductible.

When comparing companies, one thing to consider is the amount of service received. Compare whether the company returns calls quickly, giving quick and accurate service. Also, check with others who have filed claims. It is important that someone can be easily contacted in the event of an accident, and that claims are handled quickly so as to get your car on the road as soon as possible.

Other areas to consider in car insurance comparison is whether they have the license to sell in the state you are in, and the financial stability of the company. If a company is not very stable, or is brand new, they may not be available when it is time to file a claim. Depending on financial security, they may or may not be able to pay out a large claim.

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How do Hydraulics Work

In today's world, we can see that many of the machines used for industrial purposes make use of hydraulics. The use of hydraulics has streamlined the working of heavy machines. Arduous tasks such as lifting (cranes), stone crushing (diggers), etc. have become easier.

Hydraulics is a subject in engineering which deals with the study of mechanical properties of fluids. Pressurized liquids are used in the generation of power, its control and in its transmission. Various concepts such as fluidics, dam design, pipe flow and fluid control circuitry are studied in hydraulics.

Working of Hydraulics
The idea behind the working of hydraulics is very simple. Mechanical force applied at one point is carried to the desired point by means of a fluid (incompressible). Different types of hydraulic motors and cylinders make use of this fluid power in the functioning of machines. Tubes and hoses direct the flow of fluids while control valves regulate their flow. One may find several applications of hydraulics in the form of car brakes, garage jacks, motorboat steering, cranes and garbage trucks among others.

To understand why fluids hold so much importance in the functioning of hydraulic machinery, let us try to understand the concept of hydraulics by means of the example of water pistol. In water pistol, the spout or opening, through which the water squirts, is narrow, while the place at which force is applied (trigger) is comparatively wider. When our finger applies force by means of the trigger, water is pushed towards the narrow spout. Since, fluids are incompressible, the resulting speed with which water comes out of the opening is greater as compared to the speed with which trigger is pressed.

In different machines that work on the principle of hydraulics, the course of action which takes place, is exactly opposite/reverse to what is illustrated in the above example. Now, imagine that water is forced through a narrow spout at high speed, the force generated at the other (wider) end would be sufficient enough to carry out a mechanical action. The big machines like cranes, diggers, etc. make use of fluid tubes and rams. The drivers of these machines (vehicles) operate the process of forcing in fluids through narrow tubes; which in turn push the rams into action. The functioning of hydraulic machines is based on this simple concept. It helps us in understanding how hydraulics are used and the methodology behind various applications in industrial hydraulics.

Hydraulic Engineering
It is one of the branches of construction engineering which deals with conveyance of liquids and primarily, water. The activity of designing dams, bridges, canals, channels, levees, etc. comes under this branch of engineering. Maintenance of aqueducts, an activity which comes under the purview of hydraulic engineering was carried out during the Roman Empire. The science of hydraulic engineering is related to geotechnical and transportation engineering, since hydraulic engineers have to construct water collection networks, water distribution networks, undertake storm water management and also deal with sediment transportation.

Pneumatics and Hydraulics
The main difference between hydraulics and pneumatics is that liquids are used in the former, while the later makes use of gases in its various applications. Gases can be compressed, while fluids are incompressible. The working pressure in hydraulics is much greater in comparison to that in pneumatics.

The above article helps us in understanding how do hydraulics work through easy to understand examples and some basic information related to the core concept. There is a lot to say and understand about the interesting subject of hydraulics.

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Drivers who use these five tips when evaluating online car insurance offers

Auto insurance offers on the Net are everywhere these days, as insurers have taken to the Internet in increasing numbers to better communicate their offers to potential customers. Website brokers that offer these quotes enable consumers to more efficiently locate and compare the best policy rates available in the marketplace. This comparison requires the consumer to follow five simple tips.

Develop a habit

It is surprising to see how many people never bother to evaluate their current coverage. They simply get their vehicle insured and then stick with that coverage for years. A smarter option is for the driver to regularly compare his coverage with other offerings to ensure that he is not paying more than he should be. Many consumers perform this comparison every six or twelve months.

Learn the policy options

Drivers should learn the difference between basic liability, medical, and comprehensive coverage. A firm understanding of these varying levels of coverage can help consumers to properly compare the elements of various policies with similar offerings. That understanding can be essential for identifying the real savings opportunities that are available.

Identify discounts

Consumers need to take the time to educate themselves about every possible discount that they can receive for good driving, good credit, and other lifestyle choices. They should also identify the vehicle safety features that can impact policy rates. Whether it is the weight of the vehicle or something as simple as the inclusion of air bags, safety features factor heavily into any premium costs.

Streamline coverage

Once the basic comparisons have been done, drivers need to look for areas in which they can streamline the coverage. This can include eliminating collision options for older, less valuable vehicles, accepting higher deductibles in exchange for lower rates, or simply dropping coverage for theft, vandalism, and window protection.

Look for bundles

One area of savings that is often neglected by today's drivers is the discount that can be available when multiple policy lines are insured by the same company. Drivers should always consider insuring vehicles and homes with the same policy provider, as this can often net savings of as much as ten or fifteen percent of the total cost of the policy.

There is one little known secret that every driver needs to understand. Insurers are willing to offer their customers a whole host of discounts, but they don't always advertise these possible savings. For drivers who use these five tips when evaluating online car insurance offers, however, all of the best savings can be enjoyed.

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Although nothing is for certain in the auto industry one theme holds true

In the global automotive industry things are really heating up as the traditional players fight for a top spot in the race for global dominance. General Motors Corp., which has been number one in terms of global auto sales for over 75 years, is fighting to keep that title in the face of growing competition from Toyota. Last year Toyota was trailing General Motors by only 261,805 units.

Though it looks inevitable that Toyota will claim top spot, increased sales in China (GM is now #1 in China beating former top dog Volkswagen) and surging sales in India have buoyed global sales for the General despite declining sales in North America. General Motors boss Rick Wagoner recently stated "If we can keep growing where the opportunities are to grow, someone's going to have to hustle pretty hard to catch up with us like that." That said, according to the Wall Street Journal being #1 is no longer a top priority for Rick Wagoner and General Motors.

Ford Motor Company, once #2 globally, is in third place with sales at just over 6.2 million units. Strong sales in Europe have offset a seemingly endless sales decline of blue oval vehicles in North America. Once best sellers like the Ford Focus and Ford Explorer now sit on dealer lots as more innovative and fresh competition lure away new buyers. Ford would be wise to devise a more coherent product planning strategy instead of letting great cars waste away without any clear vision.

This is quite evident when you look at the recently discontinued Ford Taurus and Lincoln LS, vehicles that carried substantial brand equity at one point but failed as they became stale and irrelevant amongst their respective competition. If Honda and Toyota can keep the Accord and Camry nameplates going after more than 2 decades, why has Ford had such a difficult time doing the same?

The big news isn't just at the top of the list. Riding high on a global auto sales increase of over 11% in 2005, Hyundai Automotive Group is in high gear. The Korean automotive giant has moved into sixth spot behind DaimlerChrysler. Since 1999, Hyundai has passed established players such as Honda, Fiat, Nissan, and Renault. Hyundai doesn't plan on getting too comfy in sixth spot as they've set their sights on being in the top five by the end of the decade.

They've got their work cut out for them as fifth place DaimlerChrysler is currently selling about 1 million more vehicles annually. But I wouldn't bet against Hyundai. In the last 10 years they've beaten just about everyone's expectations. Volkswagen is holding steady in fourth place with over 5.2 million vehicles sold in 2005. 2006 and 2007 should see modest increase in auto sales with the introduction of the next generation Golf (now known as the Rabbit) in North America and new models such as the Volkswagen Eos.

Although nothing is for certain in the auto industry, one theme holds true. No car company has an inherent right to the top spot. It has to be earned through great cars and trucks. In this list the big winner is the consumer.

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Hybrid Komatsu digger makes IK debut at Crossrail

Marubeni-Komatsu supplied the HB215LC-1 hybrid excavators to Shropshire-based Ridgway Rentals.

Although 1,700 of these hybrids are currently in action worldwide, these are the first of the new environmentally-friendly machines to be sold in the UK.

"We are delighted to have completed the first ever UK sale of this distinct piece of equipment and are really excited that it's already being used on such an iconic project as the London Crossrail," comments Edward Prosser, marketing manager at Marubeni-Komatsu.

"These hybrids are probably the most reliable and technologically-advanced in the industry today and represent a new generation of excavators," he continues.

"They are not only designed to provide optimum performance, but also offer significant fuel savings, compared with other similar excavators, meaning clients can reduce their carbon footprint and save money at the same time."

The Komatsu HB215LC-1 hybrid excavator records an average 25% less fuel consumption than a traditional excavator and approximately 30% less CO² emissions.

Its design sees an electric swing motor used in place of the conventional hydraulic motor, which captures and regenerates energy, converting it into electric energy that is stored for use when the motor needs to accelerate.

"With the government pledging to embrace new technologies in a bid to make the capital significantly 'greener' and to reduce the city's CO² emissions by 60% over the next 10 years, it seems apt that this particular piece of equipment has been selected to be used on one of its largest scale projects," comments Stuart Jones, director at Ridgway Rentals.

"Feedback from our client, who is currently using the excavator on the London Crossrail project, is that it not only performs well but uses a lot less fuel, which has got to be win:win for everyone."

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Teen doesn't get insurance he or she could end up

Most teenagers can't wait to get behind the wheel of a car. All they can think about is getting a permit, their first license, and then the keys to your car. It's a right of passage and the most exciting time in a teen's life, but it can also be the scariest time for a parent. The good news is that your teen is becoming independent and learning responsibility.

We all know that insuring a teenager is more expensive than insuring an adult. It's riskier for many reasons you would rather not think about. If your teen doesn't get insurance he or she could end up being responsible for damages to any vehicle involved in an accident, any medical bills, and could be responsible for a paying a fine as high as $1,000. Getting insurance for your teen is a necessity.

Some teenagers think they don't need to get auto insurance if they are driving a very old car. They think that it won't matter if they get into an accident with a car that isn't worth very much. They couldn't be more wrong though. It is illegal to drive without car insurance in most of the United States. If he is caught without car insurance he will get an expensive fine and could end up losing his new license.

So, how do you go about finding affordable car insurance? It isn't as difficult as you may think. You may already have a few things in your favor. First talk to your insurance company and see if they will give you a discount for being one of their best customers. You may consider putting your teen on your insurance policy, which will save money. If not, shop around. Get bids from different insurance companies and make a decision that way. Include your teen in the decision making process this way your teen will understand a bit more about the risks that are involved in driving.

Tips for Finding Affordable Insurance for Your Teen

1. If your teen has a good grade point average you could save 20% on car insurance
2. If he keeps a clean driving record for a year his insurance could go down significantly
3. If your son or daughter drive an inexpensive car the insurance will be significantly less
4. If your teenager is a student his car insurance will be less.

Finding affordable auto insurance is important. Most of us are on budgets these days and we are looking to save as much money as we can. You can always save money on auto insurance if you search and compare insurance companies and their auto quotes.

So, take the time to research the pros and cons of getting affordable car insurance for your teen, and keep in mind your teen may be more responsible then you think. Remember, we have all been there

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Watch these steps when change oil

When the time comes where you need your oil changed, you can save a lot of money if you do it yourself. Of course, first you need to know how to change oil. Follow these four simple steps, and you’ll see just how easy it is to get the job done.
Step 1. Place your car on a level surface to allow your old oil to drain properly, and also so you can check your oil level when you’re all finished. Use your parking brake for extra safety.
Step 2. Remove your old oil. Locate the drain plug on your oil pan and set a large container under it. Use a socket wrench to loosen the drain plug and then use your hand to remove it. Allow all of the oil to drain from your car. Then, replace the drain plug on the drain pan.
Step 3. Get rid of your old oil filter and replace it with a new filter. Coat the new oil filter gasket with a little oil on your finger.
Step 4. Add new oil to your car. Choosing a quality brand of oil, like Champion oil, will ensure you get the most bang for your buck. Remove the oil filler cap on top of your engine and use a funnel to put the new oil in. When finished, put the oil filler cap back on, warm up your engine and check the oil level on your vehicle.

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