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Is your car running on battery power? Diagnose issues with the alternator with simple steps and get remanufactured alternators available in your budget at partsavatar.ca

Is your engine producing whining noise? Or your car’s alternator broke down? Diagnose the alternator issues and replace them at parts avatar.

Car’s alternator charges the battery and supplies the power to the electrical system when the engine is running. It is an important auto part component of your vehicle’s charging system as it generates electric power in your car. Alternator is attached to the engine and is driven by car serpentine belts.

It may be a simple auto part but it plays a pivotal role in vehicle’s operations. It provides the power it needs to start a car by keeping the battery fully charged. If the alternator fails, your car may still run on battery power but for a short time. You will be stranded on the road as soon as the charge depletes.  Replacing an alternator is quite expensive.

Let’s have a look at some symptoms of failed alternator.

WARNING LIGHT

The warning light is generally shaped as battery. The light is linked to the computer systems within the car monitoring voltage output of the alternator. Normally this warning light should come one when you turn on the ignition and should disappear as soon as the engine is started. The flickering of light sometimes does not direct to the failed alternator. You should take an expert’s or mechanic’s advice if you encounter such situation.  Sometimes when the alternator becomes weak, the headlights become dim at idle. The alternator needs to work to maintain proper voltage to fulfill the power demands of your vehicle’s headlights, windshield wipers, rear window defrosters, heated seats and radio. So if the demands are not met, the voltage may fluctuate and cause flickering of the warning light.

DIM LIGHTS

The alternator fulfills the electric demand of almost every part of a car. So sometimes it may lose its potential to do so and driver may experience dimming of head lights or dash lights and speedometer and tachometer would stop working for no reason. It depends on how the alternator is producing the power and what is the priority of components receiving this power. Priority should be programmed in such a way that when the alternator goes weak, the radio and heated seat switch off automatically to save more power for headlights.

STRANGE SOUND AND SMELL

Bad outer and inner alternator bearings can produce a whining noise. The burning odor of rubber and hot wires often accompany alternator failure. A pulley that is not turning freely may cause friction on the belt which creates heat and causes burning smell of rubber to occur. An overheated alternator can cause hot wire scent.

A quick visual check of the belt for cracking, excessive wear and other age issues can give an indication of a future problem. To run the alternator correctly belt should have proper tension. Too much tension can cause issues.

DEAD CAR BATTERY

You can notice that there something wrong with the starting system if the car does not start. When an alternator begins to fail, car’s battery begins receiving constant infusion of electric power from the alternator. Even the best car battery will run down eventually leaving the driver stranded in the driveway. Batteries are not designed for long term power use.

You can test the battery by connecting the positive side of your voltage meter to positive terminal of the battery and negative side of voltage meter to negative terminal of battery, with the engine off. The reading of the voltage meter should be about 12.7 V. your battery may need replacing if the reading is below 12.4 V.

You can also check the voltage of alternator. Turn on your engine but do not press the gas. When the engine is on, alternator is supposed to send the power to the battery. Check the readings of voltmeter. Your alternator is fine if the voltmeter readings are between 13.8 V to 14.2 V.

BROKEN OR LOOSE CONNECTIONS

Sometimes the alternator is producing the electricity but it is either not going anywhere or it is not the right type. Alternator electricity is circulated through large cables and smaller wires. Any problem within the cables or wires can also stop electricity from getting through. The smell of hot wire created by high resistance within wire can also cause this issue.

MAKING ALTERNATOR LONG LASTING

Alternator can fail prematurely if the engine’s undercover or shield is damaged. As the shield damages, sand or water can get inside and cause it to wear faster. Engine compartment should be clean and dry. Coolant or oil leak can also create problems for alternator.

REPLACING AN ALTERNATOR

Replacing an alternator could be costly. It generally costs $450-$900 for a new alternator. An aftermarket or remanufactured alternator is a good option. car Alternator repair kits are also available online for $30- $60. it is difficult to remanufacture an alternator at home.

So, if you are looking for an affordable aftermarket remanufactured car alternator the parts avatar is a very good option.

Now get rid of the strange noise coming from the engine and get Muffler and exhaust system parts at cheap prices only at Partsavatar

Is your car’s Engine creating strange sounds? Feeling vibrations? Check out muffler and exhaust system parts at Parts avatar.

Muffler or silencer is basically designed to reduce the noise coming from exhaust system of your automobile. These are generally installed within the exhaust system of your vehicle. The muffler is designed to reduce the loudness of the sound created by the engine.

It uses acoustic quieting technique to quiet the sound. That means the muffler dampens the vibrations to prevent them from reaching the passengers.

MUFFLER AND EXHAUST SYSTEM TYPES

There are different types of high performance muffler as:

1. Turbo muffler

2. Bullet muffler

3. Cherry bomb muffler

4. Full case muffler

5. Perforated bullet mufflers

6. Chambered bullet mufflers

Exhaust systems of different types are:

1. Vector muffler

2. Spiral baffle muffler

3. Aero turbine muffler

4. Single exhaust

5. Dual exhaust

SIGNS OF ISSUES WITH YOUR CAR’S MUFFLER

When the vehicle is louder than usual while running that means the muffler is undergoing some problems. It should be taken to mechanic right away, before further damage could be done to other parts. Here are some useful things to know if you find your vehicle may need muffler or exhaust pipe repair.

CATALYTIC CONVERTER  

         

Car's Catalytic converter is very expensive part of exhaust system. It is widely used in SUV’s and trucks. Muffler damage if ignored, can damage catalytic converter as well, and you may have to spend a lot of dollars in its repairing.

Its being costly is also a reason of being prone to theft. If you notice loud sounds and strange performance of your car upon startup, then it may not be good news for you.

If the catalytic converter is failing in its performance, it may sound as if someone is shaking a box of pebbles while your car is in rest or stopped in traffic. It is advised to make your muffler and catalytic converter checked immediately.

LEAK IN EXHAUST SYSTEM

While driving your car, if you notice strange vibrations and loss of power then get the exhaust system checked by the mechanic. This unusual vibration could be felt while touching the steering and foot pedals. A rock hitting underneath your vehicle could cause crack in the muffler which will result in loose parts of the exhaust system.

You may hear rumbling sound depending on the amount of damage done. The holes and exhaust leak could degrade engine’s performance. It may be needed to replace the exhaust pipe or muffler in this situation.

RUSTING   

Rusting could also damage a muffler. Mufflers do rust by the passage of time. The water collected in the exhaust system causes rusting of muffler. This water condenses because it does not get enough heat to burn off. Some natural factors like Snow, rain and salt can also cause rusting of muffler.

DECREASED FUEL EFFICIENCY

If you fill your gas tank more often than normal then get your car’s exhaust system checked. Leaks in exhaust cause the engine to work harder thus increasing the fuel usage. It is a sign that something is wrong with your vehicle.

When your engine works harder it requires more fuel.

If you are looking for an aftermarket car muffler or need a replacement then Parts avatar has a lot of options for you.

STEPS TO REPLACE YOUR CAR’S MUFFLER

Getting your muffler changed can run into quite an expense. With a few tools and right replacement parts you can save a lot of money. You will need ratchet wrench, socket, hacksaw or reciprocating saw, hammer and assorted wrench to change the muffler. You need to investigate whether you will need to cut the old muffler free or if it set up with a bolt off and replace model.

REMOVING OLD MUFFLER

1. The first thing you need to do is to find a flat surface to park the vehicle. Put the transmission in park and apply emergency brakes. Jack up the front end of your car and put a jack stand on each side to rest it securely. Dirt, grass, gravel are not acceptable surfaces.

2. Disconnect the battery before starting the process. Disconnecting the battery will ensure that vehicle cannot be started in this process.

3. Secure a badly welded muffler with muffler clamps. Spray rust penetrators like WD-40 on bolts. This is done because mufflers are exposed to road, heat and water and have good deal of rust on its surface.

4. Loosen the nuts on the car exhaust clamps with the help of socket or hand wrench. If you want to reuse the muffler clamp then spray it with good amount of rust penetrators.   
 

5. After removing exhaust clamp, respray the area of muffler pipe with rust penetrator and let it rest for few minutes. Pull the muffler towards the back of the car and slip the pipes apart.

CUTTING THROUGH EXHAUST PIPE

1. Take the hacksaw or reciprocating saw or exhaust cutter and cut the exhaust pipe of car directly in front and behind the muffler. Wrap the cutter around the pipe and move the handle back and forth until the pipe is cut. Be careful not to saw through any of the lines underside of the vehicle. Those may be lines connecting to your fuels and brakes.

2. Now you want a fresh connection for new mufflers. Take a pair of pliers and put a few splits in the end of the metal on exhaust pipe at the back end where the muffler will rest. Place the new muffler into available hangers.     

INSTALLING THE MUFFLER

1. Spread a fair amount of muffler sealant on both front and back exhaust pipes. Put the clamps on the pipes and shove them out of your way temporarily.   

2.  Slide the muffler over exhaust piping. Push the ends of muffler into each end of exhaust pipes and put the clamps in place. Make sure there are centered over where the muffler pipe and exhaust pipes meet. Use the socket to tighten them.

3. Raise the vehicle with the jack and remove the jack stands. Un-chock the wheels and take it for a test drive. Make sure there are no leaks in the exhaust pipe and loud noises. An exhaust leak would likely be visible if there is any.

Therefore in this way you have manually replaced your muffler in easy manner. You can explore more after market mufflers or related accessories on Partsavatar.ca.