How to Replace a Liftgate Strut

Posted on January 8, 2011 by Alvin Martin

Below guide will teach you How to Replace a Lift Gate Strut . Please follow the instructions carefully.

Things You’ll Need:

  • Liftgate Strut
  • Screwdriver
  • Hood Prop
  • Socket and Ratchet Set
  • 3/8 in. Drive Ratchet

Estimated Costs:

  • DIY Costs: Est. $0.00 parts only
  • Shop Costs: Est. $63.24 parts and labor

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Instructions:

To make your task easy, follow the steps given:

  • In order to replace the damaged or defective lift gate strut, open the lift gate.
  • Secure the lift gate with prop rod.
  • Next you have to disconnect the clip from the old shock which is positioned at the pivot points.
  • Examine all the struts and replace the defective shock with new one.
  • Fix the new shock on the specific place.
  • Take the prop rod away.
  • Open and close the lift gate to make sure that the fault is removed.
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How to Replace a Metal License Plate Bracket

Posted on January 7, 2011 by Alvin Martin

Below guide will teach you How to Replace a Metal License Plate Bracket . Please follow the instructions carefully.

Things You’ll Need:

  • License Plate Bracket
  • Screwdriver

Estimated Costs:

  • DIY Costs: Est. $58.68 parts only
  • Shop Costs: Est. $100.86 parts and labor

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Instructions:

Replacing a metal license plate bracket is an easy task which you can perform at your parking lot. Just follow the steps:

  • Unfasten the screws which are holding the bracket and take the metal license plate bracket out.
  • Take an old cloth and wipe the bumper cover clean. Examine the holes for any damage.
  • Take a new bracket and move the license plate to the new bracket.
  • Using genuine screws, secure the bracket assembly to the bumper cover.
  • Fasten the screws properly.
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How to Repair a Plastic Bumper Cover

Posted on January 7, 2011 by Alvin Martin

Below guide will teach you How to Replace a Plastic Bumper Cover . Please follow the instructions carefully

Things You’ll Need:

  • Buffing Ball
  • Bumper Cove
  • Screwdriver
  • DA Sander
  • Scraper
  • Socket and Ratchet Set
  • Spray Gun
  • Trim Panel Removal Tool
  • 3/8 in. Drive Ratchet

Estimated Costs:

  • DIY Costs: Est. $515.19 parts only
  • Shop Costs: Est. $805.55 parts and labor

Image may not be specific to your car

Instructions:

Follow the directions given in the following lines to replace a plastic bumper cover yourself:

  • Bumper covers are usually attached with clips or screws. Use the appropriate tool, i.e. door trim tool for clips and screwdriver for screws to disconnect the bumper cover from the vehicle.
  • After removing the bumper, you need to sand the tattered area. Use heavier grit sandpaper in the start and end up with lighter grit sandpaper.
  • Use an old cloth to wipe off the dust or dirt from the surface.
  • On the sanded surface, use a thin coat of body filler and leave it to dry.
  • Once the coat is dry, sand the area again until it smoothes down.
  • Now you have to paint the whole bumper cover. For this, wash the bumper with a solution of alcohol and water.
  • Start off with applying a primer coat to the damaged area. Then, apply a basecoat of paint on the area. Make use of blending technique to blend the basecoat to the entire bumper cover.
  • Once the basecoat is dry, apply the clear coat of the paint following the same technique as in previous step.
  • Let the clear coat dry for sometime. After the coat is dry, examine the surface carefully to find any sign of nibs or dirt stuck in the paint coat.
  • Take a razor blade and clear the large particles of dust.
  • Take a spray bottle, fill it with soapy water and spray on the surface where dirt is stuck.
  • Take 1500 grit sandpaper soaked in soapy water and sand the area by applying mild pressure in a circular motion.
  • Replace the 1500 grit sandpaper with 2000 grit sandpaper and sand the area.
  • Take a solution of alcohol and water and clean the entire bumper cover. Use a damp cloth to wipe off the surface.
  • For swirl marks, apply compound polish to remove them.
  • Install the bumper cover reversing the entire process. Replace the old and damage clips or screws with new ones to secure the bumper cover in its place properly.

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How to Replace a Plastic License Plate Bracket

Posted on January 7, 2011 by Alvin Martin

Below guide will teach you How to Replace a Plastic License Plate Bracket . Please follow the instructions carefully.

Things You’ll Need:

  • License Plate Bracket
  • Screwdriver

Estimated Costs:

  • DIY Costs: Est. $58.68 parts only
  • Shop Costs: Est. $100.86 parts and labor

Image may not be specific to your car

Instructions:

Follow the directions:

  • Unfasten the screws and take the license plate and the bracket assembly out of the bumper.
  • Take an old cloth and wipe off the contaminants from the bumper cover.
  • Move the license plate to the new plastic bracket, and fasten all the screws properly and securely.
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How to Replace a Rear Bumper Cover

Posted on January 7, 2011 by Alvin Martin

Below guide will teach you How to Replace a Rear Bumper Cover . Please follow the instructions carefully.

Things You’ll Need:

  • Bumper Cover
  • Sealant
  • Polisher
  • Scraper Blade
  • Trim Panel Removal Tool
  • Spray Gun
  • Spray Bottle
  • Socket and Ratchet Set
  • File Set
  • Clip Remover
  • Screwdriver
  • 3/8 in. Drive Ratchet

Estimated Costs:

  • DIY Costs: Est. $515.19 parts only
  • Shop Costs: Est. $1,161.27 parts and labor

Image may not be specific to your car

Instructions:

Follow the instructions:

  • First of all, you need to detach the bumper cover from the vehicle. You may require a door trim panel tool for clips or screwdriver for screws to get the cover separated from the vehicle.
  • Always choose a bumper cover that is pre-primed because that primer is stronger against the corrosion and show more adhesive power. If you are repairing the old cover follow the steps.
  • Take a clean cloth and wipe off all the dirt, dust and grease from the cover.
  • First, use a basecoat of paint and then a thin coat of paint on the cover and leave it to dry.
  • Once the paint is dry, look for any dirt or dust stuck in the paint.
  • Use razor blade for large dust particles.
  • Take a pray bottle filled with soapy water. Spray on the area where dust particles are stuck in the paint job.
  • Take 1500 grit sandpaper soaked in soapy water and use it to sand the area in circular motion.
  • Next, take the 2000 grit sandpaper and repeat the same process.
  • After sanding the surface, take a solution of alcohol and water and wipe the surface with this solution.
  • Apply compound polish to eliminate the swirl marks caused by sanding.
  • Now your cover is ready and you can install it back on your vehicle by reversing the entire process.
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How to Replace a Hood Strut

Posted on January 7, 2011 by Alvin Martin

Below guide will teach you How to Replace a Hood Strut . Please follow the instructions carefully.

Things You’ll Need:

  • Screwdriver
  • Hood Prop

Estimated Costs:

  • DIY Costs: Est. $0.00 parts only
  • Shop Costs: Est. $63.24 parts and labor

Image may not be specific to your car

Instructions:

Follow the instructions:

  • Lift the engine hood and secure it with a hood prop.
  • Take all the clips away from the struts pivot points.
  • Examine the struts and replace the damaged strut with the new one.
  • Take new strut and secure it on the place with the help of clips.
  • Make sure that the clips are tight.
  • Check the working of the newly installed struts by removing the hood prop.
  • Lower the hood and your job is done.
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How to Replace a Headlight Cover

Posted on January 7, 2011 by Alvin Martin

Below guide will teach you How to Replace a Headlight Cover . Please follow the instructions carefully.

Things You’ll Need:

  • Headlight Cover
  • Screwdriver
  • 1/4 in. Drive Ratchet

Estimated Costs:

  • DIY Costs: Est. $18.23 parts only
  • Shop Costs: Est. $84.75 parts and labor

Image may not be specific to your car

Instructions:

Follow the given steps to replace a headlight cover in your garage without spending a penny.

  • Make sure that the car is parked on a flat surface with parking brake on before starting your work.
  • Take the damaged headlight covers away by unfastening the bolts and screws holding them.
  • Take a new headlight cover and place it carefully at its specific place and secure it with screws and bolts.
  • It is better to clean the lens of the headlight before fixing a new cover on it.
  • Once the new covers are on, switch on the headlights and check for appropriate beam and clarity.
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How to Replace a Hood Latch/Lock Assembly

Posted on January 7, 2011 by Alvin Martin

Below guide will teach you How to Replace a Hood Latch /Lock Assembly. Please follow the instructions carefully.

Things You’ll Need:

  • Hood Latch
  • Hood Lock
  • Pliers
  • Socket and Ratchet Set
  • Flat Head Screwdriver
  • Phillips Head Screwdrive

Estimated Costs:

  • DIY Costs: Est. $64.03 parts only
  • Shop Costs: Est. $145.11 parts and labor

Image may not be specific to your car

Instructions:

Follow the given steps to replace a hood latch with ease:

  • To access the hood latch, lift the engine hood and secure it with hood prop.
  • If there are any covers over the latch, remove them.
  • Unfasten the nuts holding the latch with the radiator support.
  • On the back of the latch assembly, you will find a hood release cable and spring. Take them away and keep them at safe place.
  • Take the new latch and fix the hood release cable and spring to it.
  • Position the new latch assembly properly at its appropriate place and secure it with the help nuts to the radiator support.
  • Fasten the bolts properly.
  • Now, check the working of the newly installed latch assembly by closing the hood.
  • Lift the hood again and put back the covers to complete the task.
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How to Replace a Headlight Assembly

Posted on January 7, 2011 by Alvin Martin

Below guide will teach you How to Replace a Headlight Assembly . Please follow the instructions carefully.

Things You’ll Need:

  • Headlight
  • Screwdriver
  • 1/4 in. Drive Ratchet

Estimated Costs:

  • DIY Costs: Est. $26.82 parts only
  • Shop Costs: Est. $218.72 parts and labor

Image may not be specific to your car

Instructions:

Replacing a headlight assembly is not a difficult task. You only need some tools and few skills to do this job on your own. Follow the given steps to replace a headlight assembly at home.

  • Park the car and lift the hood. Make sure that parking brake is on.
  • Remove all the electrical connectors attached to the headlight assembly.
  • Next, you have to take the headlight assembly out of the headlight compartment. For this, you have to unfasten the screws holding the assembly in its place.
  • Remove the headlight assembly and look for any damaged areas on it.
  • Take a new headlight assembly and replace it with the old damaged assembly.
  • It is important to have a look on the headlight housing whether it is free f any damage or not. If it is damaged, replace it as well.
  • Fix the new headlight assembly in the headlight compartment.
  • Attach all the electrical connectors back to the assembly.
  • You are done.
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How to Replace a Rear Body Panel

Posted on January 7, 2011 by Alvin Martin

Below guide will teach you How to Replace a Rear Body Panel . Please follow the instructions carefully.

Things You’ll Need:

  • Body Panel
  • Screwdriver
  • Worklight
  • Body Hammer
  • C-Clamp
  • DA Sander
  • Dolly
  • Spray Gun
  • Trim Panel Removal Tool Set

Estimated Costs:

  • DIY Costs: Est: $260.37 parts only
  • Shop Costs: Est: $884.31 parts and labor

Image may not be specific to your car

Instructions:

If you want to save some dollars and want to replace a rear body panel yourself, here are the simple instructions for you:

  • First you need to take the bumper assembly away from the car. Detach any lights or other parts as well.
  • Next you have to take out rear panel, floor cover, spare tire, fuel tank and exhaust system.
  • Also disconnect all the electrical connections and wiring.
  • Take the rear body panel out by cutting it from the vehicle.
  • Wipe the dirt and other contaminants from the surface. Do all the required repair work, so that you can install a new rear body panel.
  • You need to do some welding work to install a new rear body panel.
  • On the edges of the panel, apply seam sealer.
  • Use a thin coat of primer on the panel and allow it to dry.
  • After this, you have to use a thin coat of basecoat paint on the panel. In the end apply clear coat of paint.
  • Replace all the parts which you have removed earlier that is: fuel tank, exhaust system, electrical wiring and connections and spare tire.
  • Similarly, you need to replace the reinforcement, absorber and bumper cover with new ones.
  • Take a short drive to check whether the repair is properly done or need some adjustments.
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