David Sturtz

David Sturtz

David Sturtz is an automotive expert at RepairPal, the leading online source of auto repair resources and estimates. With many ASE Master certified mechanics on staff who have decades of experience, RepairPal knows all the fine points of car repair.

Posts by David Sturtz

Ignition Lock Electrical Assembly

The ignition lock electrical assembly—or ignition switch—is connected to the ignition lock cylinder. It turns the vehicle’s electrical system on and off and also supplies the initial electrical signal that starts the engine.

The ignition lock electrical assembly—or ignition switch—is connected to the ignition lock cylinder. It turns the vehicle’s electrical system on and off and also supplies the initial electrical signal that starts the engine.

Ignition Lock Assembly

The ignition lock secures the ignition system and steering column to prevent theft. When the key is not in the "on" position, it is impossible to turn the steering wheel.

The ignition lock secures the ignition system and steering column to prevent theft. When the key is not in the "on" position, it is impossible to turn the steering wheel.

Oil Pump Gasket

The oil pump gasket seals the oil pump to where the pump attaches to the engine. It prevents engine oil leaks when the oil is compressed.

The oil pump gasket seals the oil pump to where the pump attaches to the engine. It prevents engine oil leaks when the oil is compressed.

Power Steering Fluid

Power steering fluid is an oil specially formulated for use in power steering systems. .

Power steering fluid is an oil specially formulated for use in power steering systems. .

Lower Radiator Hose

After the radiator has cooled the coolant, the lower radiator hose carries it from the radiator back to the engine. .

After the radiator has cooled the coolant, the lower radiator hose carries it from the radiator back to the engine. .

Upper Radiator Hose

The upper radiator hose carries hot coolant from the engine into the radiator for cooling. .

The upper radiator hose carries hot coolant from the engine into the radiator for cooling. .

Front Coil Spring

The coil spring supports the weight of the vehicle and maintains the vehicle ride height on the axle where they are mounted. It also allows the suspension system to move up and down to adapt to changing road conditions.

The coil spring supports the weight of the vehicle and maintains the vehicle ride height on the axle where they are mounted. It also allows the suspension system to move up and down to adapt to changing road conditions.

Rear Coil Spring

The coil spring supports the weight of the vehicle and maintains the vehicle ride height on the axle where they are mounted. It also allows the suspension system to move up and down to adapt to changing road conditions.

The coil spring supports the weight of the vehicle and maintains the vehicle ride height on the axle where they are mounted. It also allows the suspension system to move up and down to adapt to changing road conditions.

Leaf Spring

Leaf springs support and maintain vehicle ride height on the axle where they are mounted. They also allow the axle to move up and down while helping to position the vertical center line of the wheels.

Leaf springs support and maintain vehicle ride height on the axle where they are mounted. They also allow the axle to move up and down while helping to position the vertical center line of the wheels.

Front Shock Absorber

Shock absorbers dampen the shock the suspension receives when the vehicle is driven over rough or uneven road surfaces. .

Shock absorbers dampen the shock the suspension receives when the vehicle is driven over rough or uneven road surfaces. .

Rear Shock Absorber

Shock absorbers dampen the shock the suspension receives when the vehicle is driven over rough or uneven road surfaces. .

Shock absorbers dampen the shock the suspension receives when the vehicle is driven over rough or uneven road surfaces. .

Front Sway Bar

The sway bar is a solid bar that connects both sides of the suspension for a given axle. Its job is to lessen the amount of vehicle lean while cornering.

The sway bar is a solid bar that connects both sides of the suspension for a given axle. Its job is to lessen the amount of vehicle lean while cornering.

Rear Sway Bar

The sway bar is a solid bar that connects both sides of the suspension for a given axle. Its job is to lessen the amount of vehicle lean while cornering.

The sway bar is a solid bar that connects both sides of the suspension for a given axle. Its job is to lessen the amount of vehicle lean while cornering.

Thermostat Gasket

The thermostat gasket is a working seal between the thermostat housing and the engine. .

The thermostat gasket is a working seal between the thermostat housing and the engine. .

Inner Tie Rod End

The inner tie rod end connects the steering gear to the outer tie rod, either directly or via a center link. .

The inner tie rod end connects the steering gear to the outer tie rod, either directly or via a center link. .