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

Air Conditioning Compressor Replacement

An engine-driven fan belt powers the air conditioning compressor, which is mounted on the engine. .

An engine-driven fan belt powers the air conditioning compressor, which is mounted on the engine. .

Air Conditioning Condenser Replacement

The air conditioning condenser is located in the engine compartment in front of the vehicle's radiator. .

The air conditioning condenser is located in the engine compartment in front of the vehicle's radiator. .

Air Conditioning Evaporator Replacement

The air conditioning evaporator cools and dehumidifies air in the passenger compartment of the vehicle. It is located behind the dashboard.

The air conditioning evaporator cools and dehumidifies air in the passenger compartment of the vehicle. It is located behind the dashboard.

Alternator Replacement

The alternator charges the battery and powers the vehicle's electrical system when the engine is running. It provides electrical energy to keep the battery fully charged and to power vehicle systems in use (e.

The alternator charges the battery and powers the vehicle's electrical system when the engine is running. It provides electrical energy to keep the battery fully charged and to power vehicle systems in use (e.

Steering Rack Boot

The steering rack boot is an expandable rubber covering that creates a seal between the rack and pinion and the tie rod end. There is one on each end of the rack and pinion steering gear.

The steering rack boot is an expandable rubber covering that creates a seal between the rack and pinion and the tie rod end. There is one on each end of the rack and pinion steering gear.

Automatic Transaxle

The automatic transaxle combines the vehicle's automatic transmission and differential (a device that allows each of the wheels to rotate at different speeds while supplying equal torque to each of the them) in one integrated unit. Automatic transaxles are found on all front-wheel drive and many four-wheel drive vehicles.

The automatic transaxle combines the vehicle's automatic transmission and differential (a device that allows each of the wheels to rotate at different speeds while supplying equal torque to each of the them) in one integrated unit. Automatic transaxles are found on all front-wheel drive and many four-wheel drive vehicles.

Radiator Fan Motor Replacement

The fan lowers the temperature of the engine. The cooling fan motor is an electric motor that turns the fan blades.

The fan lowers the temperature of the engine. The cooling fan motor is an electric motor that turns the fan blades.

CV Boot Cover Replacement

A half shaft—also called an axle—transmits power from the transmission to propel the vehicle's wheels. Each half shaft has two constant velocity (CV) joints, which are packed with grease and encapsulated by a rubber cover known as a CV boot.

A half shaft—also called an axle—transmits power from the transmission to propel the vehicle's wheels. Each half shaft has two constant velocity (CV) joints, which are packed with grease and encapsulated by a rubber cover known as a CV boot.

CV Half Shaft Replacement

A half shaft, also called an axle, transmits power from the transmission to propel the vahicle's wheels. .

A half shaft, also called an axle, transmits power from the transmission to propel the vahicle's wheels. .

CV Joint Replacement

The CV (constant velocity) joint kit is a parts kit used to replace an existing CV joint on a CV half shaft assembly. It consists of a new CV joint, a new rubber CV boot, two clamps, and a package of fresh axle grease.

The CV (constant velocity) joint kit is a parts kit used to replace an existing CV joint on a CV half shaft assembly. It consists of a new CV joint, a new rubber CV boot, two clamps, and a package of fresh axle grease.

Muffler Replacement

The muffler (exhaust box) is a part of the exhaust system. The muffler reduces the noise created by exhaust gases emitted from the engine.

The muffler (exhaust box) is a part of the exhaust system. The muffler reduces the noise created by exhaust gases emitted from the engine.

Catalytic Converter Replacement

The catalytic converter is one of the key components in a vehicle's pollution control system. It reduces the level of harmful emissions in exhaust.

The catalytic converter is one of the key components in a vehicle's pollution control system. It reduces the level of harmful emissions in exhaust.

Exhaust Gas Recirculation Valve Replacement

The exhaust gas recirculation valve (EGR valve) recirculates combustion gases—including unburned hydrocarbons—back into the engine intake. This has the desirable effect of lowering the peak flame temperature in the combustion process, thus reducing the production of oxides of nitrogen, a major pollutant.

The exhaust gas recirculation valve (EGR valve) recirculates combustion gases—including unburned hydrocarbons—back into the engine intake. This has the desirable effect of lowering the peak flame temperature in the combustion process, thus reducing the production of oxides of nitrogen, a major pollutant.

Exhaust Pipe Replacement

Exhaust pipes connect exhaust system components to one another. Exhaust pipes connect the exhaust manifold to the catalytic converter and the catalytic converter to the muffler.

Exhaust pipes connect exhaust system components to one another. Exhaust pipes connect the exhaust manifold to the catalytic converter and the catalytic converter to the muffler.

Exhaust Tail Pipe Replacement

Exhaust gases are emitted from the engine, routed under the vehicle, and expelled at the rear of the vehicle. Exhaust gases are noxious; the exhaust tail pipe ensures that the gases exit and do not get trapped under the vehicle where they could leak into the passenger compartment, causing harm to the occupants of the vehicle.

Exhaust gases are emitted from the engine, routed under the vehicle, and expelled at the rear of the vehicle. Exhaust gases are noxious; the exhaust tail pipe ensures that the gases exit and do not get trapped under the vehicle where they could leak into the passenger compartment, causing harm to the occupants of the vehicle.