The Mechanic helps-MAPCO car technology |

The Mechanic Episode 17 - Change of the alternator

This time our Mechanic exchanges an alternator together with Constantin Bergander. An Alternator is also called generator. The name comes from the originally function. Today the generator has different functions.

The Mechanic Episode 16 - Changing the Starter

In this episode our Mechanic with Constantin Bergander of Motor-Talk changes a starter. In this example they replace this part in a Golf III. Starters are high-tech products: electric motors whose field winding has been replaced by a permanent magnet. Since internal combustion engines can not start alone, they need the starter.

The Mechanic Episode 15 - Wheel speed sensor change

In this video, the MAPCO mechanic is working with Constantin Bergander, editor at the Motor-Talk Internet portal, to change a wheel speed sensor. The first sign of a defect is the permanent illumination of the warning light of the ABS brake system. But reading out the fault memory makes it clear which sensor is defective. The description of the complete removal and installation can be found at the end of the video.

The Mechanic Episode 14 - Changing the drive joint

The mechanic renews in this episode a drive joint with axle cuff. A defective drive joint is usually always noticeable by a strong noise. If a clicking or humming is detected during cornering or load changes, the drive joint must be replaced. Before the wheel is removed, it is advisable to check the play of the wheel bearing and also the environment of the chassis. These include shock absorbers, springs, wishbones and of course the brake system.

The Mechanic Episode 12 - Hydraulic pump change

In this video, the mechanic shows the change of a hydraulic pump, which is also called servo pump. The work will be carried out on a Golf III. In this case, the servo pump sits below the engine and is driven by a flat belt. During all work on the hydraulic system, attention must be paid to absolute cleanliness. The servo pump and the steering gear are manufactured with the most accurate tolerances. Even the smallest dirt particles can cause a defect or cause a complete failure.

The Mechanic Episode 11 - timing belt change

This video shows the correct replacement of a timing belt with water pump. The engine is a 1.0 L engine of a 1991 Polo 86C. It is fitted with one of the most classic belt drives, which means that the belt runs over the camshaft, crankshaft and water pump. In our case, the mechanic works on a motor that has already been removed. In that way the work processes and the TD point (top dead center of the first cylinder) are better to show. The dot is made visible with a marker color.

The Mechanic Episode 10 - Change of ignition coils

The mechanic changes an ignition coil. Typical features for a defect are engine misfires and a run-out. MAPCO Autotechnik has a wide range of ignition coils. A tip in advance: When removing an ignition coil caution is necessary, because the ignition system works with high voltage, so that a mistake can have fatal consequences.

The Mechanic Episode 9 - Changing the brake hose

This Time the mechanic professionally changes on a VW Passat a brake hose. The tube is porous and the outer skin is torn. Therefore, an exchange is mandatory. With a change of the brake hose always the bleeding of the brake system is necessary. Please remember that the vehicle is secured against rolling away on the lift.

The Mechanic Episode 8 - ABS sensor rings

The Mechanic and his co-worker Peter Lorenz from quality assurance at MAPCO replace an ABS sensor ring. Sensor rings wear out mainly due to thermal influences or weather conditions such as salts in winter. The rings begin to rust, and since they are very filigree, they also break quickly. MAPCO offers a wide range of ABS rings, ABS sensors, drive joints and complete drive shafts.

The Mechanic Episode 6 - Changing the handlebar arm

If there are flaws on the handlebars of a car, you can be sure that the next main inspection ends without a new badge. The expansion takes place again on a stage. The vehicle is secured so that it can not roll away. On this occasion, all assemblies under the vehicle from the exhaust to the brake controlled, because if there are still flaws, you should repair the same. The text for the video is available as a PDF file by clicking on "View".

The Mechanic Episode 5 - filter change

Filters in the car are important and yet their exchange is often neglected. This applies equally to oil and fuel filters, as for the cabin filters. In this case the Mechanic will change the oil filter. When draining the oil, work carefully and dispose the oil in an environmentally friendly manner after the end of all work. In the MAPCO online shop or in one of the RegionalCENTER there are filters of all kinds for a large number of car models. The detailed description of the topic can be found by clicking on "View".

The Mechanic Episode 4 - Track and coupling rod change

At first the mechanic had planned to replace only one tie rod. But after checking the suspension he noticed, that the coupling rod dosn't work well and also needs to be replaced. MAPCO Autotechnik has a wide range of steering and suspension parts. They can be ordered in the online shop or in one of the RegionalCENTER.

The Mechanic Episode 3 - changing the brake disc

When changing the brake disc, it is useful to have a look at other suspension areas at the same time. You can found in the same operation other signs of wear and repair. This works best after disassembly of the wheel. In our case, when loosening the brake hose, the Mechanic found that the brake hose was quite cracked and needed urgent replacement before it leaked.

The Mechanic Episode 2 - Changing of shock absorbers

All repairs around the chassis requires a lift, but a standard jack is also necessary. Do not forget to secure the vehicle. In this example the Mechanic changes the shock absorber on the rear axle. A detailed description of the shock absorber changing you can found by clicking on "View".

The Mechanic Episode 1 - Changing of the wheel hub

In all wheel and chassis work where the car is jacked up or placed on a stage, it is important to prevent it from rolling away before the first handgrip. That's the same when changing the wheel hub. It makes sense to test not only the condition of the wheel hub and its play on this occasion. The neighboring chassis parts such as the dome bearing or ball joint also needs a control. The full instructions for the video can be downloaded here.