Through the end of March 31, 2020, WJB is offering RockAuto customers an exclusive 10% off instant rebate on the entire line of WJB Wheel Hubs, Bearings, Water Pumps and Seals!

Established in California in 1992, WJB has focused on and excelled at making automotive and industrial bearing products within their ISO/TS 16949 certified factories. Their philosophy is to produce premium parts at a competitive price. WJB has been an OE supplier to car manufacturers since 2012.

Whether you are looking for Wheel Bearing & Hubs for a 2013 Chevrolet Malibu, Wheel Seals for a 2003 Subaru Forester, or a Water Pump for a 1995 Ford Ranger, RockAuto has what you need from WJB.

To see the WJB parts we have for your vehicle, go to the RockAuto.com catalog, and click on the "Brake & Wheel Hub" or "Cooling System" categories and look for the parts with a "". Simply put any WJB part in your cart to instantly save 10% off RockAuto's already reliably low prices.

Spring into better braking with a new Rotor & Brake Pad Kit from Power Stop! Throughout the entire month of March 2020, you can save up to $30 off RockAuto's reliably low prices on Power Stop's Stock Replacement and Evolution Geomet Coated brake kits.

Daily Driver - Power Stop's Stock Replacement Rotor & Brake Pad Kits are an affordable option for drivers seeking an OE replacement. Each kit includes Power Stop's Autospecialty Rotors and clean ride Evolution Ceramic pads. If you are looking for a convenient, complete and affordable solution for better braking, the Stock Replacement Kit is a perfect fit!

Coated (Additional Protection For Rust Prone Areas) - Power Stop’s Evolution Geomet Coated Rotor & Brake Pad Kits feature rotors that are fully coated, including inside the vanes, to extend rotor life and maintain that “like new” look behind open wheels. These kits also include Power Stop’s clean ride Evolution Ceramic pads. If you are looking for an answer to rust related braking problems, the Evolution Geomet Coated Kit by Power Stop is an effective solution!

While shopping, watch for the yellow "Promotion/Rebate" star next to the part names to help you save even more on RockAuto's reliably low prices! Find the Power Stop Rotor & Brake Pad Kits we have for your vehicle in the "Brake & Wheel Hub" category of the RockAuto.com catalog. Do not delay, this offer ends March 31st, 2020!

Cummins 4BT & Diesel Conversions Forums (4BTSwaps.com) is a community dedicated to Cummins 4BT Diesel owners and enthusiasts. Come join the discussion about performance, modifications, troubleshooting, engine swaps, transfer cases and more!

If you are the administrator or member of a forum and you would like to see your website featured in an upcoming newsletter and receive a discount code to share with your members, contact marketing@rockauto.com.

Years ago, while working at a repair shop, my service manager handed me the keys to a newer model Honda Civic and told me, "The customer's brother-in-law just replaced the brake pads and the car won't stop." Of course, my first step was to test drive the car to see what "won't stop" really meant. I pulled out of the parking lot and got up to about 35 mph and applied the brakes. It almost felt like the car sped up...it was not slowing down!

I pushed harder, to the point of pulling back on the steering wheel to get more leverage. There was a traffic light about 1/4 mile from the shop, and it was red. I had to use the emergency brake to stop the car! I immediately turned around and slowly headed back to the shop. After pulling off the wheels and looking at the brakes, I immediately realized the problem.

Her brother-in-law used brake lube...on the friction material side! I replaced the pads, thoroughly cleaned the rotors, and advised the owner of the car to not let her brother-in-law touch the car again.

Justin in Georgia

Tell us about your most infamous auto repair blunder or unconventional fix. Use your woe to help others avoid similar mistakes or share off-the-wall solutions that worked (at least for a while!). Please email your story to flamur@rockauto.com. Include your mailing address and if you would like a RockAuto T-Shirt (please let us know your shirt size) or Hat if we publish your story. See the T-Shirts and Hats under Tools & Universal Parts in the RockAuto catalog. The story will be credited using only your first name and your vague geographic location (state, province, country, continent, etc.) so you can remain semi-anonymous!

The wiring harness for an average new car weighs about 110 lbs (50 kg). How much does a typical wiring harness for a 50+ year old car weigh?

A. 10 lbs (4.5 kg)
B. 77 lbs (35 kg)
C. 155 lbs (70 kg)

Answer below

Turbochargers are common on all types of late-model vehicles. To diagnose turbocharger boost problems, you first have to know the right vocabulary and be able to identify the parts. Many of the new computer controlled turbocharger systems have new parts or parts that perform slightly different functions than parts with similar names found on turbocharged engines from the 1980s.

Exhaust gas spins the turbo's turbine wheel which then spins the compressor wheel on the clean-air side of the turbo. Clean air typically passes through the air filter, into the turbo, through an intercooler and then past the throttle and into the intake manifold.

Excess pressure on both the exhaust and clean-air sides of the turbocharger are vented as necessary. Turbochargers have an exhaust wastegate valve that bleeds off excess exhaust gas pressure into the exhaust pipe downstream, slowing the turbo whenever clean-air boost pressure gets too high. On the clean-air side, turbos have a blow-off valve that releases harmful pressure spikes that happen when the throttle suddenly closes (foot taken off the gas pedal). An old-style blow-off valve releases the excess air into the open air, often making a (cool sounding) whistling noise.

The latest turbochargers still have exhaust wastegates and clean-air valves that perform the same pressure release functions but are often computer controlled to optimize turbocharger performance and durability. For example, the exhaust wastegate valve may be left partially open, relieving all pressure so that it is easier to start a cold engine or to improve fuel economy at steady vehicle/engine cruising speeds.

When the throttle suddenly closes, a blow-off valve on the clean-air side does not vent into the atmosphere; instead a modern diverter/bypass valve sends the air back to the upper air intake, usually just after the mass airflow sensor so that the correct air/fuel ratio is maintained.

Different "Turbocharger Diverter / Bypass Valves" control the exhaust wastegate and perform the function of a clean-air blow-off valve. The turbo from GM's (Cruz, Encore, Sonic, Trax, etc.) 1.4L is shown because the diverter / bypass valve that controls the exhaust wastegate and the diverter / bypass valve that acts as the clean-air blow-off are nicely visible. Locations for the valves vary by brand and model. On Ford vehicles, the exhaust wastegate diverter / bypass valve might be located in the front passenger wheel well; on Hyundai vehicles, the diverter / bypass valve for clean-air blow-off might be sitting on top of the engine near the air intake; and so on.

It is common for engine performance to drop when the turbocharger cannot build enough pressure because the wastegate valve is stuck open. Maybe the diverter / bypass valve controlling the wastegate or some upstream sensor or computer has a problem or maybe the wastegate valve is jammed by a build-up of exhaust crud. My dad always suggests spirited driving to "blow the gunk out" whenever my old carbureted cars are sluggish. Similarly, it might be a good idea to rev-up new turbocharged engines every now and then so that the exhaust wastegate opens completely and "gunk" is not allowed to build up to block the wastegate's travel path.

A leaking diverter / bypass valve for clean-air blow-off will also limit turbocharger pressure and lower engine performance. A rubber diaphragm in these valves typically starts leaking when cracks and holes develop after many miles and/or heat cycles.

Find "Turbocharger Diverter / Bypass Valves" for exhaust wastegate and clean-air blow-off under the "Engine" category in the RockAuto.com catalog for specific vehicles.

Tom Taylor,
RockAuto.com

To read more of Toms articles, click this link and choose from story titles on the Newsletter Archives page.

Our 1976 Chevrolet Camaro is a family heirloom. She has been a daily driver in the family for three generations. We recently retired the Camaro to a leisurely life of regular detailing and car club cruises. The 40 plus years of daily driving, including several teens, took its toll, but she is back in shape now and enjoyed more than ever. Every scratch and ding has a story. The original 305 has been replaced with a 350HO as well as new headers and exhaust. Otherwise the car is very much as it was in 1976. While restoring the upholstery, we found two original build sheets tucked in the back seats. We are looking forward to many more miles of fun!

Parts from RockAuto that have helped to get her back into great shape for many more cruises to come include: Cowl Seal, License Plate Bumper, Fisher Emblem, Windshield Washer Pump, Dome Light Bulb, License Plate Lamp Bulb, Window Regulators, Repair Manual and Wiper Blades.

Thanks RockAuto!
Joan in Arizona (RockAuto customer for over two years)

Share Your Hard Work
Do you purchase parts from RockAuto? If so, RockAuto would like to give you the opportunity to have your car or truck possibly featured in one (or occasionally more) of our publications such as the monthly newsletter, collector magnets, RockAuto social media or other commercial use. New, old, import, domestic, daily driver, trailer queen, classic, antique, we want to see them all! Please email flamur@RockAuto.com with the vehicle history, interesting details, your favorite images (tips for taking pictures of your car) and what parts from RockAuto you have used.

The wiring harness for an average new car weighs about 110 lbs (50 kg). How much does a typical wiring harness for a 50+ year old car weigh?

Answer: A. 10 lbs (4.5 kg)
B. 77 lbs (35 kg)
C. 155 lbs (70 kg)

Back up to trivia question