Pentosin Fluids

RockAuto now sells Pentosin brand brake fluid, hydraulic fluid, motor oil, antifreeze, and transmission fluid, including twin clutch transmission fluid. Pentosin makes everything from brake fluid for a 2015 Mercedes C63 AMG, to synthetic transmission fluid for a 2012 Chrysler 300, to 5W-40 motor oil for a 1990 Volvo 740, to hybrid organic acid technology coolant for a 1986 Toyota Supra.

Pentosin was founded in 1927 in Hamburg, Germany, and is globally recognized as a leading innovator and manufacturer of synthetic and mineral oil-based fluids for the automotive industry.

With its “zero mistake” philosophy, Pentosin has met the demanding OE standards of many of the world's finest automobile manufacturers — achieving 27 "first fill" approvals. Pentosin is an ISO/TS 16949:2002 and ISO 14001:2004 quality control certified manufacturer. Their products meet or exceed the requirements of API (American Petroleum Institute), ILSAC (Internal Lubricant Standardization and Approval Committee), ACEA (European Automobile Manufacturers' Association), and other respected industry certifications.

UltraPower Replacement Parts

RockAuto has chosen Ultra-Power to bring our customers even better value on common replacement parts! Many Ultra-Power parts are sourced from the exact same factories as the famous brand name equivalents but at less cost, offering you the quality you expect while lowering overall repair expenses. Choosing an Ultra-Power part can save you 10% or more compared to RockAuto's reliably low priced, famous brand name parts.

Ultra-Power parts include everything from a turbo boost sensor for 2005 Chevy Silverado diesel, to a tie rod end for 2009 Nissan Quest, to a radiator for a 2011 Toyota Sienna. Ultra-Power has parts in the Body, Brake/Wheel Hub, Cooling System, Electrical, Emission, Engine, Fuel/Air, Heat & Air Conditioning, Ignition, Steering, Suspension, and Transmission categories, and they are expanding their product line nearly every month.

Forum of the Month

FullSizeBronco.com covers all aspects of the 1978 through 1996 full size Ford Bronco: technical articles, fabrication, wheels, tires, off-roading and more! Topics on Land Use and trails are broken down into regional sections. You will also find topics tailored for Canadian and European Bronco enthusiasts.

Registration is free, fast and simple. Join today!

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.

Repair Mistakes & Blunders

Some years ago, I bought a used 1985 Corvette as a second car/hobby car. Of course it needed some things taken care of. One being an annoying oil leak that would see oil pool up on the cross member near the radiator. I was determined to find this leak as I hate leaks, and so did the people whose driveways I would use when I visited.

With that, I tore off the valve covers, timing chain cover, and the oil pan and installed all new gaskets. Finished, I buttoned it up and drove to work. Confident I had fixed the leak, I went out during lunch, popped the hood and...the same oil leak! I could not believe it.

Later that night, I browsed the Internet forums, and found out why it was still leaking. The V8 block Chevy used for the Corvette retained the hole for the mechanical fuel pump. Since this engine did not have a mechanical fuel pump, they simply put a bolt in the hole at the factory. Mine must have worked its way out at some point.

Long story short, once I knew this, it was fixed in less than three minutes with a bolt I had lying around. Lesson learned- always think simple first.

Jim in New Hampshire

Bolt Jim replaced circled

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 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!

Automotive Trivia

Who or what was Hyundai named after?

A. Dr. Lideo Hyundai, founder of Hyundai Motor Company
B. South Korea's Hyundai province, where Hyundai's shipyard is located
C. The Korean word for modernity is hyundai.

Answer below

Nothing to Do With Caster or Camber

Earlier this summer, I was chatting with a mechanic/owner of a shop that does a lot of wheel alignments. One challenge his shop faces has nothing to do with caster or camber. Automotive stability control systems include a steering angle sensor (AKA: steering wheel position sensor or stability control vehicle turn rate sensor) in the steering column. The sensor tells the stability control system the steering wheel's position and how fast it is turning.

On some models or model years, the steering angle sensor (SAS) needs to be recalibrated after a wheel alignment or the vehicle's steering/handling will feel strange and/or the stability control system warning light on the dash will light up.

The SAS calibration procedure varies between models. On some cars it requires little more than turning the steering wheel all the way to the left and right. It is necessary to read the repair manual (under "Literature" in the RockAuto catalog) for that specific model and model year. New computerized wheel alignment equipment often conveniently give technicians the correct SAS calibration procedure.

Calibration procedures vary because SAS sensors vary. Most SAS sensors are electromagnetic devices shaped like rings. Some use optical sensors to monitor the movement of a row of light-emitting diodes (LEDs).

SMP electromagnetic steering angle sensor, 2006-2007 Chevrolet Trailblazer & Mopar LED steering angle sensor, 2005-2010 Chrysler 300

SAS sensors have been around for more than a decade. Replacing a worn out sensor may require removing the entire steering column, or might not require much more than removing the steering wheel. On some models, the SAS is built into the multi-function switch (turn signal, airbag clock spring, etc). Following the repair manual instructions is exceptionally important. On some vehicles, a new SAS will be damaged if the steering column is not indexed correctly with the SAS or steering rack.

Airtex steering angle sensor is part of multi-function switch, 2011-2014 Dodge Challenger

Tom Taylor,
RockAuto.com

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

Brian's 1972 Jaguar XJ6

I love to drag home "barn finds". I keep my Dodge diesel truck and a car trailer ready to go for retrieval. My most recent "drag home" is a 1972 Jaguar XJ6 with a Chevy engine and transmission conversion. It hasn’t run under its own power in four years – it was literally dragged by a cable out of a garage and onto the trailer.

The best part of the hobby is getting it home, taking it apart, and cataloguing all of the different parts I need to get it roadworthy. RockAuto has been an invaluable partner to me and my hobby with an easy to use web interface that allows me to quickly find everything on my list. Even better, for older cars like these, RockAuto often has closeout inventory of quality parts at ridiculously inexpensive prices. In fact, most of the parts on my list for the Jaguar were wholesaler closeout parts – the whole order coming to $92. When I can explain to my wife that "I can get that Jaguar back on the road again for 92 bucks!", she is just as excited as I am when the familiar RockAuto boxes arrive on the porch.

Thanks RockAuto! I couldn’t have this hobby without you.

Brian in California

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