Automotive Repair Archives - Page 2 of 11 - Ferber's Tire & Auto Service

When you pop the hood of your car, you’ll find an intricate world of parts working together to make the engine run smoothly.  Two essential components in this complex system are pushrods and lifters.  In this blog, we’ll demystify pushrods and lifters, explaining how they work together to keep your car moving.

Pushrods are slender, metal rods that carry the movement from one part of the engine to another.  They might not seem as flashy as other engine components, but they’re like the messengers in a relay race, passing on the motion and power your car needs to move.  One of the most important tasks pushrods perform is controlling the opening and closing of the engine’s valves.  Valves are like doors in your engine’s cylinders, and they need to open and close at the proper times to let in air and fuel and to let out exhaust gases.

On the other hand, lifters are small cylindrical parts that sit between the pushrods and the camshaft.  The camshaft is another crucial part of your engine: a long rod with egg-shaped lobes or cams.  Lifters are like little followers.  They ride on the camshaft’s cams, moving up and down as the camshaft spins.  When the cam lobe pushes up on the lifter, it pushes the lifter up, which in turn pushes the pushrod up.  As the lifter moves the pushrod, it transmits this force to the rocker arms.  Rocker arms are like levers, and they help open and close the valves in response to the movement of the pushrods.

The magic here is in the timing.  The camshaft’s lobes are carefully designed to push the lifters to open and close the valves at the precise moment.  This timing ensures that air and fuel enter the cylinders when needed and exhaust gases are expelled at the right time.

There you have it!  Pushrods and lifters might not be the flashiest parts under your car’s hood, but they are essential for the engine’s proper functioning.  They work together in a beautifully synchronized dance, controlled by the camshaft, to ensure that your engine’s valves open and close at just the right times.  The next time you hit the road, remember that these seemingly simple components are helping to power your car’s journey.

Pushrod Repair at Ferber

How do pushrods and lifters work?

When you pop the hood of your car, you’ll find an intricate world of parts working together to make the engine run smoothly.  Two essential components in this complex system are pushrods and lifters.  In this blog, we’ll demystify pushrods and lifters, explaining how they work together to keep your car moving. Pushrods are slender, Read More

How does the starter motor work?

Have you ever wondered how a car’s engine comes to life when you turn the key or push a button? That’s where the car starter comes into play. It’s like the spark that sets the engine in motion. Let’s dive into the world of car starters and find out how they work. Imagine your car’s Read More

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Have you ever wondered how a car’s steering wheel manages to turn while still keeping all the buttons and controls connected? The answer lies in a clever device called the car clockspring. This essential component might not be visible, but it is crucial to ensure smooth communication within your car’s steering system. Let’s explore how Read More

Timing Chain vs. Timing Belt: What’s the Difference?

When you open the hood of a car, you might notice some important parts that help the engine run smoothly. A critical part is the timing belt or timing chain. They play a crucial role in ensuring the engine’s moving parts work harmoniously. Let’s explore the differences between a timing belt and a timing chain Read More

7 Tips to Keep Your Car Engine in Great Shape

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5 Signs of a Failing Control Arm Bushing

Control arm bushings play a crucial role in a vehicle’s suspension system by connecting the control arms to the chassis. These rubber or polyurethane components help absorb road vibrations and allow the control arms to move smoothly. However, like any other part, control arm bushings can wear out over time, leading to various issues. Let’s Read More

Why Isn’t My Car Horn Working?

Have you ever been in a situation where you needed to use your car horn, but it just wouldn’t make a sound? It can be frustrating and even a bit scary when your car horn stops working. So, why isn’t your car horn working? One of the most common reasons for a non-functional car horn Read More

What Causes Bent Pushrods?

When it comes to engines, there are many intricate parts working together to make everything run smoothly. One such component is the pushrod. But what happens when a pushrod gets bent? In this article, we will explore the reasons behind bent pushrods and why they can cause trouble for an engine. So, let’s dive in Read More

4 Signs of a Failing Car Axle

Have you ever wondered what makes your car move? Well, one important part that helps your wheels turn smoothly is called the car axle. Just like our bones give us support, the axle supports the weight of your car and allows the wheels to rotate. But what happens when the axle starts to fail? Today, Read More