How to Replace a Bent Pushrod

1. Remove the valve cover on the affected bank of the engine.
2. Wiggle all of the pushrods to determine which rod or rods are bent and mark the rod with a yellow wax marker.
3. Remove the rocker arm by removing the rocker arm nut over the bent pushrod -- if the vehicle is equipped with individual rocker arms. If the engine is equipped with a rocker shaft, remove the rocker shaft assembly by loosening the bolts that are attaching it to the head. Use a ratchet wrench and the appropriate size socket for the nuts or bolts being removed.
4. Remove the bent pushrod by pulling it up through the cylinder head by hand and set it aside. Inspect all of the other pushrods for wear or cracking if the motor is equipped with a rocker shaft assembly. If there is severe damage on one cylinder bank it is prudent to inspect the other bank for damage.
5. Inspect the rocker shaft and all of the rocker arms and springs on the shaft for damage and replace any worn or broken parts, as necessary.
6. Inspect the valve springs for breakage or damage. Inspect the visible portion of the valve shaft to ensure that they are straight and not excessively worn down.
7. Install a new pushrod in place of the bent one and reinstall the other pushrods by placing them through the cylinder head by hand, making sure that they all seat in the valve lifter. Reinstall either the rocker shaft assembly or the rocker arm making sure that all of the pushrods remain seated in both the valve lifters and rocker arms or shaft.
8. Start the engine and adjust the valves if not equipped with a rocker shaft. Observe the operation of the rocker arms and pushrods to ensure that they are working properly.
9. Replace the valve cover and valve cover gasket. Clean all oil off the engine compartment.
10. Test drive the vehicle to ensure that there are no further problems. Check the valve covers for leaks.

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How to Reset Service Codes for a Mercedes Benz

1. Open the fuse panel cover under the steering column by turning the knob on the cover counterclockwise and pulling down on it.
2. Plug the electrical connector on the diagnostic reset tool into the input on the fuse panel. There is only one input large enough to accept the diagnostic reset tool plug.
3. Turn the ignition key to the "on" position and wait for the service light to go out. The service codes will be reset at this point.

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How to Replace a W124 Window Regulator

1. Open up the door that has the broken window regulator. Sit inside the vehicle for added comfort while carrying out the work. Use a Phillips-head screwdriver to remove the mounting screws that hold the door panel onto the door. Place the screws in a safe area. Lift the door panel away from the door.
2. Take the screws away from the door handle and pull the handle away from the door. Use a wrench to remove the mounting bolts fixed to the backing plate. Lift the backing plate away from the door to gain access to the window regulator.
3. Unhook the electrical wiring that connects the regulator motor to the regulator. Pull it from the regulator connector with your hand.
4. Use a hex wrench to remove the bolts that connect the regulator to the window. Remove the remaining bolts from the bottom of the regulator and lift it away from the door.
5. Install a new regulator by fixing the bottom mounting bolts to the regulator first before attaching the hex bolts that connect it to the windowpane. Reconnect the connector from the motor to the regulator by pushing the cable into its connector. Reattach the rest of the door assembly by following the removal steps in reverse.

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How to Install an Audi A4#039;s Trailer Hitch

1. Locate the three retaining screws that attach the plastic bumper fascia on the rear of the car to the underside of the trunk compartment pan. Remove the screws with a Phillips screwdriver, and place them aside.
2. Open the trunk lid, and raise the cargo mat. Remove the spare tire wing nut by hand, then remove the spare tire and jack from the trunk and place them aside. Locate the two drain plugs at the rear of the trunk pan where the spare resided by prying them out with a slotted screwdriver. Keep the plugs for future use, or discard them.
3. Find the center of the rear bumper fascia using a measuring tape. Mark a notch at the bottom center of the fascia 3.25 inches wide and 3 inches deep with a felt-tipped pen. Cut the notch out carefully using a sharp utility knife. Use care when making this cut, as it will be visible from the rear of the car.
4. Pull the rear fascia down and to the rear of the car slightly to reveal the ends of the rear frame rails. Place a bolt plate on top of one of the rails, ensuring the two mounting holes in the plate straddle the frame rail. Insert a carriage bolt into each of the mounting holes so the threaded end of the bolt is points downward. Repeat this procedure on the other frame rail.
5. Raise the hitch into place on the rear of the car, lining up the rear mounting holes in the hitch with the four carriage bolts installed earlier. Place a washer and retaining nut onto the end of each carriage bolt, and tighten them finger tight.
6. Place spacer blocks over the two drain holes inside the spare tire compartment in the trunk, then place a carriage bolt into the hole in each spacer. Check to ensure the threaded end of each bolt protrudes through the forward mounting holes in the hitch. Place a washer and retaining nut onto the ends of each bolt. Tighten these nuts and the four installed earlier with a torque wrench to the tightness specified in the hitch installation instructions.
7. Push the rear fascia into place under the car, and tighten the retaining screws with a Phillips screwdriver. Replace the tire jack and spare tire, and secure them. Pull the cargo mat back over the spare, and close the trunk lid.

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How to Assemble a Bumper for a 450Sl

1. Turn the 450 SL's engine off. Remove the rubber side trim along the sides of the bumper by unfastening the bolt at the edge of the trim with a socket wrench.
2. Remove the bolt on each side of the bumper with a socket wrench. Once the bolt is removed, unhook the six metal tabs underneath the bumper. You can press them in and slide the bumper off. If it is too difficult, you can use a flat-head screwdriver to pry the locking tabs inwards to remove unhook them.
3. Remove the bumper from the vehicle once the tabs are unhooked. Use a Phillips screwdriver to remove the four screws securing the bumper cover to the bumper.
4. Assemble the bumper by securing the bumper cover to the bumper itself with the four screws. Place the bumper back onto the vehicle and make sure all the locking tabs click into place.
5. Reinstall the two bolts on the sides of the bumper and reinstall the rubber trim.

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How to Open the Hood on My Mercedes S550

1. Open the driver's door and get down on your knees outside the vehicle so that you have a view of the pedals. You don't need to get on your knees every time you want to pull the hood lever, but it will give you a clear view of where the lever is located.
2. Pull the lever in the left corner of the driver's foot area. The hood lever is directly to the left of the parking brake.
3. Walk to the hood of the car. You will see a lever slightly sticking out from the grill, located beneath the Mercedes star hood ornament. Pull this lever toward you to release the hood. Pull up on the hood to get a view of the engine.

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How to Lease amp; Register BMW Cars

1. Go to BMWUSA.com to research lease offers. Hover your mouse over the 'Financial Services' option and click on 'Lease Offers' from the drop-down menu. Find the vehicle of your choice and click on it to review its leasing information.
2. Read the lease carefully. Pay special attention the 'small print' information, located just beneath the main information in bold print. If you need more information about the vehicle's options and specifications, click on the BMW model name from the top of the Web page.
3. Click on 'Dealer Locator' from the top menu at anytime to input your ZIP code and to find a dealer close to you. Click on the dealer's independent website link from the results to view their hours. Call to make an appointment or simply stop in during the business hours listed.
4. Ask for a salesperson once you arrive at the dealership. Tell your BMW salesperson which vehicle you intend to lease. Ask to test-drive the model before proceeding.
5. Tell your salesperson that you would like to apply for lease approval. At this point, ask any questions you have about the details of the lease or find the vehicle that you want if the one you test-drove was not the color or model you want.
6. Fill out the BMW Financial Services application with your salesperson. Sign your credit application when complete, then await your approval. Because BMW dealerships communicate with BMW Financial Services electronically, the approval process is instant.
7. The dealer is fully authorized to submit motor vehicle paperwork to your state's motor vehicle department on your behalf to complete your titling and registration for you. Because the dealership offers this service, make sure to bring your current registration if you are transferring plates and your current insurance information so that your new car can be added and proof of coverage obtained. The salesperson will also need to examine your driver's license to complete the process.
8. Sign all of your new-car documents, which include your BMW Financial Services contract and your state's specific motor vehicle forms. Your salesperson will show how to use the many features in your new car, attach your plates and put your temporary registration where it belongs on your car until the permanent one arrives by mail.

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How to Change a BMW#039;s Headlights

1. Open your BMW's hood. Be sure the engine has had enough time to cool off.
2. Reach between the engine compartment and the headlight assembly. Twist the bulb cover cap to the left and remove it.
3. Turn the bulb socket to the left and pull it out of the headlight assembly.
4. Pull the burnt-out bulb from the bulb holder.
5. Push the replacement bulb into the bulb holder.
6. Reinstall the bulb holder. Secure it by turning it to the right.
7. Cover the bulb holder with the bulb cover cap and turn it to the right.

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How to Replace the Battery in a 745Li

1. Open the trunk of the vehicle. Pull back the carpeting on the right side of the trunk.
2. Locate the plastic battery cover. Remove the screws that are used to secure the battery cover with the Phillips-head screwdriver.
3. Pull the plastic covers off of the positive and negative terminals.
4. Remove the negative battery cable from the battery terminal with the wrench.
5. Remove the positive battery cable form the battery terminal with the wrench.
6. Locate the bolt that is used to secure the battery in the compartment. Remove the bolt with the wrench or a socket wrench.
7. Pull the battery out of the compartment and out of the trunk. Set the old battery aside.
8. Insert the new battery into the compartment. Replace the bolt that is used to secure the battery in the compartment.
9. Attach the negative and positive battery cables. Tighten the cables with the wrench. Place the plastic covers over the battery terminals.
10. Set the plastic battery cover back in place and tighten the screws. Fold over the carpet in the trunk.

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How to Improve Jetta TDI Fuel Mileage

1. Drive your Jetta TDI with the purpose of achieving the best possible fuel economy. This means you must, at all costs, resist the urge to speed. Rather, keep your speeds at or below 55 miles per hour. It's also important to avoid aggressive driving. Suddenly increasing or decreasing your speed is wasteful. Keep your speed constant, slow down and speed up gradually.
2. Use your Jetta's overdrive and/or cruise control whenever it is feasible, i.e., on flat, uncongested highways or roads. If you can manage to keep your diesel engine running at a lower RPM, you can help increase its fuel efficiency. If you own a Jetta TDI with a manual transmission, you should attempt to reach your highest gear as quickly as possible without revving your engine too high.
3. Unload excess weight from your Jetta. Look for any unnecessary cargo in the trunk or cabin of your car and remove it. Even an extra 100 pounds will drastically cut into the fuel efficiency of a Jetta, reducing your miles per gallon by as much as 2 percent.
4. Avoid using your Jetta's air conditioner and other accessories as much as possible. Anything that requires extra power will reduce your fuel efficiency as load on your engine and alternator increases.
5. Take your Jetta TDI to a qualified mechanic for a yearly tune-up. Your diesel engine must run smoothly in order to achieve the best fuel mileage possible. A regular trip to the mechanic will ensure that your engine is working as it should. Also, have your oil changed every 3,000 to 6,000 miles, check your air filter and change it if necessary, and inflate your tires to the recommended pressure (you'll find the suggested inflation level on the sidewalls of the tires).
6. Roll your windows up when traveling at highway speeds. At higher speeds, you must ensure that your Jetta is as aerodynamic as possible. Windows that are left down will increase drag and decrease your fuel mileage. With aerodynamics in mind, you should also remove any bicycles or luggage from your roof rack (if equipped).
7. Always fill your tank with quality diesel fuel. It's tempting to go with the cheapest fuel available. This, however, may cost you in the long run. Dirty or watered-down fuel could decrease your fuel mileage and even damage your engine.

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