Abstract: A caster adjustment tool is used to adjust the caster angle on a McPherson front end suspension system having a strut arm connected to an upper bearing assembly which, in turn, is adjustably connected to a strut mounting plate affixed to the frame of a vehicle. The upper end of the strut arm is connected to the bearing assembly by a strut fastener exposed in an opening in the strut mounting plate. The caster adjustment tool includes a ring for fitting around the upper strut fastener, a lever arm, and a force arm of adjustable length extending between the ring and a lower portion of the lever arm. The force arm pivots on the lower portion of the lever arm. A connector on the lever arm below the pivot engages an edge of the strut mounting plate as the ring fits around the strut fastener.

Abstract: An oil seal test unit tests for leakage of oil seals in a rack and pinion steering unit having (a) a pinion housing with a main supply pressure inlet and outlet, and left and right turn fluid pressure connections; (b) a rack housing with left turn and a right turn fluid pressure fittings; and (c) right and left tie rod ends. The test unit includes a pump for supplying hydraulic fluid under pressure through a main supply line connected to the inlet of the pinion housing. A return line connected to an outlet from the pinion housing returns fluid to the pump reservoir. Steering pressure is simulated by a reciprocating bar secured to the tie rod ends of the steering unit. A hydraulic cylinder has a piston with an actuating rod connected to the reciprocating bar. Right or left turning movement of the steering unit moves the tie rods which, in turn, applies pressure against hydraulic fluid in the cylinder.

Abstract: A seal puller pulls an annular seal from the interior of a cylindrical housing. The seal puller includes a hollow elongated externally threaded support rod and an elongated externally threaded adjustment rod passing through the hollow interior of the support rod. A tapered jaw spreader is carried on the end of the actuating rod. A support ring is rigidly affixed to the support rod. A plurality of elongated flexible jaws are rigidly affixed to the support ring and extend alongside the tapered jaw spreader. A depth guide sleeve carried on the support ring has an annular end wall spaced from flanged tips of the jaws. The axial position of the sleeve on the support ring is adjustable to pre-set the spacing between the end wall of the sleeve and the tips of the jaws to match the seal thickness. A pressure plate is slidable on the support rod, and a pressure adjustment nut is threaded onto the support rod adjacent the pressure plate.

Abstract: A cylinder head is removed from an overhead cam engine by first inserting a timing chain support tool between opposed portions of the timing chain so that opposite edges of the tool support the chain above the crankshaft sprocket. A movable finger at the bottom of the tool can be moved outwardly to apply pressure against the normal bias of the chain tensioner, which prevents the timing chain from slipping off the crankshaft sprocket while the upper cam shaft sprocket and the cylinder head are removed. The engine can be cranked with the cylinder head removed by mounting a cam shaft idler tool on the engine block for supporting the cam shaft sprocket. The timing chain is engaged with the cam shaft sprocket and a slide member of the idler tool can move the cam shaft sprocket until it applies tension to the timing chain.

Abstract: Apparatus for removing a valve adjusting disc from a valve lifter in a valve mechanism of an engine cylinder head includes an elongated rigid cross-bar supported on the engine cylinder head and extending generally parallel to the camshaft above the valve lifters. A force-applying member slides on the cross-bar and is straddled by an adjustment screw retainer that also slides on the cross-bar. The force-applying member has a downwardly extending arm with a lower working face that contacts the valve lifter independently of contact with the valve adjustment disc. An adjustment screw carried on the retainer is turned to apply downward force on the force-applying member, which forces the arm downwardly against the resistance of the cross-bar for compressing the valve lifter against the bias of the valve spring.

Abstract: An adapter for use in aligning the front end suspension system of a vehicle enables a mechanic, working alone, to adjust the camber setting without otherwise requiring the mechanic to remove the wheel in order to gain access to the camber adjustment bolts, or without otherwise requiring assistance of a second mechanic. The adapter comprises a generally U-shaped tool having first and second legs and a bight portion for extending around opposite sides of the housing at the base of the suspension system strut assembly where the camber adjustment bolts are located. The first leg of the U has a bore with a closed interior surface adapted for engagement with the head of a camber adjustment bolt. The opposite second leg of the U has a fastener for being tightened against the opposite face of the housing. This holds the tool in a fixed position for locking the camber bolt against rotation.

Abstract: A camber adjustment tool for a McPherson front end suspension system comprises a rigid base for being fastened to the face of a wheel hub. The wheel mounting studs extend through elongated holes in the base that facilitate fastening the base to the hub independently of different wheel stud patterns. Cammed sleeves inserted in the holes around the wheel studs prevent damaging the threads of the studs and provide rigid bearing surfaces for attaching the base to the hub. An adjustable foot releasably secured to the bottom of the base rests on the floor and rigidly supports the wheel hub above the floor. An instrument mounting bridge spaced from and extending parallel to the face of the base facilitates supporting a camber indicating gauge adjacent the hub independently of the wheel stud pattern. An adjustable collar is swivel mounted to the end of a rigid force-applying arm, which in turn, is fastened by a pair of adjustment nuts to the top of the base.

Abstract: An adapter for a jack is used in front end alignments to jack up a vehicle in a safe position. The adapter includes a generally horizontally extending elongated rocker arm, with a jack attachment member pivotally secured near the center of the rocker arm. The jack attachment member extends downwardly from the underside of the rocker arm for attachment to the ram of a jack placed on a wheel alignment rack below the front steering control arm of the vehicle. The rocker arm extends laterally away from both sides of the ram. An inner end of the rocker arm is attached to the generally horizontal underside of the steering control arm immediately inside the wheel of the vehicle. This provides a safe location at which to jack up the vehicle. The outer end of the rocker arm is pivotally attached to the top of an elongated upright support arm. A rack attachment member fastens the bottom of the support arm to the wheel alignment rack.

Abstract: A cylinder head is removed from an overhead cam engine by first inserting a timing chain support tool between opposed portions of the timing chain so that opposite edges of the tool support the chain above the crankshaft sprocket. A movable finger at the bottom of the tool can be moved outwardly to apply pressure against the normal bias of the chain tensioner, which prevents the timing chain from slipping off the crankshaft sprocket while the upper cam shaft sprocket and the cylinder head are removed. The engine can be cranked with the cylinder head removed by mounting a cam shaft idler tool on the engine block for supporting the cam shaft sprocket. The timing chain is engaged with the cam shaft sprocket and a slide member of the idler tool can move the cam shaft sprocket until it applies tension to the timing chain.

Abstract: Apparatus for removing a rocker arm of a valve mechanism in an automobile engine includes an elongated open-ended tubular sleeve having a U-shaped working face at one end and a slot extending inwardly from the working face of the sleeve. The slot allows the sleeve to be slid sideways around a rocker arm to position the working face of the sleeve above a valve spring located below the rocker arm. The slot provides clearance between the sleeve and the cam shaft which activates the rocker arm. A leverage arm pivots about a transverse axis at an end of the sleeve opposite the working face. A first portion of the leverage arm extends away from one side of the transverse axis and engages the underside of a cross-bar secured to the cylinder head and extending parallel to the cam shaft. A second portion of the leverage arm extends away from an opposite side of the transverse axis.

Abstract: A wrench for working in areas of greatly limited access includes a head having a bore extending through it, a handle secured to the head, a socket for engagement with an object to be rotated, and gear teeth spaced apart circumferentially around the outside surface of the socket. The head is split and hinged to pivot between an open position for expanding the effective size of the bore and a closed position for extending around the gear teeth of the socket when the latter is inserted in the bore. A spring-biased locking mechanism locks the hinged portion of the head in its closed position during use. The locking mechanism is releasable to allow the head to pivot to its open position. A reversible ratchet pawl engages the gear teeth to provide reversible, unidirectional rotation of the socket relative to the head.