A walk plate spring release handle is a part of a truck’s walk plate, which is a component behind the cab that covers inaccessible spaces. The spring release handle is a part that allows the component to be adjusted so that the fifth wheel can function. The fifth wheel is the part where trailers are latched on. The release handle unlocks the walk plate, and it is typically made of die cast aluminum to be resistant to rust and corrosion.
The warning light is a small light that switches on when the part associated with it develops an issue. Most warning lights are on the dashboard, although some of them can be found on the part itself. Many parts and systems use warning lights to get your attention and inform you that something has gone wrong with them. Examples of warning lights include the power steering warning light and the seat belt warning light.
The Warning Light Sending Unit is a pressure switch that triggers your dashboard warning lights to alert you of issues that can damage your engine. There are different types of warning light switches for different systems of your vehicle, such as sending units for oil pressure, water temperature, and oil temperature gauges. When the sending unit detects an issue with your vehicle’s oil pressure, for example, it activates your oil pressure warning light.
A Wash Mitt is a cloth tool used for scrubbing vehicle exteriors. It’s typically made to fit over a user’s hand with a wrist strap or band in place to keep it from slipping off. These mitts come in different shapes and sizes. Most wash mitts cover the entire hand in a single compartment, but other designs have separate compartments for individual fingers or the thumb and four fingers. Some are flat while others have mop-like tendrils. Wash mitts are typically made from microfiber cloth and woolen materials.
The washer check valve is a device in the windshield wiper’s fluid system. This component prevents the washer fluid from draining from the piping that leads to the nozzle. Wiper systems that don’t have a washer check valve will need to wait several seconds while the pump pumps fluid from the washer fluid reservoir. However, systems with check valves keep the fluid in place near the nozzle, allowing wiper fluid to come out as soon as the pump is activated.
A washer fluid level sensor measures the amount of washer fluid in the reservoir. This component is a contactless capacitive sensor. In some vehicles, it sends a signal to the powertrain control module (PCM) whenever it detects low washer fluid levels. As a result, the lower washer fluid warning on the instrument cluster lights up.
If the washer fluid level sensor fails, the washer system might fail to operate or even overheat due to low fluid levels.
The washer hose is a part that conveys windshield washer fluid from the washer pump to the windshield washer nozzles, which spray the cleaning fluid on the windshield glass. This part might be needed to replace a loose or degraded hose that leaks windshield washer fluid. Washer hoses sit between the washer pump and windshield washer nozzles. The washer pump needs the washer hoses to deliver windshield washer fluid to the nozzle, which will spray it on the car glass.
The Washer Nozzle Cover is the plastic casing that fits over a vehicle’s windshield washer nozzle. It protects the washer nozzle from the elements, such as dust and debris, while also providing a sleeker look to the vehicle’s hood. Without it, the washer nozzle would easily get dirty, leading to clogs and uneven spray patterns against a vehicle’s windshield. The washer nozzle cover is typically made out of plastic and black in color.
The Washer Pump is an important component of your car washer. It pumps cleaning fluid from the washer tank to the washer nozzle through the washer hose. This allows the washer to effectively clean your windshield. The water pump’s exact location can vary depending on the vehicle, but you can typically find it inside the washer tank. The washer pump starts working as soon as you press the washer button. Check the washer pump regularly to maintain its good condition.
The Washer Pump Grommet seals the washer pump to the washer fluid reservoir. Also called a windshield washer pump grommet, this part might be needed to fix fluid leaks caused by a bad grommet. Located between the washer pump and washer fluid reservoir, washer pump grommets are usually tough but flexible rubber. The windshield washer system relies on the grommet to help prevent the loss of windshield washer fluid and pressure.
The Washer Pump Repair Kit is a kit that contains various replacement parts necessary to repair a damaged windshield washer pump. A working windshield washer pump sends fluid from the windshield wash reservoir to the washer nozzles, but it can fail and prevent your windshield washer from working. Different kits will consist of different parts. Some washer pump repair kits will include the reservoir tank, while others only come with the pump and hardware necessary for installation.
The washer reservoir is a container made from polyethylene plastic that holds the fluid that cleans the windshield. The reservoir is built to resist ethanol and antifreeze.
The washer reservoir level sensor monitors the amount of washer fluid left in the reservoir. In some vehicles, if the washer fluid level drops to a certain amount, a warning light will appear on the dashboard.
The Washer Reservoir Plug is a cover for the vehicle’s windshield washer reservoir. It seals the plastic container holding the windshield washer liquid, preventing it from spilling inside the engine compartment while the vehicle is in motion. The washer reservoir plug can be found in the engine bay atop the washer reservoir. If the washer reservoir plug breaks or leaks, it can lead to a windshield washer fluid leak in the system.
A Wastegate Actuator regulates the boost output that comes from the turbocharger. It acts like a pressure release valve, diverting exhaust gases from the turbine wheel.
Diverting the exhaust gases lets the actuator control the turbine speed and compressor and prevents the turbocharger from overspeeding.
The Wastegate Hose is a turbocharger part that opens the wastegate to release excess boost pressure. This part might be needed to fix issues like low or no boost pressure caused by a bad wastegate hose. Mounted between the turbocharger and wastegate actuator, the wastegate hose uses vacuum to open and close the wastegate. The turbocharger needs the wastegate hose to regulate boost pressure and avoid damaging the engine.
The Water Inlet Gasket is an important part of your vehicle’s radiator system. It’s a type of seal that sits between the water inlet housing and the engine block, preventing coolant from leaking through. The water inlet gasket helps your engine maintain the optimal operating temperature, but constant exposure to high temperatures can cause wear and tear. The water inlet gasket can crack or turn brittle over time, causing coolant to leak. This can eventually cause the engine to overheat.
The Water Outlet directs coolant flow in the vehicle’s cooling system. It allows a mechanic to drain the coolant during repairs or maintenance. Water outlets include thermostat housings and coolant outlet flanges that route coolant through the system. The coolant flows through these outlets towards the heater core or radiator. Water outlets wear down over time, which can lead to insufficient cooling and an overheating system.
A water outlet gasket is a seal that sits between the mating surfaces of the thermostat housing and the engine. Like most gaskets, the water outlet gasket is responsible for ensuring a tight seal between two components, ensuring no leaks. This gasket is crucial because it facilitates the flow of coolant into the engine. If it ruptures, then the engine can overheat. Luckily, gaskets are made with materials that can withstand heat, pressure, and vibrations.
The Water Outlet Tube carries coolant from the engine to the compressor. This part might be needed to replace an old or damaged water outlet tube that causes issues like coolant leaks. Water outlet tubes are usually attached to the water outlet, and they help ensure the compressor runs at the best operating temperature. The engine relies on the water outlet tube to help prevent overheating.
Vehicle water pipes connect various cooling system components, such as the radiator and water pump, to the engine. Water pipe gaskets seal the connection between the water pipes and other components. These gaskets are typically made using flexible materials like rubber. The water pipe gasket is heat resistant and durable since it’s usually exposed to high temperatures and pressure. The water pipe gasket’s seal is crucial in maintaining the cooling system’s function, as failed gaskets can easily compromise engine cooling and result in crippling damage.
The Water Pipe O-Ring is a ring-shaped seal or gasket in between the water pipe and another component. Also known as water hoses, water pipes are flexible hollow tubes that allow automotive fluids to flow from one component to another. The water pipe o-ring prevents these fluids from leaking. It’s easy to produce, so you can usually get one at a cheap price. Most o-rings are basically just rubber rings that can withstand high temperatures and pressures.
A Water Pressure Gauge is an instrument used to measure and keep track of liquid pressure in your vehicle’s cooling system. Once attached, it reads the force exerted and displays the reading in psi, bar, Torr, or Pascal. These gauges have separate fittings that can be attached for easier measuring. They come in different designs with faces and needles in different colors. They’re made of metal and are cylindrical in shape.
A Water Pump is the part of the cooling system that circulates coolant through the engine to regulate temperature. It’s mounted on the front of the engine and driven by a belt that also drives the alternator.
The Water Pump Bolt is a fastener that attaches the water pump to the engine block. It helps the water pump stay in place as the vehicle moves and withstands significant vibration and heat pressure in the process. The water pump bolt maintains a secure connection between the engine and the water pump, preventing the pump from jostling around and potentially getting damaged. The bolt’s exact size and placement depend on the vehicle’s make and model.
The Water Pump Bracket is a piece of hardware that secures the water pump to the frame of your vehicle. High-quality water pump brackets come with vibration-dampening pads to increase the pump’s lifespan. While these brackets can vary in size, shape, and design, they’re typically made of durable metal like alloy steel. You can buy water pump brackets individually or in a kit with screws and clamps for easy installation.
The Water Temperature Gauge warns drivers when an engine is operating outside of its optimum temperatures. It accomplishes this by letting drivers know when the engine is overheating or running too cool. This gauge is typically installed as an aftermarket accessory.
A Wheel Adapter is an aftermarket upgrade that pushes the wheels outward to create space. It also lets you install a wheel with a different bolt pattern.
Wheel adapters should always be bolted to the hub and placed on the thicker side. Installing wheel adapters might also require some modifications to the fender and caliper clearances.
Wheel bearings are integral components of the wheel bearing assembly. They have a metal ring with metal balls or rollers that spin around the metal ring.
These bearings support the vehicle’s weight and allow the tires to rotate when you’re driving. They’re usually made to last the life of the vehicle.
Improper lubrication and contaminants can jeopardize the performance of the wheel bearings.
A Wheel Center Cap is a metal or plastic disc covering the center bore of the wheel to enhance its appearance. Wheel center caps also keep dirt and moisture out of the hole where the spindle nut and wheel bearings are found.
The wheel cylinder is the part that’s designed to extend and press the brake shoes against the brake drum. The friction generated when the brake shoe presses against the brake drum is what slows the vehicle down when you hit the brakes.
If the wheel cylinder is malfunctioning or damaged in any way, it can make braking slower and less effective because your brakes will be less responsive.
The Wheel Hub is the part of the vehicle responsible for housing the wheel bearings, sensors, brake rotors, and brake calipers. The wheel hub also connects the wheels to the vehicle, securing them with bolts and studs to prevent them from getting dislocated. Because of this, it greatly affects a driver’s ability to steer and control their vehicle. This component can be found between the car’s drive axle and brake drum.
A winch is a truck accessory that can help the vehicle pull itself out of a difficult situation. This could either be when the vehicle is stuck in mud, on a steep incline, or in a situation where it can’t move because of its engine power or grip. Winches work by rotating a spool that’s driven by a powerful motor. The cable typically has a hook at the end, which is attached to an object like a tree or rock. Winches are attached to a vehicle’s front or rear bumper.
The winch cable is a cable or rope that can recover a stuck vehicle. This part might be needed if you must replace the existing or stock cable wrapped around the car winch. Winch cables wrap around the winch spool, and they can pull your vehicle or other vehicles depending on their working load limit. The car winch provides the tension that enables the winch cable to pull loads.
The Winch Cover is a cover that protects a vehicle’s winch from water, dust, and ultraviolet (UV) damage. It fits snugly around the winch with a sewn-in elastic band that prevents it from getting blown off by the wind. Most winch covers are made of durable neoprene or nylon fabric, but you can also find some made of hard plastic. Winch covers come in different sizes, so you’ll have to find one that fits the dimensions of your vehicle’s winch.
The Winch Disconnect Kit is a set of wires, connectors, and other parts that can be used to make a winch detachable from a service vehicle. Instead of the winch being a semi-permanent fixture, it can be swapped around and placed on various different vehicles with the use of this kit. The wires included in the kit stretch down the length of the vehicle to connect the winch to the engine.
Wiper Arms provide structural support to the wiper frames and blades. A special linkage connects the wiper motor to the wiper arm, allowing it to pivot to a certain range of motion.
The Wiper Blade keeps the windshield clean by removing rain, snow, ice, and other debris. There are four types of blades, namely: traditional flat blades, beam blades, winter blades, and hybrid blades.
The Wiper Cowl seals the gap between the vehicle’s hood and its windshield to prevent debris buildup and moisture buildup from the road. This slows the accumulation of these contaminants in the windshield wiper system and the cabin air filter.
Wiper cowls can also enhance a vehicle’s visual appeal.
The Wiper Linkage is part of a vehicle’s windshield wiper system that connects the wiper motor to the wiper arms. This mechanism allows the arms to move back and forth across the windshield when the wipers are activated.
The Wiper Motor activates the linkage that moves the wiper arms back and forth. This small motor can usually be found on the firewall or under the cowl. Vehicles with a rear window wiper will have a separate motor from the front wipers.
A failing wiper motor can result in intermittent wiper operation.
The Wiper Pivot Assembly houses the pivot points of vehicle wipers. It’s arguably the most sensitive part of the system due to the constant strain from friction generated by the wipers.
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