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Honda Pilot Odyssey Ridgeline Acura MDX rear brake pad and rotor replacement
Click Photo to Launch Video We had been dealing with a rumble in the brakes for a while and I finally ordered rear pads and rotors as a kit from Amazon. The rear rotors were warped which is what was causing the rumble. Think about a record on a record player which has a wave to it. Same concept with brake rotors being squeezed by the pads at high speed which caused the rumble or shake. We use Amazon Affiliate links whenever possible, which means I may earn a small commission

kauffmansgarage
May 71 min read


Honda Pilot, Honda Ridgeline and Acura MDX Rear Differential Service VTM-4
Click Photo to Launch Video This is a super easy service that anyone can do with simple tools and a drain bucket! Be sure to use genuine Honda VTM-4 fluid and pick up your crush washer gaskets before starting. We use Amazon Affiliate links whenever possible, which means I may earn a small commission if you decide to grab your parts through the links below. It doesn’t cost you anything extra—just helps keep the lights on and the wrenches spinning! Crush washers https://amzn.to

kauffmansgarage
May 71 min read


Am I the only one? A regular car guy's perspective on the new car market
Visit Slate Auto At 51 and a lifelong "car guy," I’ve watched the automotive world shift in ways I never imagined. What I see today (and...

kauffmansgarage
May 52 min read


1996-2002 3rd Gen Toyota 4Runner Rear Differential Removal and Rebuild Part 1
This is the start of a multi part series Watch Video Here

kauffmansgarage
May 51 min read


1996-2002 Toyota 4Runner sway bar link replacement
Pretty easy process. If yours is rusty and you cannot get the nuts loose, you can simply cut them off. We use Amazon Affiliate links whenever possible, which means I may earn a small commission if you decide to grab your parts through the links below. It doesn’t cost you anything extra—just helps keep the lights on and the wrenches spinning! https://amzn.to/4oRBnEX Watch Video Here

kauffmansgarage
May 51 min read


Check your air intake hoses! They are old and can crack 3rd gen Toyota 4Runner 3400 V6
Compare yours before buying because the style does vary with different model years. We use Amazon Affiliate links whenever possible, which means I may earn a small commission if you decide to grab your parts through the links below. It doesn’t cost you anything extra—just helps keep the lights on and the wrenches spinning! Replacement intake hose https://amzn.to/3JGuVBw Watch Video Here

kauffmansgarage
May 51 min read


1996-2002 Toyota 3rd Gen 4Runner 4wd Front Strut Replacement
If yours is 2wd, make sure you're purchasing the correct version. This is a very easy job only requiring simple tools you likely already have. 15mm wrench 19mm wrench 19mm socket and ratchet (1/2" impact makes it even easier) Pry bar Punch Dead blow hammer Optional 17mm wrench for our aftermarket sway bar links (OE is 16mm if I recall correctly) We use Amazon Affiliate links whenever possible, which means I may earn a small commission if you decide to grab your parts through

kauffmansgarage
May 51 min read


If your 2010-2024 Toyota 4Runner's rear wiper isn't parking, this may be your problem!
We recently noticed our rear wiper wasn't parking properly and after about 30 minutes of fidgeting around with it, we discovered the problem. Poorly made aftermarket parts! Once we installed the OE Toyota part, problem was solved. We use Amazon Affiliate links whenever possible, which means I may earn a small commission if you decide to grab your parts through the links below. It doesn’t cost you anything extra—just helps keep the lights on and the wrenches spinning! Buy your

kauffmansgarage
May 41 min read


1997-2001 Honda CR-V Front Strut Replacement
Click Photo to Launch Video The struts we used Make sure you remove the upper strut fork bolt completely before you try to drop the fork down. I messed up here as you will see!

kauffmansgarage
May 31 min read


1996-2000 Toyota 4Runner ABS Delete for Off Roading Overlanding 4x4 4wd
After numerous failed attempts at bleeding our brakes, we decided to dump the ABS unit. It worked! This is not a recommendation to do this to yours, it is simply a solution we arrived at to solve a problem. If you do this, I would encourage you to study and learn threshhold braking. Make sure your lines begin threading easily for as many turns as you can get before tightening them to avoid cross threading. The string trimmer line we used was .080" in diameter and simply what

kauffmansgarage
May 31 min read


OFTEN OVERLOOKED! Honda Pilot, Ridgeline and Acura MDX Transfer Case Service VTM-4
Click Image to Launch Video This service is very similar to a differential drain and fill, because that really is what you're doing. Don't be like me, be sure to pick up some crush washers before you start! We use Amazon Affiliate links whenever possible, which means I may earn a small commission if you decide to grab your parts through the links below. It doesn’t cost you anything extra—just helps keep the lights on and the wrenches spinning! Honda Hypoid gear oil https://am

kauffmansgarage
May 31 min read


HOW TO Classic Toyota Retro TRD Racing Heritage Tri Color Grille Badge Emblem Installation 4Runner
Add some color to the front of your rig! We ordered this grille badge on Amazon and think these are just super cool. The tri colors are tied to Toyota's off road racing history and pay tribute to the legendary Ivan "Ironman" Stewart. We use Amazon Affiliate links whenever possible, which means I may earn a small commission if you decide to grab your parts through the links below. It doesn’t cost you anything extra—just helps keep the lights on and the wrenches spinning! Buy y

kauffmansgarage
May 31 min read


Toyota Locking Differential Actuator Rebuild & Timing | 4Runner, Tacoma, Land Cruiser DIY Fix
Having issues with your Toyota electronic locking differential not engaging or staying stuck? In this video, we tear down, rebuild, and correctly time a Toyota locking differential actuator motor—a common failure point on 4Runner, Tacoma, Land Cruiser, and other Toyota 4x4 models. Learn how to restore full function to your Toyota diff lock actuator without dropping big money on a new one. We walk you through the full process of cleaning, inspecting, reassembling, and timing t

kauffmansgarage
May 31 min read


Quick DIY Mod That Makes Your Toyota Look Premium! Door Entry Courtesy or Puddle Lights
Looking for a simple and affordable way to upgrade your Toyota or Lexus? This courtesy puddle light mod is a great way to replace those dim factory door lights with brighter, modern LED units. It’s one of the easiest lighting upgrades you can do—and it makes a big difference in visibility and style. We recently picked up a 2016 Toyota 4Runner TRD Pro that was missing the driver’s side door light. That kicked off this upgrade, and honestly… we’re glad it did. These new LED doo

kauffmansgarage
May 31 min read


Toyota 4Runner Transfer Case Service | Drain & Fill DIY (5th Gen Manual Shift 4x4)
In this video, we walk you through the step-by-step process of performing a transfer case drain and fill on a 5th Gen Toyota 4Runner with the manual shift 4x4 transfer case. Whether you're maintaining your rig for daily driving or prepping for off-road adventures, keeping your transfer case fluid fresh is key to drivetrain longevity. Fluid capacity = 1.1 Quarts (Proper fluid level 0 to .5 mm from bottom lip of fill hole) Plugs are 24 mm and torque to 27 ft-lb or 324 in-lb (1

kauffmansgarage
May 31 min read


Dim Cargo Lights? Not Anymore – 5th Gen 4Runner Easy Bright DIY Mod
Tired of your dim rear cargo hatch lights in your 5th Gen Toyota 4Runner? This EASY DIY mod will brighten things up—literally. In this video, I’ll walk you through a simple and effective rear hatch lighting upgrade for 2010–2024 Toyota 4Runners. Whether you're camping, wrenching, or just loading groceries at night, you’ll instantly notice the difference. This is a must-do lighting mod for any 5th Gen 4Runner owner who’s tired of struggling in the dark. No complicated wiring N

kauffmansgarage
May 21 min read


5th Gen 4Runner Strut Replacement and Sway Bar Links Rides So Much Better! | Toyota 4Runner DIY
Ready to give your Toyota 4Runner a smoother, tighter ride? In this video, we’re tackling a front strut and sway bar link replacement on a 5th gen 4Runner, and the results are night and day! Whether you're chasing better handling, prepping for off-road adventures, or just knocking out some overdue maintenance, this is the Toyota DIY you’ve been waiting for. Let's get your rig feeling brand new again! We use Amazon Affiliate links whenever possible, which means I may earn a sm

kauffmansgarage
May 21 min read


DIY 5th Gen 4Runner Rear Shock Replacement
If your ride just doesn't feel like it used to, you may need new shocks. Shocks wear gradually over time, and you may not even notice the change until you REALLY notice the change! You may feel like you're getting tossed side to side more, bumps which may not look that bad feel really bad, and your vehicle will likely feel bouncy. In this video, we'll walk you through the installation of rear shock absorbers on this Toyota 4Runner SR5. We use Amazon Affiliate links whenever

kauffmansgarage
May 21 min read


Toyota 4Runner PCV Valve Replacement | 5th Gen DIY Maintenance
In this video, we walk you through how to replace the PCV valve on a 5th Gen Toyota 4Runner, and explain what it does, why it matters, and how this simple part can save you from expensive repairs. What is a PCV valve? The Positive Crankcase Ventilation (PCV) valve is a one-way valve that routes harmful engine gases back into the intake to be re-burned—keeping emissions down and oil leaks at bay. Over time, it can clog with oil and sludge, leading to poor fuel economy, rough i

kauffmansgarage
May 21 min read


Common Issues with the 5th Generation Toyota 4Runner: Replacing the 8" Clamshell Front Differential Needle Bearing
The 5th generation Toyota 4Runner is a beast on and off the road, but as it ages, it might start whispering (or rumbling) for some attention. One common issue is the failure of the 8" clamshell front differential needle bearing, which often leads to vibrations or rumbling noises. If you can grab the axle shaft and move it like a loose tooth, it's time for a change. This problem is becoming more frequent as these vehicles rack up miles, but don't worry—replacing the needle bea

kauffmansgarage
May 21 min read
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