O'Fallon Auto Repair

In automotive repair, axle seals play a critical yet often overlooked role. They are vital components in maintaining the health and efficiency of a vehicle's drivetrain system. In this blog post, we'll delve into what axle seals do, their material composition, signs that they might be failing, and why Hillside Auto Repair is your go-to service provider for ensuring these seals remain in optimal condition. What Are Axle Seals and What Do They Do? Axle seals are essential components located at the ends of an axle, where it connects to the wheel hub or differential. Their primary function is to prevent the leakage of lubrication fluid, such as gear oil or differential fluid, from within the axle housing. These seals also protect the axle bearings and other internal components from contaminants like dirt, water, and debris. By ensuring that lubrication stays within the axle and contaminants stay out, axle seals help maintain proper lubrication, minimize friction ... read more

In the realm of automotive maintenance, one crucial component often overlooked is the power steering pump. This essential part plays a significant role in making your driving experience smoother and more manageable. At Hillside Auto Repair, we're dedicated to ensuring your vehicle's power steering system operates flawlessly. In this blog post, we'll delve into what power steering pumps do, their evolution over the years, common symptoms of a failing pump, and how we can assist you with our top-notch services and comprehensive warranty. What Does a Power Steering Pump Do? The power steering pump is a vital component of your vehicle’s power steering system. It converts mechanical energy from the engine into hydraulic energy, which assists in steering the vehicle. This process significantly reduces the effort needed to turn the steering wheel, making driving more comfortable and less strenuous, especially at low speeds or when parking. Evolution of Po ... read more

The oil pump is a crucial component in any automotive engine, ensuring that the engine operates smoothly and efficiently. As an integral part of the lubrication system, the oil pump plays a vital role in maintaining engine health. In this blog post, we’ll explore the function of oil pumps, how they have evolved over time, symptoms of a failing oil pump, and tips for extending its lifespan. Additionally, we’ll introduce Hillside Auto Repair and highlight our comprehensive 3-year/36,000-mile warranty on parts and labor. The Role of an Oil Pump An oil pump's primary function is to circulate engine oil throughout the engine. This process is essential for several reasons: Lubrication: It reduces friction between moving parts, preventing wear and tear. Cooling: It helps to dissipate heat generated by the engine. Cleaning: It carries away contaminants and debris that could otherwise cause damage. By maintaining a steady flow of oil, the pump ensures that ... read more

Fuel pumps are essential components of modern vehicles, playing a critical role in ensuring that your engine receives the necessary fuel for optimal performance. At Hillside Auto Repair, we understand the significance of these components and want to shed light on how they work, their evolution, and the signs of a failing fuel pump. How Fuel Pumps Work A fuel pump is responsible for transferring fuel from the tank to the engine. It operates under high pressure, ensuring a steady flow of fuel to the engine's fuel injectors. There are primarily two types of fuel pumps used in vehicles: Mechanical Fuel Pumps: Typically found in older vehicles, these pumps are driven by the engine's camshaft and operate via a diaphragm mechanism. They draw fuel from the tank and push it to the carburetor. Electric Fuel Pumps: Most modern vehicles use electric fuel pumps. These are located inside the fuel tank and use an electric motor to pump fuel to the engine. They are more ef ... read more

Maintaining your vehicle's drivetrain is not merely a routine task; it is essential for ensuring a smooth and trouble-free driving experience. The drivetrain serves as a critical component of your vehicle, comprising the transmission, differentials, transfer case, and power take-off (PTO) systems, which may not always be top of mind but are essential for optimal functioning. These components work together seamlessly, much like an orchestra; if one element is not functioning properly, it can disrupt the entire system. Regular maintenance of the drivetrain helps ensure that all parts operate harmoniously, ultimately prolonging the lifespan of your vehicle and avoiding costly repair expenses. Therefore, it is important to prioritize the care of your drivetrain—because proper maintenance is key to keeping your vehicle performing reliably for years to come. What is Drivetrain Maintenance? Drivetrain maintenance involves regular checks and servicing of all compon ... read more