What kind of small toys or devices click when you rotate them forwards and backwards? Seeking mechanism or design... [more inside]
posted by pallen123 on Nov 21, 2009 - 13 answers

What is the most common protocol for having an independent mechanic check out a used car before buying? [more inside]
posted by whataboutben on Nov 9, 2009 - 10 answers

bicyclefilter: Are there any sites or books that break down the science of a bicycle? [more inside]
posted by bluelight on Oct 29, 2009 - 9 answers

Any engineers or physicists who can help with a vector mechanics problem? [more inside]
posted by nickhb on Oct 18, 2009 - 5 answers

"There are only two types of motion in the universe: oscillation or rotation and you can't have exclusively one without a trace of the other. That's the reason machines wear out." Does this statement statement have any basis in fact and can you tell me where it might have originated? [more inside]
posted by bonobothegreat on Sep 18, 2009 - 17 answers

What are some simple experiments that help explain complicated phenomena? [more inside]
posted by Christ, what an asshole on Jul 6, 2009 - 15 answers

My car has 130K miles and I think I'm going to stop going to the dealership for repairs despite a great deal of trust in them; it is just too costly. I plan on going to an independent mechanic near my office, but it's one of those tire shop/muffler shop places who also seem to do other repairs/maintenance. Do these places actually fall into the category of an independent mechanic or are they simply rolling the dice when they are out of their area of expertise (like tires, brakes, or mufflers)? And second, where can I get the recommended maintenance *activities* for my vehicle based on mileage. I always followed my dealership's recommendations, so I need a better idea on what might be needed bringing it into an independent shop.
posted by teg4rvn on May 11, 2009 - 16 answers

Where can I get my brakes fixed on a Sunday in Portland, OR? [more inside]
posted by thesmallmachine on May 3, 2009 - 2 answers

How do you kiss? [more inside]
posted by prefpara on Oct 8, 2008 - 40 answers

Why brake fluid? It's horrible stuff; volatile, poisonous, corrosive, generally unpleasant. So why do we use it instead of using a (relatively) more beign hydraulic fluid?
posted by BadMiker on Sep 17, 2008 - 6 answers

I'm learning to ride a bike and have a vintage Raleigh Caprice. How do I ensure it's roadworthy and get it all ship-shape? [more inside]
posted by mippy on Sep 8, 2008 - 15 answers

Remember the Manimal? Well his buddy Big Bird is in a bit of a pinch... Any classic Dodge mechanical types out there? [more inside]
posted by letahl on Aug 6, 2008 - 7 answers

Car-repair-filter: Any mechanics got a trick for freeing a stuck brake piston? [more inside]
posted by sergeant sandwich on Jul 9, 2008 - 8 answers

Mech-E-filter: Can someone point me to a comprehensive online resource or tutorial with an overview of mechanical power transmission mechanisms? I'm interested the transmission of rotary motion as well as conversion between rotary and linear motion. [more inside]
posted by Krrrlson on Jun 21, 2008 - 2 answers

I've made a small mechanical device but need help to find a USB-connected, -powered and -controlled part that gives mechanical input. It should be slow, turned on/off from computer, and really cheap. [more inside]
posted by nolnar on Mar 19, 2008 - 9 answers

How do I get a prototype of an invention made and conduct market research? [more inside]
posted by jesirose on Feb 22, 2008 - 10 answers

Where can I find a site dedicated to modern or classic home mechanisms... [more inside]
posted by matthelm on Jan 23, 2008 - 9 answers

Anyone have recommendations for a good mechanic in the DC/MD suburbs area? [more inside]
posted by averyoldworld on Jan 23, 2008 - 14 answers

I badly need help on formalisms in Quantum Mechanics! I just read this post from 2 years ago, and it did help a little, but not really enough. [more inside]
posted by kureshii on Oct 24, 2007 - 7 answers

The inscrutable Crocodile Dentist Toy: does the crocodile really snap at random? Or is there a way to outsmart the reptile? [more inside]
posted by The Toad on Aug 3, 2007 - 10 answers

Buying-a-used-Car in SoCal-filter : I'm looking for good used car dealerships in the Pomona / Inland Empire / greater LA area. Also, for good independent mechanics to examine a prospective used car. Also: Examples of dealers/mechanics to avoid and general advice. [more inside]
posted by lalochezia on Jun 12, 2007 - 7 answers

When buying exhaust flex pipes like these, to fit over an H-pipe with a diameter of 2.5", would you buy the flex pipes with the 2.5" outlet diameter or do you need something bigger? [more inside]
posted by Venadium on Jun 2, 2007 - 1 answer

What is the REAL life span of auto spare parts compared to what the manufacturer or the auto mechanic tells you? Is there some sort of graph showing risk of failure of parts versus time out there? Specifically I am interested in Peugeot cambelt life spans. How dead am I if it fails? [more inside]
posted by vizsla on May 24, 2007 - 11 answers

Spark plug wire popped off while driving and now it looks like that cylinder isn't firing. How much trouble am I in? [more inside]
posted by ducksauce on Jan 26, 2007 - 10 answers

Help me find a motorized clamp/press [more inside]
posted by CXImran on Sep 22, 2006 - 4 answers

I'm looking for a what I can only describe as something like shop class for adults...any ideas? [more inside]
posted by m@L on Mar 7, 2006 - 7 answers

What is the mechanical device used in Speedlaces called? [more inside]
posted by Caviar on Dec 15, 2005 - 26 answers

The new Ford Mustang, just like the last one, "features" a solid rear axle. Ford (and her enthusiasts) claim that such a design is for "performance reasons." Is this plausible? [more inside]
posted by Kwantsar on May 16, 2005 - 12 answers

I just bought a used motorcycle that needs some work. Warning...i'm asking a stupid question. More inside. [more inside]
posted by milkman on Feb 4, 2005 - 13 answers

I have a 1994 Grand Cherokee with a 318 and NP249 transfer case that needs to be replaced as the chain is beginning to slip. I'm thinking about putting in an NP242 as a replacement. Does anyone know if this would be a direct swap, and if not, what is involved?
posted by c13 on Jan 13, 2005 - 4 answers

ClickandClackFilter: My car will not start in wet weather. [+] [more inside]
posted by spicynuts on Jan 8, 2005 - 24 answers

I want to fix a couple of things on my car. However, looking under the hood causes to me to collapse with the vapors, forcing me to go purse shopping for an hour to mitigate the effects. Does anyone have an online walkthrough-to-fixin-up-your-car for guys like me? (Details inside.) [more inside]
posted by billybunny on Jan 6, 2005 - 28 answers

Can someone recommend a good, trustworthy, American-car auto mechanic, preferably near my work in Berkeley/Emeryville?
posted by fandango_matt on Dec 15, 2004 - 4 answers

Diesel engine cold starting problems... { mi } [more inside]
posted by derbs on Oct 7, 2004 - 8 answers

Saabfilter

Any saab mechanics or semi experienced shade tree mechanics in the green audience today?

Need some advice...more inside... [more inside]
posted by damnitkage on Aug 14, 2004 - 5 answers

I've been working on this 1980 Toyota Corolla to use for the summer, and im realizing its really easy to work on old ass cars. Here is the biggest problem:
Exhaust leak is happening in what sounds to me like the connection between the exahust heads and the tailpipe. I don't know for sure, but I don't think there is a crack in it. I would like to replace this myself, assuming its only a gasket. This car is 24 years old and I am worried about popping off those nuts. What should I do to make sure I don't break the bolts off removing the exhaust pipe? I am talking NO money. I don't even know how I am going to buy the gasket for this. [more inside]
posted by Keyser Soze on Apr 13, 2004 - 12 answers

Torque steer- I'm an engineer, but I've never had torque steer adequately explained to me. Most mechanics will tell you that it's due to unequal length axles, but after the initial loading, the greater twist in the longer axle shouldn't count. Anyone?
posted by notsnot on Feb 25, 2004 - 6 answers

Road trip help please! Can my car survive a 7 hour drive? And what I can do to improve survivability? (more inside) [more inside]
posted by mcsweetie on Feb 10, 2004 - 8 answers