HLA Disassembly/Cleaning
 

HLA (hydraulic lash adjuster) disassembly/cleaning.



The HLA:

http://carphotos2.cardomain.com/imag...7513_large.jpg

http://carphotos3.cardomain.com/imag...7514_large.jpg



There is a metal clip that holds the plunger into the main HLA body.

You can separate them by hitting the top of The HLA with a rubber mallet to break the plunger loose. The HLA is actually pretty darn strong, as long as you don't go crazy you shouldn't damage it. I tried pulling the plunger out with several different pliers and I wasn't able to get enough grip with any of them. Some locking needle nose vise grips would probably work, but I don't have any.



Now that the plunger has been popped loose, use some pliers to remove the plunger.

http://carphotos.cardomain.com/image...7507_large.jpg





This stuff should fall out.

http://carphotos3.cardomain.com/imag...7506_large.jpg





Left to right: Outer Plunger, Plunger Spring, Inner Plunger, Main HLA Body.

http://carphotos.cardomain.com/image...7512_large.jpg



You can see the clip that holds everything in.

http://carphotos4.cardomain.com/imag...7509_large.jpg



Now disassemble the other 15 HLAs and clean them. Some degreaser and an old toothbrush should do just fine. Then rinse them off, dry em.

Now go ahead and lather them with some fresh oil.



Put everything back in the correct order. I placed an 11mm socket over the plunger and lightly hit the socket with a rubber mallet. It should just snap in easily.

http://carphotos3.cardomain.com/imag...7508_large.jpg

Vise with locking needles will definitely not work. Because they might push the plunger a little bit through.

But very useful, cool.