Shocks fading on vehicles was a big safety concern before gas charged shocks in the 1970s. On bumpy roads, old shocks would heat up the fluid, causing bubbles to form in the fluid. This would cause the piston to cavitate and the shock to fade. Often, the car would lose control. Sometimes, if the fade was bad enough, the shock would puke fluid out of the top seal. Gas charging of shocks changed this because the fluid was now under pressure, much like an unopened beer can.
The benefit of R1234yf is simple. The new refrigerant lasts only 11 days in the atmosphere compared to 13 years for R134a. This is why the EPA is requiring R1234yf to be installed in all new systems by 2021.
The benefit of R1234yf is simple. The new refrigerant lasts only 11 days in the atmosphere compared to 13 years for R134a. This is why the EPA is requiring R1234yf to be installed in all new systems by 2021. The European Union required the changeover on Jan. 1, 2017.
So, what does this mean for independent shop owners and technicians? Currently, there are approximately 20 million vehicles on the road with R1234yf in the HVAC system. It is not a question of if, but when your shop will have to deal with one of these systems. While working on R1234yf systems is not that different from the R134a variety in operation or theory, identifying the refrigerant and recharging the system has some new twists.
When replacing a power steering oil pump or inspecting a vehicle for a power steering whine noise, inspect the filter screen in the power steering reservoir for contamination.
Don’t always jump to conclusions. A wheel-speed-sensor-related trouble code does not always mean that the sensor itself is faulty. SureTrack provides multiple possible solutions to one problem. In this situation, the problem is code C1233. Scan over this Real Fix and see if it is the right fix for you.
How many times have you been working on the computer when it suddenly locks up? Not one single key or command works, and the more you click, the less it responds. The only thing left to do is hold down those three magic keys, “Ctrl-Alt-Del,” or shut the whole thing off and restart the computer.
Some customers may comment on a clunk or thump noise coming from the front suspension while driving over rough road surfaces. This noise will typically occur when the front suspension is returning to the upward position after a hard downward stroke, such as after driving through a large rut or pothole.
Electronically adjustable shocks and struts use conventional mono-tube and twin-tube oil-filled dampeners.
Here’s why charging more for brake jobs keeps customers coming back.
Passive types of wheel speed sensors are still used in many applications so understanding their operation is important.
The “Edge Code” can tell you information about a brake pad’s friction material.
