Andrew Markel, Author at Brake & Front End - Page 89 of 117
Air Ride Replacement Options For Variety Of Makes And Models

All air ride systems can fail and require service. There are several repair paths you can go down to offer the best option for a customer’s needs and budget. Here is a forecast of current and future air ride vehicles and replacement options. Makes covered include: BMW, Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, Ford, Hummer, Lexus, Toyota and more.

Six Technician Tips I’d Tell My 20-Year-Old Self

Last month, I found my driver’s license from when I was 20. In 1994, I got my first job working at a dealership as a porter, shuttle van driver and service writer trainee. I began thinking about what I would say if I could go back in time and talk to this 20-year-old kid – to prevent so many mistakes and to avoid the missed opportunities. Here are six things I would tell myself.

Brake Service On A Volkswagen Routan

The 2008-2012 Volkswagen Routan is a rebadged variant of the Chrysler mini van platform with revised styling, suspension tuning and brake service procedures. So this van has a bit of a split personality when it comes to servicing the brakes. The customers who drive the Routan and the Chrysler minivan are two different customers judging by the TSBs. The Routan has five different TSBs about addressing customers who complain about brake noise. The Chrysler mini-van has zero.

Diagnosing EGR And Secondary Air Systems

The perfect internal combustion vehicle would be able to put the exact amount of fuel and air into the combustion chamber. If the perfect combustion event happened, you would get nothing more than water and carbon dioxide. We are not there yet. In the mean time, we have exhaust gas recirculation systems (EGR), secondary air injection and catalytic converters.

Relax – R1234yf Is Not The End Of The World

I attended the Mobile Air Conditioning Society’s 2014 Training Event and Trade Show in New Orleans last month. The main topic of discussion was R1234yf, or “twelve-thirty-four” in A/C lingo. There has been a lot of hype about the changeover to this refrigerant. Don’t panic. The reality is that it is not the “air conditioning apocalypse” some are predicting.

Start Solving Transmission Electronic Control Problems

Troubleshooting an automatic transmission can be one of the most intimidating diagnostic procedures at a shop. The first reaction is typically, “We don’t do that type of work.” But there is profit in performing drivetrain diagnostics and “in-the-car” repairs.

Three Causes Of Transmission Complaints

The modern transmission is one of the most connected components on a vehicle. When using a scan tool to diagnosis a drivetrain problem, it’s often what is not displayed on the scan tool that will lead you to your final diagnosis. Read on for three of the common causes of transmission complaints.

Air Filter Fuel Trim Diagnostics

The modern engine measures two things extremely well, the amount of air going into the combustion chamber with the mass airflow sensor (MAF), and the byproducts that are generated by the combustion event with the oxygen sensor. These measurements allow the engine’s computer to put the right amount of fuel and spark into the cylinder to give the most efficient and cleanest combustion event.

Aluminum Suspension Component Serviceability

For every 10 percent reduction in vehicle weight, there is a 5 to 7 percent fuel savings. Since 1990, there has been a steady increase in the weight of vehicles due to airbags, structural components and convenience features like heated seats. This fattening in some areas forced suspension components to go on a diet.

New Environmental Regulations To Change The Parts You Sell, Install

New legislation is changing what parts can be installed on your customers’ vehicles. The goal of these mandates is to reduce emissions and prevent harmful chemicals from reaching waterways. The spirit of the new regulations is to preserve public assets like parks and streams that improve the quality of life for the citizens of the state.

How Does The EGR And Secondary Air Injection Work With The Catalytic Converter?

The perfect internal combustion vehicle would be able to put the exact amount of fuel and air into the combustion chamber. If the perfect combustion event happened, you would get nothing more than water and carbon dioxide. There would not be any unburned fuel or oxygen. What would be needed to make this happen? Direct injection into the combustion chamber is a good start. You would also need the perfect combustion chamber free from hot spots – areas of unwanted turbulence or carbon build up. In the mean time, we have exhaust gas recirculation systems (EGR), secondary air injection and catalytic converters to reduce emissions

Why A Clean Fuel Tank Is Important For A Fuel Pump’s Diet

Fuel pump replacement comebacks can be costly and can hurt your reputation. One of the leading causes of failure is the tank. If a vehicle gets 20 miles to the gallon, then more than 5,000 gallons of gas (from many stations) will go through the tank in 100,000 miles. During this time, sediment, rust and debris from the pump can find its way into the tank. Removing all contaminates is critical.