Nissan VQ35-Series Water Pump: Chain-Driven Water Pump Replacement
At the top of the list for the most difficult water pumps to replace is the Nissan VQ-Series V6 engines. The pump is turned by the timing chain and is nestled in the engine block. This can make for a very difficult job no matter if the engine is mounted transversely or longitudinally. The VQ35-series of engines can be found in 2001-current Nissans and Infinitis. Book time on this job can range from 2- to 3.0-hours depending on the model and layout. There are no shortcuts.
Gapping Spark Plugs: Lost Art?
For a long time, the copper core plug ruled the roads. For under a dollar, you could buy a plug that would fit, but you had to gap the plug the distance between the electrodes. But with the softer electrodes made of copper, chromium or nickel-iron, they always were eroded every time the spark plug fired. Eventually, the gap would open up or the shape of the center electrode changed to the point where it would cause a misfire.
ASE Undercar X1 Specialist Certification: Not What You Would Expect
Are you one of the 7,570 technicians who are ASE-Certified Undercar Specialists? If not, you should be. I recently took the X1 Exhaust Test to qualify as an Undercar Specialist. To gain this certification you must be concurrently certified for Suspension & Steering (A4) and Brakes (A5) from the Automobile & Light Truck Test Series, and Exhaust Systems (X1) from the Specialty Test Series.
Honda Pilot Suspension And Alignment Inspection
The Pilot employs a strut-type front suspension that provides a generous 7.3 inches of wheel travel. Separate load paths to the unit body are provided for the coil spring and the shock absorber to reduce road noise. A solid 0.9-inch stabilizer bar is linked directly to the strut via ball-joint connections to reduce body roll during cornering maneuvers.
Dual-Clutch Transmissions: Coming To Your Shop Sooner Than You Think
A dual-clutch transmission is more than just two clutch plates where there was just one. The two clutches are not connected. The clutches power shafts with one nested inside the other. These input shafts connect to what could be called counter shafts that run parallel to each other.
Relearn Procedures Require TPMS Tool
Most vehicles require some type of “stationary” relearn procedure to reset the TPMS system. This requires a TPMS tool to activate each of the tire pressure sensors in a specified sequence so the TPMS control module can relearn their new locations.
Pay Close Attention To These Brake Hardware Items
If the caliper is not free to move, the culprit might be bent or binding mounting pins. Even if guide pins are not damaged, swollen or hardened guide seals or lack of lubrication may cause the caliper to bind resulting uneven pad wear. Always inspect all mounting surfaces and hardware for corrosion, wear or misalignment. Replace all mounting hardware and install a replacement caliper using the proper caliper lubricant.
Wheel Bearing Torque Dos and Don’ts
While it may appear to be easier to use an impact wrench, it is not recommended. OEM and bearing manufacturers always recommend using a torque wrench for installation. During removal, an impact wrench can damage the axle nut threads and shock the CV joints. It can also create a false sense of security when adjusting a nut or bolt, which may be under or over torqued.
VIEWPOINT:Monday Morning MIL Light Quarterback
Monday mornings are typically not very productive for me. I typically will hide in my office with the light off to avoid people asking about their latest weekend-induced car problems.
ASE L1 Test Prep: BUS circuit testing on The Type 3 Composite Vehicle
The Advanced Engine
Plastic Engine Covers That Were Once Just For Looks Are Now Functional
Plastic engine covers are becoming a plague for technicians and it is only getting worse. Every year they get bigger and more difficult to remove. Once, they only cleaned up the engine bay, hiding unsightly wire harnesses, piping and intake manifolds. Now they have become barriers to technicians like the tamper-resistant screws on an iPhone.
VIEWPOINT: Going For The Gravy Can you sell diagnostic time?
The gravy in the future will be diagnostic time and procedures performed with scan tools. You can see it with steering angle sensors, TPMS and re-calibration of sensors. In the future, it is only going to get better.