Andrew Markel, Author at Brake & Front End - Page 96 of 116
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Alignment Specs: 2002-2006 Mini Cooper

There are no built-in factory adjustments for front camber or caster. The only way to adjust these angles is to purchase adjustable upper strut mounts.

Tire Pressure Monitoring Technical Service Bulletins

What you need to know about tire pressure monitoring technical service bulletins published in 2012.

VIEWPOINT: Stop Feeling Bad About Selling What a Driver Needs

Her car was a 1986 Ford Taurus Wagon with about 52,000 miles. It was one of those vehicles a person buys right after they retire, hoping it would be the last car they ever have to buy.

Brake Job On 2006-Current Cadillac DTS

The 2006-current Cadillac DTS is the largest sedan that General Motors offers. The DTS incorporates the K-platform as denoted by the 4th letter in the VIN. It is built on the same line as the Buick Lucerne. The two vehicles share many brake components, but option packaging is different for the Lucerne.

Alignment Spec: GM W-Platform Alignment

The 2004-2013 GM W-Platform represents the evolution of the GM mid/full-sized front-wheel-drive car. The W-Platform includes best sellers like the 2004-2013 Chevy Impala, 2006-2007 Chevy Monte Carlo, 2004-2008 Pontiac Grand Prix and 2005-2009 Buick LaCrosse. This is a “bread and butter” vehicle for every shop. This generation of vehicles is solid and easy to work on. Gone are the quirks of previous generations.

Worn Shocks and Struts Kill: Do I Have Your Attention Now?

Can’t sell shocks and struts? What is your excuse? Do you blame the economy, customer income or even how well late-model vehicles are manufactured? There should be no excuse when it comes to recommending new shocks and struts. By not recommending these items, you are doing the customer a greater disservice than stealing change out

BRAKELIGHTS: Bad Brakes Contest

This month’s Brake Lights comes from Scott’s Automotive in Azle, TX. It is off a 2002 Oldsmobile Alero. Ouch   Do you have your own bad brakes story and pictures? If you do, it could be worth $75 and, if selected, your story could appear in BRAKE & FRONT END. Send digital pictures and your

Viewpoint: Brine Time/Corrosion For Cash

It is not the adverse driving conditions that scare me. It is a truck with a large white tank strapped to the back spraying brines on the roads as a new strategy called “anti-icing.”

Brake Job: 2000-2007 Ford Focus

The 2000-2007 Ford Focus is based on the Ford global C1 platform, shared with the European Ford Focus and Volvo S40. Nothing is really groundbreaking about the brake system. However, not paying attention to the details can end in a post brake job comeback.

BRAKE PAD WEAR CHART

Even Wear Pads have equal amounts for friction material, within 2-3 mm,  on both pads. Cause:  • Brake caliper and connected hydraulics are operating properly. Solution: • Replace the brake pads. • Replace hardware including abutment and anti-rattle clips. • Service caliper guide pins and slides. Outer Pad Wear  The outboard brake pad shows increased wear

Wheel Bearings: Pressing Bearings In Less Time With Fewer Comebacks

Servicing these bearings requires a little bit more finesse and tools when compared to hub units or tapered roller bearings. With the right tools and information, these jobs can be moneymakers.

Alignment Specs: BMW 3-Series 1998-2006 E46

The BMW E46 was the best selling generation of the 3-Series. The rear-wheel drive sports sedan is one of the more complicated cars to align, but it has many service and repair opportunities.