BRAKE JOB: GM Acadia / Buick / Outlook / Enclave
The Lambda Platform is shared with the Chevrolet Traverse, Saturn Outlook, GMC Acadia and Buick Enclave. It is largely derived from the GM Epsilon platform, the same platform that makes the Chevrolet Malibu and Pontiac G6. These vehicles can be front- or all-wheel drive. All models have the same rear disc brake setup with the parking brake in the hat of the rotor. All Lambda platform vehicles incorporate Tire Pressure Monitoring (TPMS) ABS and Stabilitrak electronic stability control.
Bleeding ABS Brake System: Why Brake Fluid and Lines Degrade
According to R. L. Polk, the average age of the vehicles on U.S. roads was 9.2 years in 2007 with 41 percent of the vehicles 11 years or older. This high median age is a good reason to consider the condition of the brake fluid and bleeding procedures when performing maintenance or repairs. Maintenance or repair of an Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) system can require the opening of the hydraulic system. Any time the hydraulic system is opened, air can be introduced into the lines and components.
Nivomat Shock Absorbers: Self-Leveling Monotube Ride Control Units
The Nivomat Shock Absorber is a self-leveling monotube shock absorber developed by Sachs. Nivomat shocks are used by Chrysler, Ford, General Motors, Jaguar, Kia, Mitsubishi, Saab, Volvo and other OEMs. The system is also available on the GM Suburban and Tahoe as part of ZW7 Premium Smooth Ride Suspension. Replacement units are available from Monroe, ZF Sachs and OES suppliers.
Tech Feature: Servicing Diesels in Your Shop
Is there a diesel in your service bay? Maybe not now, but there definitely will be in your future. You’re going to see trucks as well as SUVs and passenger cars. Mercedes-Benz produced a 3.0L V6 diesel-powered SUV for the 2008 model year and Volkswagen has a Twinturbo 5.0L V10 diesel engine in its Touareg. As the automakers focus on better fuel economy, you might say the diesels are coming again.
TPMS: Tire Pressure Monitoring Service for All Shops
Recently, an owner of a 2008 Lincoln Navigator brought their vehicle in for a tire rotation. The tires were rotated front to rear. The customer drove away not knowing he was in great peril. A few days later, the right rear picked up a small leak. The TPMS system turned on the dashlight and indicated
Tech Tip: Priming a New Master Cylinder
Priming in less time.
Reprogramming ABS Controllers
Reflashing undercar controllers is possible at your shop!
Chassis Control Engineering & Application
It is a common mistake to look at a vehicle’s chassis and suspension system as just components that are either good, bad or broken. It should be looked at as a system. Understanding basic terminology and vehicle configurations is important to the technician for maintaining or returning that new car chassis control and performance. It
Steering Position and Yaw
Driving skills and Electronic Stability Control One of the first things a novice driver asks is: “Do I turn into the skid or away from it?” With Electronic Stability Control, this decision is made for us. When a vehicle begins to skid during a cornering maneuver, the skilled driver steers into the direction of the
Rotor Runout Check List
The vehicle owner may say that under light braking the vehicle pulses to a stop, or under heavy braking the vehicle shudders. Technical service bulletins (TSBs) often describe these symptoms as a “judder.” There are only two causes for judder — lateral runout and disc thickness variation on the rotor’s friction surface. What could have
The Wheels on the Bus Go Round and Round
Now that school is out, school bus inspections and maintenance is taking place in preparation for the next session in the fall. Many school districts are outsourcing the maintenance of their buses. This could be your chance to increase your shop’s customer base. While the coach work (body) of buses is changing to incorporate features
Air Springs and Suspensions
ed air suspension to their SL sedans and limousines. Air springs returned in 1974 for the rear suspension of the new GMC Motor Home RV26. This time the springs came from Firestone and the compressor was driven by an electric motor. The mid 1980s saw a revival of air suspension at all four corners for