Tech Feature: Special Tools for Steering and Suspension Work
Steering and suspension work, like engine repair or electrical diagnosis, often requires special tools for certain jobs.
NVH Strategies for Disc Brakes
Nobody likes noisy brakes. Vehicle manufacturers go to great lengths to minimize brake noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) because potential car buyers won’t tolerate it.
Hybrid Service: Nissan Altima
While the Toyota Prius dominates most of the hybrid discussion, the Nissan Altima Hybrid warrants some attention too.
Power Assist: Servicing Saturn VUE Hybrids
The hybrid version of the Saturn VUE was initially referred to as the “Green Line” model because of its improved fuel economy: 25 mpg city and 32 mpg highway versus 22/27 for the regular version of the VUE. The Green Line moniker has since been dropped for the 2009 model year.
Carley’s Corner: Cash for Clunkers: A Good Deal or Bad for Business?
As part of the ongoing economic stimulus effort, Congress authorized a Car Allowance Rebate System (CARS), which is commonly referred to as the Cash for Clunkers program.
ABS Diagnostic Equipment
Antilock brake systems run self-diagnostic tests when the vehicle is driven to check for faults. If a fault is detected, it will usually set a code and turn on the ABS warning light to alert the driver.
Internal Engine Repairs: Uncovering the Culprits That Cause Head Gaskets To Fail
The first symptoms of a failing head gasket are usually a slow loss of coolant with no visible leaks, engine overheating and/or a check engine light with cylinder misfire codes. Uncover the culprits and prevent comebacks by following repair procedures to the letter.
Installation Errors Increase Risk of Power Steering Pump Returns
Replacing a power steering pump is a fairly simple job on most vehicles. But if the installation is not done correctly, it may result in noisy operation, reduced power assist or no power assist at all, according to Mike Simon of Ixetic, a manufacturer of power steering pumps.
Indirect Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems: The TPMS System That Knows The Road.
Indirect Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems (TPMS) are ones that do not have air pressure sensors inside the tires. Rather, they detect a low tire by comparing relative wheel speeds via the Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) wheel speed sensors. When a tire loses air, its diameter decreases slightly.
Tech Feature: Servicing Ford’s 3.0L Engine
The 3.0L Duratec V6 was introduced in 1996 to replace the aging 3.8L V6 in the Ford Taurus and Mercury Sable. Unlike its conventional pushrod predecessor, the 3.0L V6 has dual overhead cams, four valves per cylinder and an aluminum block with cast-iron cylinder liners.
News Technologies For Safer Driving: Adaptive Lighting, Night Vision, Backup Cameras & Blind Spot Detection
the road ahead, but they have limitations. That’s where new technologies such as adaptive lighting and night vision come into play.
Tech Feature: Oil Pump Technology
Oil pressure is something every engine builder worries about. Low oil pressure or a loss of pressure can cause expensive warranty problems and catastrophic engine failures, neither of which is good for your business. Though the “bigger is better” mentality persists, most engines only need about 10 psi of oil pressure for every 1,000 rpm of engine speed.