Shocks fading on vehicles was a big safety concern before gas charged shocks in the 1970s. On bumpy roads, old shocks would heat up the fluid, causing bubbles to form in the fluid. This would cause the piston to cavitate and the shock to fade. Often, the car would lose control. Sometimes, if the fade was bad enough, the shock would puke fluid out of the top seal. Gas charging of shocks changed this because the fluid was now under pressure, much like an unopened beer can.
Some customers may comment on a clunk or thump noise coming from the front suspension while driving over rough road surfaces. This noise will typically occur when the front suspension is returning to the upward position after a hard downward stroke, such as after driving through a large rut or pothole.
Models:
2008-2011 Buick Enclave, LaCrosse, Lucerne
2011-2012 Buick Regal
2005-2010 Chevrolet Cobalt (Including SS)
2006-2011 Chevrolet HHR (Including SS)
2008-2009 Chevrolet Uplander
2008-2011 Chevrolet Aveo
2008-2012 Chevrolet Equinox, Impala, Malibu
2009-2012 Chevrolet Traverse
2010-2012 Chevrolet Camaro
2011-2012 Chevrolet Cruze, Volt
2008-2012 GMC Acadia
2010-2012 GMC Terrain
2007-2010 Pontiac G5
2008 Pontiac Grand Prix
2008-2009 Pontiac Montana SV6, Torrent
2008-2010 Pontiac G3, G6, Vibe, Wave
Some customers may comment on an intermittent malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) being illuminated with a message or an indicator that displays Reduced Engine Power. The technician may observe on a scan tool DTC P2138 – Accelerator Pedal Position (APP) Sensor 1-2 Correlation set as Current or in History.
There are those occasions when a phone call or a complete search of the shop doesn’t yield any sign of a lost tool. For the most part, you can mark that tool down as “gone for good,” lost to that place where wayward nuts, bolts and tools always end up.
Follow these tips to diagnose and fix a transmission fluid leak on several Ford, Lincoln and Mercury models. The first step is to remove the LH halfshaft and inspect the halfshaft journal surface finish.
Many transmission filters require a seal at the point where they assemble into the transmission. Most of these seals are called “lip seals,” although some filters may use an O-ring. Before filter installation, it is important to make sure that there is no O-ring or lip seal in the case or pump bore left over from the old filter.
Electronically adjustable shocks and struts use conventional mono-tube and twin-tube oil-filled dampeners.
Hydroboost brake systems are self-bleeding if there is no other problem in the system.
Presenting your customer with inspection results and benefits of replacement will help sell the job.
Here’s why charging more for brake jobs keeps customers coming back.
