Car and Automotive Chassis Systems
Ford Expedition Tech Tip: Stiff Ride And Suspension Warning Messages

On 2014-2017 Ford Expedition models with the Vehicle Dynamic Suspension, the system looks at a lot more than just the height of the vehicle to control the pressure in the air springs and the valving of the shocks. The VDM (Vehicle Dynamics Module) is connected to the high-speed CAN to communicate with other modules like the ECM, BCM and ABS module.

2010-2019 Ford Taurus Alignment Specs

With more than half a million made and almost 65,000 police interceptors in use, the sixth-generation Ford Taurus is a vehicle that will roll into your alignment bay sooner or later.

Diagnosing Electric Power Steering (EPS) Issues

If you’re an import specialist, it’s important to know that, although electric power steering (EPS) has been introduced on many 2004-and-later domestic applications, EPS recently began appearing on popular import nameplates like the 2015 Honda S2000 and 2014 and 2015 models of Toyota RAV4, Camry and Highlander.

SUV And Pickup Ride Control Restoration

When it comes to shocks and struts, many of the most neglected vehicles are SUVs and pickups. By the time the shocks or struts are worn out, the driver has gotten accustomed to the poor ride and lack of control. In some cases, the problem is not addressed until a spring has broken or a shaft has snapped.

Weight-Saving Suspension Service: Dealing With Aluminum & Advanced Fasteners

In addition to weight, one benefit of aluminum suspension components is their noise and vibration-dampening properties. Engineers have found that aluminum transmits less road and tire noise to the passenger compartment due to the density of the material.

Specialty Wheel Alignments And Parts

Many OEMs are building cars with little to no alignment adjustment capabilities because of the tightened tolerances they have already. While the alignment is perfect when it rolls out of the factory, what happens when it starts to age and the body and cradle start to settle? With the limited adjustments available, there’s almost no range left. And, it doesn’t take long before tires wear and the vehicle begins to display other unwanted handling characteristics.

VIDEO: Are Brand New Ball Joints Too Stiff?

Andrew Markel discusses out-of-the-box ball joints and how stiffness may appear as an issue when it is really a normal condition. Sponsored by Auto Value and Bumper to Bumper.

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Air Ride: Plausibility And Rationalization Codes In Cold Weather

It is a common occurrence on the coldest days or during large fluctuations in the temperature to get a customer call or visit complaining that they have a warning message on their dash telling them the air ride suspension system is malfunctioning or there is a fault.

Alignment Specs: 2011-2017 Buick Regal

If you get a Regal in your alignment bay, you could be dealing with several new technologies at once. Options and packages on the Regal can be difficult to define by the badging on the trunk. Visual confirmation may be needed and you may also need to look up RPO codes. During the production run, there were models with Brembo brakes, all-wheel-drive and even advanced driver assistance safety systems (ADAS).

Wheel Bearing Failure Analysis

This 2014 Fiat Abarth was brought in with the customer being concerned about a noise coming from the left rear. He was convinced that it was a tire. The noise was cyclical and it increased with speed. During inspection, the bearing had no detectable play, the tires were evenly worn, and no ABS wheel speed sensor codes were present. On the lift, the left bearing was significantly noisier than the right bearing when turned by hand. But, no extra play could be detected.

Electronic Power Steering: More Common Than Uncommon

Electric power steering (EPS) is coming to your shop on a lot more cars and trucks ranging from the Chevy Cobalt to the latest Ford F-150. So, there is no avoiding EPS diagnostics or repair. Most EPS setups are more than the rack and motor; they are a highly connected system that rivals any engine when it comes to diagnostics.

Ford Tech Tip: Sustained Steering Wheel Oscillation Above 45 MPH

Some 2017-2019 F-250/F-350 4WD vehicles built on or before July 31st, 2018, may exhibit a sustained steering wheel oscillation after driving over rough pavement or an expansion joint above 45 mph. Follow the Service Procedure steps to correct the condition.