Car and Automotive Chassis Systems
Wheel Bearings And Wheel Speed Sensors

If you are replacing a wheel bearing on a late-model vehicle, you will be dealing with a wheel speed sensor. In the past decade, wheel speed sensors have been moving from differentials, axles and knuckles to inside or on the wheel bearing or hub unit. At this location, the sensors are more accurate and often more protected from the elements. The average wheel bearing job may require a scan tool, scope or meter to verify the operation of the sensor.

Ball Joint Inspection And Service

Ball joints have been on most vehicles for more than 70 years. They were replacements for kingpins, but they also became essential for independent suspensions. While the basics of the ball joint have remained the same, the materials have improved along with design refinements that enable the joint to last longer and carry greater loads. In the aftermarket, some manufacturers have focused on improving the OE designs and adding serviceability to the joint.

2007-2011 Ford Expedition And Navigator Air Suspension

The Ford Expedition air suspension does more than just lift and raise the vehicle. The system levels the vehicle under loads and when a trailer is attached. The system uses only two air bags on the rear axle, unlike previous models with air bags on all four corners. Also, unlike previous Expedition models, the rear suspension is independent. If the air suspension is malfunctioning, it will have a direct impact on tire wear.

Alignment Specs: 2006-2016 Chrysler LX/LD

When something works, you don’t change it. This is the case with the Chrysler LX/LD platform used for the Dodge Challenger, Dodge Charger and Chrysler 300. The suspension was taken from a Mercedes platform when the company was part of Daimler. The alignment of this platform is basically the same from 2006 to 2016.

Electric Power Steering: Mating Electrical And Mechanical Diagnostics

Most electric power steering system modules are on the high-speed CAN network with the engine control, ABS and transmission control modules. Some vehicles will also include the body control module and other modules that are critical to the safety of the vehicle. These modules share a lot of data to make sure the driver does not notice when the electric power steering is working.

Alignment Specs: 2006-2010 Volkswagen Passat And 2009-2012 CC (B6 Platform)

The VW B6 Passat for 2006 was an entirely new design. It was followed by the coupe CC in 2009. The complicated four-link front suspension from the B5 platform with four ball joints was replaced with a cast-aluminum lower control arm and a MacPherson strut. In the rear, the Passat received an independent suspension with a trailing link design.

Air Ride Leak Detection

To the untrained technician, a winter air ride problem might lead you down the path that there is a leak in the system. However, chances are there are no detectable leaks. These types of faults are usually set by parameters from the air ride module for a specific action to cause an expected result.

VIDEO: Front End Repair Checklist For Pothole Season

When the winter starts to set in, more customers enter your shop having hit a pothole. Andrew Markel discusses the areas you need to check to ensure a complete repair. Sponsored by Nissan.

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Alignment Specs: 2008-2017 Chevrolet Traverse, Saturn Outlook, GMC Acadia And Buick Enclave

The 2008-2017 Chevrolet Traverse, Saturn Outlook, GMC Acadia and Buick Enclave are all based on the Lambda platform and represent a large portion of GM vehicles. These vehicles can be front- or all-wheel drive.

Jeep Tech Tip: Lower Control Arm Cold Temperature Squeak/Creak Noise

The customer may describe a creak or squeak noise coming from the front suspension. The noise is typically more noticeable during cold temperatures below 40 degrees. The noise may go away when the vehicle warms up.

Ford Tech Tip: Squeaking Noise When Making Right Turns During Slow Parking Lot Maneuvers

Inspect the roll restrictor heat shield for witness marks that indicate contact was made with the engine roll restrictor-to-subframe retaining bolt head.

VIDEO: Reading Tire Wear To Diagnose Suspension Issues

Andrew Markel discusses how certain tire wear patterns can tell you the condition of the shocks, struts and springs on a vehicle. Sponsored by Auto Value and Bumper to Bumper.

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