Air Ride FAQs
Does air ride scare you? Would you prefer to sell a conversion kit rather than diagnose an air ride code or light? You are not alone. On the surface, these systems can seem complex when compared to metal springs. But, once you understand how the system senses the vehicle’s state and how the air pressure is managed, air ride diagnostics and service won’t seem so overwhelming.
VIDEO: Two Tips For Installing Loaded Struts
Andrew Markel presents two tips for installing loaded struts to make your next installation a breeze. Sponsored by Monroe Shocks & Struts.
What’s New With Functional Fluids?
Late-model vehicle technology is changing. Wider tires, active safety systems and AWD technology are not only influencing how vehicles perform, but also the service and maintenance requirements of their functional fluids.
Joint Replacement: Looking At The Total Suspension
Humans and animals have had the ball and socket joints for millennia. This simple design has been used on vehicles since the turn of the century because, well, it works. But, just as our hip joints grow feeble with use and age, the ball joints, tie rods and sway bar links on a car wear out as well. For humans, wear can be accelerated by injury, scar tissue and arthritis entering the joint. On suspension components, injured boots can cause contaminates like salt, sand and metal particles to enter the joint and cause wear.
Selling Shocks And Struts
The first step in selling ride control is the inspection process. A visual inspection of the shocks and struts can tell you a lot about the state of the ride control units. If possible, visual inspections should be performed before the test drive. This is a chance to make sure the vehicle is road worthy before you put your own life at risk.
Tech Tip: Effectively Restoring Original Ride Feel
When the time comes to replace worn struts on your customers’ vehicles, there are many options on the market. Most professional techs are opting for complete strut assemblies that are made from 100% new components. The strut, strut mount, coil spring, boot, bump stop and mounting hardware are all included.
VIDEO: Spring Design And Technology
Andrew Markel explores the design of progressive springs and how they distribute shifts in weight and promote ride comfort. Sponsored by Monroe.
Suspension Bushing Logic
Compared to 20 years ago, suspensions have gone soft with larger-diameter bushings. During this time, both ride quality and handling have gotten better. Most modern bushings augment the geometry of the suspension. As the vehicle loads the suspension, movement in the bushings can change the toe, camber and caster so that the vehicle is more stable under braking, cornering and acceleration.
AWD Tire Rotations
Intuitively, one would think that an AWD vehicle would not require regular tire rotations because power is constantly directed to all tires; therefore, all of the tires would wear at the same rate. That is the thought lingering in the minds of some AWD vehicle owners. But when it comes down to it, tire rotation is the second most important maintenance item (tire pressure being first) that can be performed to maximize tire life, and this also pertains to AWD vehicles.
AIRMATIC Suspension Solutions: Diagnostic Tips To Aid Your Repair Efforts
The Mercedes-Benz AIRMATIC suspension system was introduced in 1999 on the S-Class and has subsequently been used on the E-Class and most of the automaker’s SUVs. Keep reading for some key tips for common ailments to help you effectively get the system on these popular models in top-running condition.
Shocks, Struts And Tires: What Is The Wear Connection?
The role of ride control and tires becomes even more critical on vehicles equipped with ABS, traction control and stability control systems. As in an emergency lane-change situation, the driver can now steer under panic braking. This means that weight transfer and vehicle pitch can be even more extreme.
Alignment Specs: 2011-2015 Chevy Cruze
The Chevy Cruze debuted as the replacement for the Cobalt. On the outside and under the hood, the Cruze is a big upgrade from the Cobalt. Underneath, however, the two cars have similar setups. In the six years the Cruze has been on the road, it has proven to be a reliable vehicle for the most part, but it has had some suspension issues.
