VIDEO: Improving Flywheel Job Precision With Your Phone
Andrew Markel discusses flywheel jobs, and how to improve the precision and line-up of the components after it is finished. Sponsored by Auto Value and Bumper to Bumper.
Hybrid Wheel Bearing Service
There are more than four million hybrid vehicles in the U.S. All of them are equipped with brakes and wheel bearings. When servicing hybrid vehicles, it is critical that the hybrid or regenerative brake systems be disabled. It should also be a common practice to remove the keys from the vehicle and place them in an area that is far enough away from the vehicle, as some hybrid systems will sense if the key is near. As the driver approaches the vehicle, some vehicles will not only unlock the doors, but also activate systems like brakes and the drivetrain.
VIDEO: Transmission Contamination From The Inside
Contaminants cannot enter a transmission because it is sealed, but the breakdown of fluid can cause heat and friction issues. Andrew Markel explains the importance of replacing transmission fluid. Sponsored by Auto Value and Bumper to Bumper.
Audi Tech Tip: All-Wheel-Drive Coupling Is Stuck On Or Doesn’t Engage, And No Faults Are Stored
Customer may report that the vehicle is binding when cornering with full steering wheel turn; the four-wheel drive does not work; when driving slowly and turning the steering wheel strongly, the vehicle shudders; or the front wheels break traction with aggressive acceleration from a stop.
What’s Coming Next With Differentials And Transfer Cases?
With a lot of AWD cars and SUVs coming off powertrain warranties, you are going to see more differential and transfer case maintenance and repairs at your shop. What makes these drivetrain components different from previous systems is that these have more electronic and mechanical controls that work with the ABS and stability control systems. This is a huge service opportunity.
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.
AUDI TT And A3: EPC Light On And AWD Does Not Work
On the models listed, the all-wheel-drive does not work or the EPC warning light is illuminated. The technician will find there is an internal leak in the hydraulic pump.
A Visual Look At CV Axle Joints
CV joint housings are typically forged from iron billets. After the joint is machined, induction heat treating is used to harden wear surfaces.
How To Diagnose NVH Complaints In Drivetrain Components
Thanks to advanced technology, modern vehicles operate with fewer noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) complaints than ever before. Consequently, when a NVH issue arises, it’s most likely caused by worn drivetrain components like universal joints, constant velocity joints or wheel bearing hub assemblies. In any case, NVH complaints can often be the most challenging to diagnose when you can’t duplicate the driving conditions under which they occur.
VIDEO: U-Joint Lubrication And Maintenance
Andrew Markel shows how a universal joint can be lubricated during replacement or maintenance, as well as the importance of lubrication to its parts. Sponsored by Auto Value and Bumper to Bumper.
Wheel Bearings And Locking Hubs
Automatic hubs are used on many 4×4 trucks to disengage the front wheels when four-wheel drive is not needed. Disconnecting the front wheels reduces friction and may improve fuel economy as much as one mile per gallon depending on the vehicle. A one mpg difference may not sound like much, but every little bit helps.
ASE A2 Prep: Transmission Diagnostics
The transmission game has changed. Solenoids, sensors and computers have replaced vacuum lines, governors and kick down cables on modern automatic transmissions. The tools have also changed: Scan tools, scopes and meters have replaced pressure and vacuum gauges.
