Ford Tech Tip: 9.75 Traction-Lok Rear Axle Chatter Or Shudder On Slow Turns When Cold
Some F-150s equipped with a 9.75 Traction-Lok rear axle assembly may exhibit a shudder, chatter and/or vibration during slow, tight turns. This concern may be more noticeable after cold startup and less noticeable once the rear axle fluid warms up.
Driveshaft Diagnostics and Service
Driveshaft problems can be spotted from the moment you put the vehicle in gear to pull it into a bay. As the power is transmitted from the transmission to the rear axle, the slack from worn or damaged components is taken up, resulting in a sudden crunch or pop.
The Future Of All-Wheel Drive Vehicles
The future of all-wheel drive vehicles was not that bright five years ago. But, the customer spoke, saying they want the security all-wheel drive vehicles can give on slick roads (even if it is only for a few days during the year).
Complete Clutch Replacement: No Noise, No Comeback
Diagnosing clutch and manual transmission noise can be a difficult diagnosis. There is no way of attaching a scan tool or looking into the bellhousing while the clutch is under load. Clutch diagnostics requires logic and understanding of how the parts interact.
Ford Fiesta Tech Tip: Automatic Transmission Grinding Or Rattling
Some 2011 Fiesta vehicles equipped with an automatic transmission and built on or before 1/13/2011 may exhibit a grind/rattle noise from the transaxle in 2nd and 4th gears. In some vehicles, the noise may also occur in reverse, in addition to 2nd and 4th gears. Follow the Service Procedure steps to correct the condition.
Control Arm Bushing Replacement Proper Tools And Procedures Optimize Service
Once we were able to determine where the noise was coming from and how to duplicate it, it was time for the inspection. When the vehicle was on a service lift, we saw right away that the front suspension arm bushings were leaking their hydraulic fluid.
Dodge Stratus: Automatic Transmission Fluid Usage ATF+4
ATF+4 is being used as factory fill for Chrysler Group automatic transmissions. Mopar ATF+4 has exceptional durability. However, the red dye used in ATF+4 is not permanent; as the fluid ages, it may become darker or appear brown in color. ATF+4 also has a unique odor that may change with age. With ATF+4 fluid, color and odor are no longer indicators of fluid condition and do not necessarily support a fluid change.
Understanding Wheel Bearing Seals
A seal must always be installed so that the sealing lip is facing the fluid to be sealed. This is because the lip is made so that pressure applied to it from the “wet” side of the seal will tend to increase the pressure the lip applies to the shaft. If the seal is installed backwards, pressure acting on the “wrong” side of the lip will cause it to lift from the shaft, resulting in leakage. On most seals, the correct side is obvious; however, on others it is not.
Get Inside The Mind Of A Modern Transmission
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. Even with codes and datastream information, you must be able to think like the transmission to find the correct diagnosis, which typically doesn’t involve replacing the entire transmission.
AAM Makes Helical Gear Limited Slip Differential Case Available For GM 8.6″ Rear Axle
American Axle & Manufacturing (AAM), a leading manufacturer of axle components, driveshaft components and repair kits for OE vehicles, has announced the availability of a helical gear limited slip differential case (AAM part #40135974) for 1999-2015 GM pickup trucks with an 8.6” rear axle. AAM’s limited slip differential case is not a locking differential case,
Slipping Clutch: Improper Flywheel Step and Cup Dimensions
Slipping is one of the most common clutch related concerns. A slipping condition can occur after years of service or immediately after installation of a new clutch and is caused by various scenarios. One of the most commonly seen and easily prevented causes of slipping is improper step and cup dimensions (Figures 1 and 2)
Causes of Clutch Failure: Diagnosing Chatter
One of the most difficult clutch-related problems is chatter. Chatter is sometimes difficult to diagnose because it has many root causes, and some of them may not seem related at first. Chatter can be detected as a pulsing or a grabbing sensation that resonates into the vehicle cabin and originates from the driveline or chassis/suspension.
