Uncategorized Archives - Page 2 of 6 - Brake & Front End
Automotive Automatic Transmission Filter O-Rings And Lip Seals

Many transmission filters require a seal at the point where they assemble into the transmission. Most of these seals are called “lip seals,” although some filters may use an O-ring. Before filter installation, it is important to make sure that there is no O-ring or lip seal in the case or pump bore left over from the old filter.

BRAKELIGHT: The Car Cradle (March 1986)

Some ideas just never catch on… I wonder if the Car Cradle paid for itself by shaking out the coins that were trapped in the seats? The ad claims that there is no oil in your face. I think the inventor forgot that most vehicles are filled with fluids and oils that can leak out

Welcome To The Future: Are Your Networks Protected?

For those of you who do not know me, I will give you a quick download on my background. I have been playing with cars for 40 years. I work in my family’s business, Seyfer Automotive, Inc., founded in 1961. We diagnose, repair and maintain late-model vehicles as well as a large number of cars

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BRAKELIGHT: BFE Sponsors Soapbox Derby

In the summer of 2013, Brake & Front End sponsored a soapbox derby car for the National Super Kids Classic. Held in conjunction with the All American Soapbox Derby, the National Super Kids Classic is for disabled children to race at one of the most iconic American sporting events. Sponsoring a racecar or sports team can

BRAKELIGHT: Spiffs from the 1970s (1976)

A spiff, SPIF (Sales Performance Incentive Fund) or spiv is typically given by a manufacturer or distributor for selling a specific product or for buying an assortment of parts. Special spiffs have been around since the start of Brake & Front End. Products that could be used outside of the shop were a little more

BRAKELIGHT: Ford Helps Disabled Veterans (June 1951)

More than 250,000 soldiers were wounded in WWII. Some of them could not operate a car using the normal controls. Car makers and shops realized that they had a debt to pay to these veterans. When new cars could be bought after the war, just about every automaker offered hand controls at no extra cost.

Brakelights: Foam Means Fade (June 1961)

Shocks fading on vehicles was a big safety concern before gas charged shocks in the 1970s. On bumpy roads, old shocks would heat up the fluid, causing bubbles to form in the fluid. This would cause the piston to cavitate and the shock to fade. Often, the car would lose control. Sometimes, if the fade was bad enough, the shock would puke fluid out of the top seal. Gas charging of shocks changed this because the fluid was now under pressure, much like an unopened beer can.

BRAKELIGHT: Cartoon Windows (1955)

The going rate for a complete brake job in 1955 was $18.20. Drum brakes of this vintage had limited self-adjustment and required constant attention. This shop building is still there, but it is now a Tiki Bar.

BRAKELIGHT: Reliable Brake Service, St. Louis, MO (Dec. 1965)

Reliable Brake Service in St. Louis, MO, is an institution in the Lindwood Park neighborhood. The two-foot tall letters on the front of the building have stood for more than 50 years and have outlasted two owners. In July 2015, the business was put up for sale due to the partial retirement of the current

Repair One Automotive: ‘WIX Driving Performance Award’ 2015 Winner

The WIX Driving Performance Award, entering its second year, recognizes game-changers in automotive service. This year’s winning shop, Repair One Automotive, The Woodlands, TX, is recognized for truly revolutionizing the customers’ vehicle repair experience – from start to finish. Owners Brent and Brenda O’Neal received an all-expenses-paid trip to Las Vegas to attend the AAPEX Show, as well as attended the WIX Filters and Babcox Media Night of Excellence recognition dinner on Monday evening of show week.

Repair One Automotive owners Brent and Brenda O'Neal
TPMS Maintenance Minute: Best-Practice Rules To Follow

If you want to get the maximum life of 70,000 to 100,000 miles out of a TPMS sensor, you will have to do some maintenance and follow some rules. No Exceptions Every time a stem-mounted TPMS sensor is removed from a rim or is disturbed, it must be serviced — no ifs, ands or buts.