VIDEO: Should You Clean A New Coated Rotor?
Andrew Markel discusses coated rotors and how cleaning them may not be necessary before installation. Sponsored by NAPA.
VIDEO: Replacing Brake Hardware; What’s Your Excuse?
Andrew Markel discusses brake jobs, and how there is no excuse for not replacing the brake hardware every time. Sponsored by Carlson.
VIDEO: Why Do Rotors Corrode On The Inside First?
Andrew Markel talks about brake rotor corrosion, and why they seem to always corrode on the inside first. Sponsored by Auto Value and Bumper to Bumper.
VIDEO: Choosing The Right Brake Friction
Andrew Markel discusses the computations humans make to apply the brakes on a vehicle, and how they can change based on hard or soft pedal, pulsation and vibration, or other factors. Sponsored by NAPA.
Parking Brake Diagnostics
If you are doing a brake job on a vehicle with an electronic parking brake (EPB), you will need a scan tool with the proper software for the parking brake system to retract the calipers, adjust the cables and perform diagnostics.
VIDEO: Lateral Runout Threshold For Bearing Replacement
Andrew Markel discusses wheel bearing replacement, how to measure for runout, and how much runout determines when a bearing needs replaced. Sponsored by BCA Bearings.
Tech Tip: Removing A Rear Rotor Stuck On The Parking Brake
If you are having trouble removing a drum-in-hat rotor, don’t just take a hammer to it. You may have to adjust the parking brake and back it off the rotor in order to remove the rear rotor.
Brake Job: 2012-Current Cadillac ATS
There are two brake packages for the ATS. The base JE5 uses single-piston calipers in the front and rear. The J55 or J6 is typically found on the ATS-V, and uses larger rotors and a four-piston caliper in the front. There is also an option for a more aggressive track pad on the ATS-V.
VIDEO: Applying Preload To Bearings
Andrew Markel discusses applying preload to new bearings, and how service information should always be consulted when doing so. Sponsored by BCA Bearings.
VIDEO: Spalling Effects On Wheel Bearings
Andrew Markel discusses spalling, and how this tiny imperfection can cause noise and damage on a wheel bearing down the line. Sponsored by BCA Bearings.
GM Tech Tip: Uneven Brake Wear
During a brake inspection, some complaints of uneven front brake pad wear have been reported. The vehicle may have low mileage, typically around 10K miles. The inner pad on either the front left or right side may be worn out.
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.
