VIDEO: Checking For Bearing Cleanliness
In this Tech Minute, Andrew Markel discusses two important steps you may be missing when replacing a bearing. Sponsored by FAG, a Schaeffler brand.
2013 Nissan Pathfinder Brake Job (Fourth Gen)
The Pathfinder’s brake layout is relatively straightforward with ABS and Traction Control on all four wheels. The system switches fluid pressure of each brake caliper to increase, hold or decrease via signals from the control unit in the ABS actuator and electric control unit.
Active Wheel Speed Sensor Logic
Firing the “parts cannon” at an active ABS wheel speed sensor code often results in misdiagnosis and an unhappy customer. It may start with the wheel bearing hub unit or wheel speed sensor. If those parts do not resolve the problem, the technician may fire the parts cannon at the ABS hydraulic control module. Typically, the customer’s patience and wallet runs out before the car is fixed.
Test, Bleed And Flush: How Can You Protect Your Customer’s Brake System?
Brake fluid replacement is more critical than ever before. Since 2008, almost every vehicle has come with some form of ABS and a hydraulic control module mounted under the hood or on a frame rail. Since 2012, every light vehicle sold has been equipped with stability control that has added valves and complexity to the hydraulic control unit. The hydraulic control unit needs fresh brake fluid to operate and protect valves and passages from corrosion. An additive package helps control the pH, cavitation and viscosity.
Tech Tip: Low, Sinking Or Spongy Brake Pedal
Master cylinder may be leaking fluid past the piston seals internally (by passing), not building up pressure. When diagnosing a master cylinder, keep in mind the type of seals that are used are lip cup seals. This design allows for the seal to improve as the pressure increases. Another feature of this seal is that it does not create a vacuum when the piston retracts.
Brake Pad & Rotor Matching
Many techs believe that installing new pads and rotors is the solution to brake noise and vibration, and that installing new parts makes everything perfectly aligned so that no other steps are needed to bring the system back to service. Well, this is true and false.
VIDEO: ABS Pressure Transducer Diagnosis
Jason Stahl discusses the function of pressure transducers, and how its failure can affect the ABS system, including the HCU. Sponsored by Standard.
Ford F-150 (2009-2014) Brake Job
There are more than 3.6 million 2009-’14 Ford F-Series trucks on the road today, and the majority of these are the F150 model. The 12th generation of the truck, and specifically its brake system, has had very few problems since most of the brake system was carried over from the previous platform.
Viewpoint: Replacement Auto Part Standards And Regulations
With the recent tariffs going into effect, it has sparked the discussion about regulations for vehicle replacement parts to keep some imported auto parts off the market. Most people think that with a stroke of a pen dangerous and sub-standard parts could be banned and parts quality will be improved overnight. But, what standards should be applied? Who should do the testing? This is where things get tricky.
VIDEO: How Brake Calipers Equalize Brake Pressure
Andrew Markel discusses brake calipers and how the guides and slides equalize pressure during brake operation. Sponsored by MEYLE.
Brake Shims: Don’t Judge A Book By Its Cover
A quality brake shim can prevent brake noise during the entire life of the brake job and will not dry out or be displaced over time like some lubricants or pastes. But, remember, a shim cannot do its job if it remains in the box.
First Generation Kia Soul Brake Job
Brakes on the Soul are conventional single-piston calipers and four-wheel discs on most trim levels and very straightforward to service. Some of the basic trimmed models had drum brakes in the rear. While these brakes have been relatively trouble-free in the first generation models, there have been some complaints about brakes that “grab” or feel “too sensitive” when engaged.
