VIDEO: How Rotor Metallurgy Affects Braking Performance
Andrew Markel discusses how the physical makeup of brake rotors can be different between products, and how braking performance can be affected by the quality of materials. Sponsored by MEYLE.
Threadlockers: What You Need To Know
You might be seeing more blue, red and various other colors on the threads of bolts when working on suspension and brake components. OEMs put these threadlocking compounds there for a reason, and not servicing them could get you into trouble. To get the most out of this “liquid” tool, you first need to know how they work.
Dodge Charger Brake Job: Seventh Generation (2011-Present)
Dodge Chargers have seen quite a range of sizes and platforms since the first generation muscle cars were built in the late ’60s. Since then, they have been built on three different platforms. The Charger name has been used on subcompact hatchbacks, full-sized sedans and luxury coupes.
Rotor Q&A: Five Questions You Might Be Afraid To Ask
High-quality replacement rotors typically are made to very tight tolerances for lateral runout. But, the tolerance during manufacturing are measured on precision equipment that lives on the manufacturing floor. Rotors live their lives between the wheel bearing flanges and wheels where tolerances can stack up.
Brake TSB Trends
TSBs are an addendum to the factory service manual and typically are the product of the OEM solving problems in the field. The majority of TSBs address problems you see at your shop including pulsating brakes, leaks and noise.
Acura Tech Tip: Brake Master Cylinder Leaking
A cup seal in the master cylinder is sensitive to the type of brake fluid used in the brake system. If the brake fluid is replaced with anything other than Acura (or Honda) Genuine DOT 3 Brake Fluid, and the brakes are manually bled, the cup seal may twist in its retention groove and create a small leak.
Nissan Maxima Brake Job (Seventh Gen 2009-’14)
The Maxima has been redesigned several times over the years and received the marketing term 4DSC, 4-door Sports Car, because of its 3.5L V6 engine and sporty suspension. The seventh generation Maxima (A35) was redesigned in 2009 and shares the Nissan D platform with the fourth generation Nissan Altima and second-generation Nissan Murano. These brake systems are known to make noise if the proper procedures and brake materials are not installed properly.
VIDEO: Brake Rotor Balancing And Vibration
Andrew Markel discusses brake rotor manufacturing, and how the process of balancing a rotor helps prevent vibration during vehicle operation. Sponsored by Auto Value and Bumper to Bumper.
Honda Pilot 2003-2008 Brake Job
Honda’s first generation Pilot was one of the first mid-sized crossover SUVs on the market and was designed to fill the demand for SUVs larger than a CR-V that drove like a car. Manufactured in Alliston, Ontario, until production was moved to Lincoln, AL, in 2007, the first generation Pilot shares its platform with the Accord, Odyssey minivan and the Acura MDX. More than 700,000 first-generation Pilots were sold, so there are a lot of them still in service and that need brake maintenance.
VIDEO: Parking Brake Cable Integrity
Andrew Markel reflects on the first time he saw a parking brake cable fail, and stresses the importance of checking on this item during every brake job. Sponsored by Auto Value and Bumper to Bumper.
VIDEO: Releasing The Rotor From The Electric Parking Brake
Andrew Markel reviews methods to reset the parking brake in order to release a rotor, and how best to obtain service information for this procedure. Sponsored by Auto Value and Bumper to Bumper.
NUCAP Releases Brake Testing Video To Explain Brake Pad Corrosion and Delamination
According to NUCAP, this was part of a test to simulate what can happen if a brake pad becomes delaminated and part of the friction material breaks away from the backing plate due to corrosion.
