Kia Tech Tip: Power Steering Oil Pump Noise
When replacing a power steering oil pump or inspecting a vehicle for a power steering whine noise, inspect the filter screen in the power steering reservoir for contamination.
Government Regulations And The Check Engine Light
At first, Uncle Sam demanded crash tests, tire tests and seat belts. Then, in the ‘70s, it was the crash bumper debacle followed by the arrival of emissions systems with their smog pumps, miles of vacuum hoses and EGR valves. All of these “improvements” on the family car forever changed the way mechanics service vehicles.
BRAKELIGHT: September 1949
For the past 50 years, self-adjusting drum brakes have been standard equipment on almost all vehicles. Before the self adjuster, some drivers had to visit shops every 1,500 to 2,000 miles to have their brakes adjusted.
Cold And Flu: Prepare Your Shop For The Season
While having to deal with the onslaught of symptoms is reason enough to protect yourself from cold and flu germs, the cost of missing work due to an illness could be even greater.
Brake Pad Copper Update
Like it or not, recent mandates limiting the concentration of copper allowed in brake pads could be our generation’s asbestos. We are just at the start of what could be a painful, but necessary, process that will impact your shop and the environment in a positive way – even if you do not live on the West Coast.
Scion FR-S And Subaru BR-Z Alignment Service
The Scion FR-S and Subaru BR-Z are essentially the same vehicle except for some badging and styling touches. The rear-wheel-drive platform has a Subaru engine and rear suspension. The BR-Z is the the only Subaru in the lineup without all wheel drive, and the only Scion that sends power to the rear, respectively.
How Education And Equipment Can Help Manage Your Car Quota
Every day while driving to work, I’ll pass numerous shops that seem to have the same cars sitting in front of their bays day after day. They move them around a bit, you know, kind of like shuffling chess pieces or something, but they never seem to leave.
TPMS And Custom Rims
When a new wheel and tire package is fitted, the TPMS and sensor should be considered along with the looks. The sensors can’t be sacrificed if they don’t fit the new rims.
Proper Rotor Service Prevents Comebacks
Everybody who works on brakes knows what brake rotors do. They provide a friction surface for the disc brake pads to rub against when the brakes are applied. The friction created by the pads rubbing against the rotor generates heat and brings the vehicle to a stop.
Transmission Line Replacement
Transmission fluid likes to be at a constant temperature. If it is too hot or too cold for too long, the performance can fluctuate and potentially cause damage to the transmission.
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.
Electronically Adjustable Dampener Diagnosis
Modern suspension systems can read the road and the driver’s intentions to help select the correct amount of dampening force. These systems see the vehicle dynamics through accelerometers and Hall-effect sensors, and they can change settings in milliseconds. Some can even detect potholes and dial up the rebound so the wheel does not drop to the bottom.
