Ford Tech Tip: Squeaking Noise When Making Right Turns During Slow Parking Lot Maneuvers
Inspect the roll restrictor heat shield for witness marks that indicate contact was made with the engine roll restrictor-to-subframe retaining bolt head.
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.
Getting The TPMS Light Out On The First Try
Whether the customer brings in the vehicle with a TPMS light triggered, or one triggers as a result of performing some tire service, not being able to turn off the MIL can sometimes cause headaches for shops. Here are a few commonly overlooked issues that could be triggering a warning light.
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.
GM Autoride Diagnostics, Service And Conversion
Autoride comes standard on the GMC Yukon Denali and Yukon XL Denali. The product is also standard on the Cadillac Escalade, Escalade EXT and Escalade ESV, on which it is known as Road Sensing Suspension. GM also offers Autoride as an option for the Chevrolet Suburban, Tahoe and Avalanche 1500, as well as the GMC Yukon XL 1500.
Dodge Tech Tip: Suspension Does Not Adjust In Cold Weather
Customers may experience no ride height change with the truck in really cold conditions and they may also have a Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) illumination. They may also notice the truck does not change ride heights when selected in cold weather.
Bushing Inspection And Diagnostics
Most suspension system components pivot upon a rubber bushing that is compressed between an inner and outer metal sleeve. Because the compressed rubber bushing has no moving parts, it allows a maximum range of travel throughout a single plane without the frictional wear created in a conventional metal-to-metal bushing.
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.
Electric Power Steering Advancements
Electric power assist does more than add force in either direction; it can push back to improve handling and driver comfort. These corrections could be as innocuous as adding a little assist for road crown, or as obvious as the vehicle steering on its own. But, a lot of the improvements in electric power steering have mostly gone unnoticed by the driver and even the technician.
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.
Wheel Bearing Technology: Don’t Become Complacent
Welcome to wheel bearing season! Over the next few months, asphalt and concrete will heave and crumble in the falling temperatures. These potholes will drive rollers and balls into the inner and outer races, causing microscopic damage. This damage will increase and cause play and noise.
