2019 Editions Archives - Page 10 of 13 - Brake & Front End
Ride Height And Spring Diagnostics: Why Do Springs Droop?

No road is entirely flat. Even a small tar strip or dip causes movement in the suspension. This movement is controlled by the spring and dampener. No matter the type of movement, the spring is compressed and then releases the energy into the body, dampener or road.

Alignment Specs: Subaru Legacy 2005-2009

The fourth-generation Subaru Legacy was produced from 2005-2009. It was available as both a sedan and a wagon until 2008 when the wagon was dropped. The front suspension design uses a MacPherson strut and the rear suspension is a multi-link design that changes toe and camber dynamically as the suspension and body change position.

Starting Off: Times Change – Or Do They?

The last time I wrote a column in a Babcox TechGroup publication, I was editor of Brake & Front End. I had dark hair with not a touch of grey (never mind about the mullet). There wasn’t a single www.anything.com anywhere in the issue, said Doug Kaufman, Editorial Director.

Viewpoint: How Did We Get To This Point?

I recently spent a day at a shop sitting in the waiting room and hanging around the bays. What really amazed me was the volume of cars with check engine and other lights on in the instrument cluster and how long they have been illuminated, said Andrew Markel, Director of Content.

Brake Pad Wear Patterns: Reading The Brake Pads For Safety And Profit

Before you throw out the old brake pads or order a new set, take a good look at them. Worn brake pads can tell you a lot about the entire brake system and prevent the new pads from suffering the same fate. It can also help you to recommend a brake repair that returns the vehicle to like-new condition.

Brake Job: BMW 1-Series (2008-2013)

The BMW 1-Series might be the least expensive BMW, but it shares a lot of the procedures that are common when it comes to servicing brakes on larger BMWs.

TPMS: Reading The Future

There is a perception among many drivers – as well as technicians – that TPMS has become such a universal product that one system fits all and that one service procedure will cure all ills. And, although tools have made things easier because they can handle more complex diagnostic tasks than ever before, the systems and sensors can still be complicated.

Ford Expedition Tech Tip: Stiff Ride And Suspension Warning Messages

On 2014-2017 Ford Expedition models with the Vehicle Dynamic Suspension, the system looks at a lot more than just the height of the vehicle to control the pressure in the air springs and the valving of the shocks. The VDM (Vehicle Dynamics Module) is connected to the high-speed CAN to communicate with other modules like the ECM, BCM and ABS module.

Live Axle Wheel Bearing Replacement

Replacing wheel bearings on a vehicle with a live rear axle may not be one of the most regular jobs you do, but it can be one of the most profitable. While the basics have not changed in more than 60 years, new seal materials and differential designs have added new wrinkles.

GM Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems (TPMS)

GM TPMS on Buick, Pontiac, Chevy (Chevrolet), GMC Cadillac and Hummer models are some of the easiest to service if you have the right tools and knowledge. Starting in 2007, most vehicles use a Schrader- or VDO-manufactured system that shares the same relearn procedures and behaviors. There are exceptions however, like the Pontiac Vibe.

Torque Wrenches And Wheel Bearings

The torque specifications for a wheel bearing are much more exact now than in the past. This not only goes for the axle nut, but the fasteners that hold the hub unit to the suspension and lug nuts. So, what has changed? Simply put, everything has become bigger while at the same time it is getting lighter.

Brake Noise: Using Engineering Logic To Cure Common Noise Issues

The most important thing to know is that all brakes make noise. When the friction material makes contact with the rotor, it causes the brake pad and rotor to vibrate. The vibration moves the air around and makes noise.