Electronic Power Steering: More Than Just An Assist
Electric power steering is quickly becoming a standard feature on new vehicles, but it’s not an emerging technology. It’s been in the field for the better part of two decades. Now, electric power steering has continued to advance by making autonomous safety features possible.
Alignment Specs: 2006-2011 VW Jetta & Golf (A5)
Most entry-level VW models featured the same basic suspension used from the advent of the original VW Rabbit. About the only change was from a rear strut suspension to a separate coil spring and shock absorber in the rear. Used for all models of the Golf, Jetta, New Beetle and the Audi TT, this suspension is simple, durable and easy to repair. There is still a beam axle in the rear of pre-2006 FWD cars.
Thinking Through False ABS/ESC Activation Events
Electronic stability control (ESC) became a mandated safety feature for the 2012 model year. Along with all of these advancements, false activation complaints have surfaced. Solving them has been a diagnostic conundrum through the years. False activation incidents involve the ABS modulator taking over braking or intervening to restore vehicle stability. The customer may feel feedback in the brake pedal like a pulsation or sudden drop. Some may also experience a drop in power or the vehicle may suddenly pull in one direction.
What’s Coming Next With Differentials And Transfer Cases?
With a lot of AWD cars and SUVs coming off powertrain warranties, you are going to see more differential and transfer case maintenance and repairs at your shop. What makes these drivetrain components different from previous systems is that these have more electronic and mechanical controls that work with the ABS and stability control systems. This is a huge service opportunity.
Air Ride FAQs
Does air ride scare you? Would you prefer to sell a conversion kit rather than diagnose an air ride code or light? You are not alone. On the surface, these systems can seem complex when compared to metal springs. But, once you understand how the system senses the vehicle’s state and how the air pressure is managed, air ride diagnostics and service won’t seem so overwhelming.
A/C Oil Update
HVAC systems often fail because the air conditioning compressor fails. Not following the proper service procedures or compressor oil recommendations could be factors that contribute to premature compressor failure.
Corrosion And TPMS
It is that time of year again when the affects of road salt, deicers and potholes start to take their toll on vehicles. The latest victims of the salt belt are TPMS sensors and valve stems. The corrosion we are all most familiar with is that which affects steel, iron’s most common alloy. While just the presence of oxygen in the air, along with some moisture, is enough for something made of steel to begin to corrode, most of the time it is accelerated by some other environmental factor, which causes the most problems.
Brake Service: 2008-2017 Chevrolet Traverse, Saturn Outlook, GMC Acadia And Buick Enclave
The 2008-2017 Chevrolet Traverse, Saturn Outlook, GMC Acadia and Buick Enclave represent a large portion of GM. These vehicles can be front- or all-wheel drive. All models have the same rear disc brake setup with the parking brake in the hat of the rotor. All Lambda platform vehicles incorporate Tire Pressure Monitoring (TPM) ABS and Stabilitrak electronic stability control.
