Stacked Alignment: Solving Lead/Pull Conditions
Lead/pull conditions occur at all speeds. In general, the amount of force on the steering wheel or steering angle will increase with speed. If the customer states the lead/pull problem is sporadic, the cause could be the stability control system or electric power steering system.
What Does A Muffler Really Do?
Is a muffler nothing more than a steel can with some baffles and tubes inside? That’s how most mufflers look, but there’s a lot more to muffler science than meets the eye.
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.
There Is No Trough: Looking For The Sweet Spot In The Aftermarket
If you looked at U.S. car sales over the past 18 years, you would see a pattern. On either end of the chart, you would see years where 17 million vehicles were sold. In the middle is 2009 when sales dropped to 10 million vehicles. After that is a steady nine-year recovery. Some people call this dip “the trough,” and they think it is hurting aftermarket sales. I think it is an opportunity and a sign of the aftermarket’s future.
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.
Air Ride FAQs
An air ride system uses three basic inputs to determine if the system is operating properly. First, the pressure sensor measures pressure at the reservoir or after the compressor. Second, the ride height sensors measure the position of the wheel in the wheel well. Third, sensors that are not directly connected to the air ride system measure the ambient air temperature, vehicle speed and system voltage.
Alignment Specs: 2011-2014 Chrysler 200
When aligning any vehicle, look at the tires to reveal any wear and potential angle problems. Make sure the tires match from side to side. Inspect the lower front ball joints, these are prone to wear out. Also, check the condition of the lower control arm bushings.
Subaru TPMS: Better Service These Direct Systems With Dedicated TPMS Tools
Subaru first started experimenting with TPMS in its vehicles in 2004 with the Subaru Outback and Subaru Legacy. The Subaru B9 Tribeca was outfitted with TPMS in 2006 and the automaker added TPMS to all of its other models in 2008. The TPMS on Subarus are direct systems. In order to properly service and reset these systems, it’s important that a shop invests in a TPMS tool that can interface through the OBDII port.
Land Rover Tech Tip: 2013-2017 Range Rover With Dynamic Response Suspension
A squeak, creak and/or a knocking noise from the front of the vehicle may be evident when driving over rough terrain. This may be caused by debris contaminating the contact face between the Dynamic Response front stabilizer bar and bushes.
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.
