BRAKE JOB: 2009-2014 Ford F150
There are more than 3.6 million 2009-14 Ford F-Series trucks on the road today, and the majority of these are the F150 model. The 12th generation of the truck, and specifically its brake system, has had very few problems, since most of the brake system was carried over from the previous platform. Front Brakes For
Alignment Spec: 2003-2011 Saab 9-3
While Saab as a company may no longer be around, its cars are still on the road and need alignments. The Saab 9-3 is built on the GM Epsilon platform that is shared with Chevrolet Malibu; however, Saab reengineered almost everything. It was revealed in the bankruptcy of the company that only 20% of the
NHTSA’s GM Brake Line Corrosion Investigation: Reading Between the Brake Lines
There will be no recalls on some GM vehicles for brake line corrosion. Instead, we received an advisory from the National Highway and Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) about brake line inspection and car washes. What was not discussed was the corrosion prone materials GM and other manufacturers used for brake lines during this period. It
2007-2011 Ford Expedition and Navigator Air Suspension
The Ford Expedition air suspension does more than just lift and raise the vehicle. The system levels the vehicle under loads and when a trailer is attached. The system uses only two air bags on the rear axle unlike previous models with air bags on all four corners. Also, unlike previous Expedition models the rear
BRAKE JOB: 2010-14: Chrysler Sebring/200 + Dodge Avenger
The brakes on the Chrysler Sebring/200 and Dodge Avenger are relatively problem free. There are very noise or pulsation complaints. There are no recalls or specific TSBs for the brakes. Replacing the brake pads and rotors is straightforward. But, care has to be taken to make sure the calipers are free and the rotors are
Alignment Specs: 2002-2011 Toyota Camry
The suspension for the Toyota Camry stayed the same from 2002-2011. The basic platform is easy to service and has no major issues. But, if the toe is adjusted, you must recalibrate the steering angle sensor. To find out if the vehicle has the optional VSC system, a light will illuminate on the dash when
Inspecting Nivomat Shocks
Nivomat shocks can be found on a variety of vehicles. They are self-leveling shocks that use an internal pump on the piston to control the level of the vehicle. There are no external lines or connections. Five Signs a Nivomat is Bad Sagging: If you load the trunk of a vehicle with Nivomats, the rear
BRAKE JOB: 2003-2011 Honda Element
It may look like a car that was never removed from the box it came in, but Honda Element isn’t boxy when it comes to the brakes. The Element is based on the CR-V platform. There is nothing tricky, but this is a brake system is hardware intensive with floating shims, abutment clips and pad
VIEWPOINT: Bad Advice For Lug Nuts
I am a sucker for helping stranded motorists, and this pothole season is no exception. So far I have seen two lower ball joint failures, one u-joint pole vault and a separated tie rod. I think people are at their best when others are at their worst. I recently stopped to help a Subaru at
Inside Replacement Sensors: Direct, Programmable and Universal
To understand any replacement sensor, you have to understand this: Sensors only transmit, they do not receive when they are on a vehicle. No vehicle asks a sensor, “How’s it going.” The sensor just transmits. The vehicle is looking for a sensor ID number that corresponds with the one programmed into the module and then
Loaded Caliper Installation Guidelines
Caliper replacement is often the best course of action to ensure that a braking system will perform at an optimal level, both in terms of safety, performance and maximizing brake pad life. There are a bunch of small reasons to recommend caliper replacement: rubber boots, seals and gaskets that wear down, dry up and eventually
Converter Codes: How Long Will the Light Stay Out?
A moral dilemma that many shops encounter on a regular basis: A good customer comes in with the engine light ablaze. Running the usual diagnostics, you encounter a catalytic converter efficiency code, a slow to respond oxygen sensor or some proprietary fuel trim code. Other than the light, the customer has not noticed any other
