November 2017 Archives - Brake & Front End
Tech Tip: GM Squeaky Rear Springs On Silverado, Colorado, Express And Savanna

The driver may complain of a squeaking noise coming from the rear of the vehicle. While squeaking is a normal operating characteristic of all weak springs under certain conditions, the frequency and severity of the noise will be present no matter what type of road conditions exist.

RETRO: 1949 Crosley First Disc Brake Used Airplane Parts

In 1949, the tiny Crosley two-door weighed just 1,000 lbs, and the brakes were hydraulically actuated 6-inch discs. The brakes were adapted from a Goodyear-Hawley design and used off-the-shelf aviation parts. While this article from the April 1949 issue touts the advanced design and jet-age technology of the Crosley, after a year, the system was dropped for two reasons. First, the aircraft alloy parts had corrosion problems. Second, airplanes typically use the brakes only during takeoff and landing. Thus, constant use of the brakes caused the caliper mechanism to fail prematurely.

Buick Regal (2011-2016) Brake Pad And Rotor Replacement

The fifth-generation Buick Regal might seem like an easy car to repair on the surface when the pads need replacement, but if you assume that this is just another Buick, you could quickly find yourself in trouble.

2011-2015 Chevy Cruze Alignment: Are You Calibrating The Steering Angle Sensor?

The Chevy Cruze debuted as the replacement for the Cobalt. On the outside and under the hood, the Cruze is a big upgrade from the Cobalt. Underneath, however, the two cars have similar setups. In the six years, the Cruze has been on the road, it has proven to be a reliable vehicle for the most part, but it has had some suspension issues.

Wheel Speed Sensor: Understanding ABS Brake Passive Sensors

The passive wheel speed sensor has been around a long time. It works quite differently than the active speed sensors that are found on most cars today. The passive speed sensor creates its own AC signal that changes frequency with wheel speed. This signal is only present while the wheel is turning at a rate fast enough to create the AC signal.

VW Touareg 2003-2010 Air Ride Diagnostics And Replacement

The Volkswagen Touareg was the first VW SUV and the first to get an air ride suspension system. The luxury SUV shares the same platform as the Audi Q7 and Porsche Cayenne. This is a full-feature air ride system designed to improve comfort, stability and off-road capabilities. Some vehicles with the 4XMotion option will also have a sway bar that can be decoupled to increase wheel travel. 

Electronic Brake Pad Wear Sensor Diagnostics

Electronic brake pad wear sensors can be found on a variety of vehicles, including domestics like Cadillac and Chevy. Also, brake pad wear sensors can be found on BMW, Mercedes Benz and Audi vehicles.