Tool Storage: Buying a Toolbox is Like Buying a House — For Your Tools
The journey of a thousand miles starts with just one step. Deciding what new tool storage system you want can feel like that kind of journey. As the single largest purchase you are ever likely to make in your career as a technician, it is an important one! In fact, other than your home and
Tech Tip: Paul’s Crunchy Aveo Announces His Arrival
As a sales manager, Paul relies on his car to get him to important sales meetings across the state. His 2005 Chevrolet Aveo has been his trusty ride for a couple of years now. Recently, he noticed a "crunch" noise from the front of the car while negotiating speed bumps. Paul was embarrassed that a client also commented on his noisy car. Finally, he called me for an appointment.
News Update: NAPA Chassis Trains, Certifies Technicians
Participants in a four-day NAPA Chassis training class were provided with tips and techniques from NATEF-certified instructors to identify and solve problems while diagnosing and repairing late-model chassis and suspension systems. Held recently at NAPA’s training center, the clinic taught timesaving repair procedures, giving these techs the ability to be more proficient on newer vehicles.
Audi: General Maintenance… Vital Checks on Key Vehicle Systems
article, I’ll focus on common repairs we see on at least a weekly basis. The series of cars covered in this article will be the A4 and A6 line from 1998 to 2004. These cars are all very similar in design and equipment, and most repairs are consistent between models. Be aware that many Audi
Mitch Schneider: Life is Full of Choices, and Those Choices are Usually Right or Wrong
Three years and 40,000 miles ago, one of my technicians installed new ball joints and tie rod ends, along with a host of other steering and suspension parts, on a 1998 Dodge truck. The truck, a fairly "vanilla" Dakota, was – and still remains – absolutely stock. It wasn’t lifted. It wasn’t lowered. It wasn’t modified in any way.
Tech Tip: Replacing Shocks and Struts
The primary purpose of a shock absorber (or strut) is to control suspension movement. This is done by a piston moving fluid through a series of valves within the shock or strut housing. The valves control the damping rate of the shock throughout the travel of the piston. The damping characteristics are engineered to complement the suspension of each vehicle.
Tech Tip: Pointers for Inspecting Brake Systems
Brake linings are sacrificial components designed to convert kinetic energy into heat energy by rubbing against a rotating brake rotor or drum. This rubbing action or friction wears away a miniscule portion of the brake lining and rotor or drum each time the brake pedal is applied.
Tech Tip: Selling Performance Modifications
The sport compact car market is hotter than ever. The market has moved beyond the simple bolt-ons such as wheels, tires, brake rotors and spoilers. It’s not unusual today to see sport compact engines producing upward of 400 horsepower on the street. With so much power under the hood, the challenge is getting the horsepower to the tires and maintaining reasonable traction and handling.
Honda Tech Tip: 2000 Odyssey Drifts to the Right
The owner of a 2000 Honda Odyssey may complain that the vehicle drifts to the right at highway speeds. The probable cause of this condition is uneven front caster or camber settings. To correct this problem, shift the front subframe.
Tech Tip: New Shocks and Struts Can Improve Vehicle Handling
Shock absorbers and struts dampen the motions of the suspension to provide a smooth, comfortable and safe ride. Some OEM shocks have electronic valving that allows the driver or a body control module to adjust the dampening characteristics of the shocks or struts to changing driving conditions. Electronic dampers may use a solenoid or an electric stepper motor for this purpose. The latest technology is to use a special "rheological" magnetic fluid that changes its viscosity when a current is passed through it.