Doing the ‘Complete’ Brake Job
Brake work continues to be a solid service opportunity for independent repair shops because brakes are items that inevitably wear out. Disc brake pads need to be replaced, and the rotors usually need to be turned or replaced. The front brakes do the most of the braking, so they receive most of the attention when
TDI Driveability: Carbon Plugging of the Intake System
Volkwagen has been selling diesel-powered cars in the U.S. for almost 30 years. Turbocharged versions have been available for 25. That is a lot of experience and a testament to the development of a reliable, efficient and durable powerplant. The introduction and development of the TDI (turbocharged direct injection) brought the VW diesel into the
Mitch’s World: ‘But, Daddy… I Swear I Wasn’t Speeding’
It must have been quite a sight — me sitting behind the counter staring at the computer screen, looking at the digital images, shaking my head in disbelief. After all, it isn’t every day you see a fairly late-model vehicle with the entire bottom of the undercarriage torn away. But, then again, I knew it
Shaken, Not Steered
Wouldn’t it be great if various vibrations in the car were something that we could measure, sort through, select one and assign numbers to it that can be used to find its source? Wouldn’t be even better if we could determine by the numbers whether the vibration was a balance issue or excessive runout with
Perspectives: ‘Be Car Care Aware’
Any Time, Anywhere…but Especially in April!
Engine Performance
Smart Diagnostics Begin With Basic Checks and Solid Service Information
Diagnostic Dilemmas: Getting In-Sync with a Couple Wranglers
It’s axiomatic in the diagnostic trade that, as soon as one thinks he has command of a particular system, the gods of technology pitch a curve ball that unerringly slips under the swing of the diagnostic bat. Not that I’ve never seen a 4.0L Jeep engine before; I’ve serviced dozens, perhaps hundreds of them. The
Diesel Engine Service, Tools & Equipment
Diesel engines are a popular alternative to gasoline engines because of their good fuel economy and torque. More than 55% of heavy-duty pickup trucks are now powered by diesel engines, as are 85% of Class 5 to 7 medium-duty trucks. The GM Duramax, Ford Powerstroke and Dodge Cummins Turbo Diesel engines represent the bulk of
Lifts: Laws of the Universe
have in common? Each of these items is subject to the law of gravity. The law states all items are attracted to the earth with a force that is exactly equal to their specific weight. Why, you ask, do I care about this? Well, let me give you another little statement that will start to
Top Five Tools
John Conley, ASE master tech L1, owner/technician Bumper To Bumper Automotive, Inc. Norwood, MA It’s probably hard to pick the top five tools, I have many favorites. I treat tools like employees; They work for me. If I had to pick five I would have to say: Hunter Alignment System DSP 600 — In only