Mitch’s World: A Total Eclipse of the Son
Not all that long ago, an entire generation learned about high performance and hot rods from Jan & Dean and The Beach Boys. Their lyrics romanticized surfing, cars and the California lifestyle. I knew kids who quoted those lyrics as they described either the car they were driving, or the one they desperately wanted to
Emissions Analyzers: What is Really Going On Inside that Engine?
An emissions analyzer is one of the most useful pieces of diagnostic equipment you can own. Scan tools are great for reading fault codes and sensor data, but a scan tool by itself can’t tell you what is actually going on inside the engine’s combustion chambers. A scan tool can read misfires and tell you
Volvo Tech Tip: Camshaft Service Pointers
The following tools and service procedure should be used to remove the camshaft housing cover on Volvo vehicles. This method prevents damage to the camshaft housing thrust bearing.
Federated Announces ‘Aloha Sweepstakes’ for Federated Car Care Center Members
Federated Auto Parts has announced the launch of the "Aloha Sweepstakes" for its Car Care Center members. The grand prize of the sweepstakes program is an all-expense paid, seven-day Hawaiian cruise for two. In addition, many other prizes will be awarded such as a flat-screen television, iPods and digital cameras.
Nissan Tech Tip: Groaning/Grinding Noise from Front Brakes
Use this bulletin to service a 1998-2000 Quest if the vehicle’s front brakes make a loud, low-frequency groan/grind noise when stopping. The groan/grind addressed by this bulletin may occur at normal operating temperatures and is not a "creep groan." A creep groan occurs when the brakes are released slightly and the vehicle creeps forward.
Selling Services: Brake Line Repair: Tubing, Hoses and Fluid
Corroded brake lines and flare nuts have been a problem since hydraulic brakes were first installed on vehicles. Improved materials and processes have improved serviceability, but in the Northeast and Midwest where salt and other agents are used to de-ice roads, it is still a problem. Brake Tubing 101 Beginning in the 1930s, the Bundy
Mercedes: Deciphering Driveability Dilemmas
As the oldest surviving automotive manufacturer on the planet, Mercedes-Benz has developed a reputation for superior engineering and quality. Models with new features and mechanical developments have been consistently introduced for more than a century. For the automotive technician, this line of vehicles has been a source of never-ending education. Innovation after innovation has challenged
CAFs: Searching for Hidden Services
They call it the “hidden filter” because many motorists don’t realize their vehicles have separate air filters for the passenger compartments. Cabin air filters first appeared back in the mid-1980s. The earliest applications were on Audi and other European makes. Today, about 80% of all new import and domestic vehicles have a cabin air filter
Flashing Signals / Reprogramming PCMs
You don’t have to be Microsoft A+ certified to flash reprogram automotive PCMs, but the process requires a certain amount of know-how as well as special tools and access to the latest OEM software upgrades (which are not free!). What’s more, it’s not a risk-free endeavor. Certain precautions must be undertaken before you begin, and
Walker Exhaust Rolls Out Expanded Coverage with New Print, Electronic and Online Catalogs
Walker Exhaust recently announced the release of more than 600 new part numbers and issued its first bilingual exhaust master catalog and updated ERIS electronic catalog. The brand also for the first time offers both French- and English-language websites featuring comprehensive application search tools and up-to-date part listings.