Tech Tip: Diagnosing and Servicing 4WD Bearings
4WD operation can be hard on wheel bearings and seals. The most common complaint you’ll encounter is no 4WD operation, which can usually be traced to problems with the vacuum-actuated front hubs. Some manufacturers require that the driver shift the transfer case into four-wheel-drive, choosing either high- or low-range gearing. The driver must then flip a switch that opens a vacuum-control valve, sending vacuum to the locking front hubs and engaging them to ….
Federated Introduces New Training Initiative to Help Service Providers Improve Profits
Recognizing the importance of running a profitable business while still keeping pace with ever-changing automotive technology, Federated has introduced a new training initiative to provide professional service providers with business management techniques to improve profits and enhance customer satisfaction ….
Tire Changer Q & A
Tire Changer Q & A We talk to Pete Liebetreu of Hunter Engineering on Tire Changers This month we talk to Pete Liebetreu, tire changer product manager of Hunter Engineering, on the future of the market and how shops can get the most out of this vital piece of equipment for most undercar shops. BRAKE
Transmission Service and Clutch Replacement Essentials
You’ve probably all heard of the 15-minute clutch replacement time for a classic Volkswagen Beetle. The “fact” that you could pull the engine, change the clutch parts and reinstall everything with just a penknife and screwdriver and do that on the side of the road. Then there are the tall tales of pulling the engine
Tech Tip: Properly Service Modern-Day Caliper Anchor Brackets for Noise-Free Braking
Properly servicing a caliper bracket is critical in preventing noise and other brake issues, yet it’s easy to make mistakes when servicing this component. Thankfully many of the vehicles on the road today now come with the anchor bracket style caliper in some form or another so they are no longer as difficult to ….
Tech Feature: Update on CAN Diagnostics
Whether you like it or not, Controller Area Networks (CAN) have taken over. CAN technology has been steadily creeping into more and more new vehicles since it first appeared in 1992 on certain Mercedes-Benz models. Thanks to federal emissions rules, it is now required on all 2008 model year vehicles, and will be forevermore. What exactly is CAN? It’s basically a ….
Tire Tech Tip: With Aspect Ratios, How Low is Really too Low?
In my lifetime, tire aspect ratios have ranged from an 85-series to a 25-series. Did you ever clean the whitewalls on a 1952 Chrysler Imperial? Be thankful you didn’t. That’s why I like the new lower aspect blackwall radials. Not only are they easier to clean, they are radials, they handle astoundingly well, they give me a lot more grins per mile, as well as ….
Rack & Pinion VS. Recirculating Ball
Most steering systems you will see in your bays are sealed. But, this does not mean that they do not need to be diagnosed, serviced or replaced. The most important thing to effectively accomplish this is to understand what is going on inside the steering box or rack. You may think the diagnosis of a
Update On CAN Diagnostics
Whether you like it or not, Controller Area Networks (CAN) have taken over. CAN technology has been steadily creeping into more and more new vehicles since it first appeared in 1992 on certain Mercedes-Benz models. Thanks to federal emissions rules, it is now required on all 2008 model year vehicles, and will be forevermore. What
Tech Tip: Take the Time to Talk to Drivers about ABS
Some customers might be surprised to find out that anti-lock brakes are not intended to shorten stopping distance. In fact, in many cases they lengthen the stopping distance in comparison to conventional braking systems. The purpose of anti-lock brakes, is to maintain steering control during a panic stop. The idea is not so much to stop quicker, but rather be able to steer around the problem ….