From Rivets to Hooks: The Changing Brake Attachment Market
Relining and Rivets In the early days of BRAKE & FRONT END, the brake job was known as a reline. The technician would pull the drum and attach fresh friction material to the shoes at the shop. In 1931, a complete reline with adjustment could be had for $10.00! The shops could buy friction material
News Update: Automotive Distribution Network Announces ‘Repair America’ Sweepstakes Winners
Parts Plus has announced the major prize winners of the “Repair America” sweepstakes promotion for professional service dealers. Throughout June and July, when service dealers were given the opportunity to win prizes in this special promotion, more than 62,000 entries were returned to headquarters, with an additional 7,500 entered online through www.partsplus.com. The winner of
Suspension & Brake Repairs: Ensure Customer Service and Safe Vehicle Operation
This month, we find ourselves in a familiar environment — under a car or in the wheel well. The good news is you’re under a Mazda car or truck that will present few surprises in terms of service procedures, while providing the additional service opportunities we’ve come to expect from undercar repairs. A vehicle can
Carley’s Corner: New Stuff from the AAPEX & SEMA Shows
Having just wrapped up a week in Las Vegas at the AAPEX (Automotive Aftermarket Parts Expo) and SEMA (Specialty Equipment Manufacturers Association) shows, I have some interesting news to report. A company called Green Earth Technologies introduced a new high-quality synthetic motor oil made from dead cows. The oil is made from animal fat (beef
Tech Tip: The Importance of Performing a Complete Brake Job
When brake linings are replaced, always follow your friction supplier’s guidelines. As a rule, linings should be replaced with ones made of the same basic type of material as the original linings (or better). Replace semi-metallic with semi-metallic, ceramic with ceramic, and nonasbestos organic (NAO) with NAO – or upgrade to ceramic.
Tech Tip: Loaded Caliper Assemblies Help Restore the Brakes to Like-New Condition
Loaded calipers do provide a variety of benefits when doing brake jobs on customer’s vehicles. One of the main advantages for the vehicle owner is that loaded caliper assemblies help restore the brakes to like-new condition. Not only do they get new friction, but also a professionally rebuilt caliper and properly matched hardware (shims, bushings, slides, etc.).
Management: We Can’t Fix It
Did you ever tell a customer you couldn’t fix his vehicle? Have you told a customer, "We don’t work on that type of car." Have you ever not recommended service because you don’t have the tools or equipment to do the job? Have you sent a vehicle to another shop or dealership?
Perspectives: ‘We Can’t Fix it.’
Did you ever tell a customer you couldn’t fix his vehicle? Have you told a customer, “We don’t work on that type of car”? Have you ever not recommended service because you don’t have the tools or equipment to do the job? Have you sent a vehicle to another shop or dealership? I would expect
Tech Tip: Curing Steering Wheel Vibration Felt During Braking
Customers may report that a vibration or "judder" is felt in the steering wheel during braking. The front brake discs may have worn unevenly, resulting in thickness variations on the disc. The remedy is to install two new front brake discs (Land Rover P/N SDB000201) in combination with new specification front brake pads (Land Rover P/N SFC500050).
Tech Tip: Replacing Wheel Bearing Hubs Equipped with Wheel Speed Sensors
When engineers came up with the idea of putting the wheel speed sensor (WSS) and tone ring inside a sealed wheel bearing hub assembly, it seemed like a great idea. The sealed environment would help protect the sensor and make it less vulnerable to damage or contamination from the outside world.