Tech Tip: Is Caliper Replacement a Wheel of Fortune or Does it Sometimes Cost a Fortune?
Have you ever looked for something in the shop only to be frustrated when someone else comes by (usually the boss) and reveals the item right before your eyes?
Tech Tip: Stopping Front Brake Rattle with GM Caliper Kits
Owners of several General Motors vehicles may experience a rattling noise coming from the front of their vehicles. This annoying rattle usually occurs at vehicle speeds under 30 mph (48 km/h) and while driving over bumps. A light application of the brake pedal usually eliminates the noise.
Viewpoint: Cleaning Up Other Shops’ Messes
The other day I was talking with advisory board member Dave Christopher of Christopher’s Car Care in Tallmadge, OH. Dave, his wife and son run a great shop and he has a very loyal customer base. His appointment schedule is often booked weeks in advance. Dave takes a great deal of pride in his shop
Engineering: What Goes Up, Must Come Down!
Validating that the vehicle brake system is capable of getting the vehicle down a mountain is one of the major tests that occurs during the development and “prove-out” of the vehicle. In most cases, the manufacturer or the brake system supplier will test the vehicle on the road. This is also where a lot of
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
Tech Tip: Maximizing Ride Control, Steering Response and Handling
Any spring, whether it’s a leaf, torsion or coil spring, must compensate for irregularities in the road surface, maintain the suspension system at a predetermined height and support added weight without excessive sagging. As you’ll read, each of these functions is extremely important in providing comfort, precise handling and load-bearing capability in the modern import vehicle.
Mitch Schneider: Magic Beans – A Fairy Tale Adventure with Every Day
What could I possibly have in common with Jack, as in the Jack of "Jack and the Beanstalk" fame? Not much, you would think. But, we actually have something very basic in common. We both planted something in the ground with almost no idea of what the result might be.
Volkswagen Tech Tip: No Adjustment of Air Flow in Beetles
Some 1998 through late-model new Volkswagen Beetles may experience no air flow adjustment at the center air outlet(s). This may be caused by a disengaged connecting arm at the air flow adjustment flap.
Rotor Runout: Cause and Correction
The vehicle owner may say that under light braking the vehicle pulses to a stop or under heavy braking the vehicle shudders. Technical service bulletins (TSBs) often describe these symptoms as a “judder.” There are only two causes for judder — lateral runout and disc thickness variation on the rotor’s friction surface. What could have
The Rip Off: Do you Love the Aftermarket?
A few weeks ago, I invited an old friend and former co-worker to lunch. I have to admit, my motives were not entirely focused on “catching up,” as he now works for a local company I have been eyeing as a potential customer for quite some time. Of course, I casually worked his company’s fleet