‘My Rotors are Warped!’
Warped rotors are probably one of the most common complaints from a drive upon entering any shop that does brakes. The less confident or sophisticated driver may complain that when he hits the brakes, “my pedal pulses,” “the vehicle chucks during a stop” or “it shakes my teeth during braking.” Generally a quick turn of
Tech Tip: Crown Victoria Suspension Sits Low in Front
Some 2003 Crown Victoria/Grand Marquis base vehicles with steel wheels or vehicles equipped with the handling package may appear to have a harsh ride in the front end of the vehicle. This may be caused by the front springs. To correct this, replace the existing springs with revised springs. The revised springs provide a higher ride height at curb and reduce the possibility of the front being too low.
New Raybestos Simplified Product Offering is Built Around Technicians’ Needs
The product offering for Raybestos brand brakes has been completely re-engineered based on many months of extensive research with repair technicians. With the launch of the new Raybestos brand 1-2-3 strategy, all technicians’ needs can be filled now with a single grade of hydraulics, two grades of rotors and three grades of friction – all in the Raybestos brand.
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
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.
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
Diagnostic Solutions: Springs and Things
Maximizing Ride Control…Steering Response & Handling
Top Five Tools
Earle Kramer Jr., president Green Acres Automotive LLC Perkiomenville, PA Mac Tools’ Mac Mentor with Lab Scope — This is the best and most efficient scanner I have ever owned. ALLDATA — This is the most knowledgeable information system I have used. Smoke Pro Smoke Machine — This machine is cost effective and safe to
Steering Stabilizers: Suspension Geometry
Big rims or tires can look good and give a vehicle a unique look. But what is invisible becomes real ugly is the alignment and suspension angles that become altered. Also, that extra weight in stylist alloy rims or thick off-road tires can create a gyroscopic problem. Lifting Why do people lift trucks? The primary