Servicing Corroded Drums and Rotors
In the Northeast and Midwest, a flat tire and an alloy wheel seizing on the hub (two parts jammed or stuck) is a common occurrence caused by corrosion. Corrosion and rust are nasty problems that make repairing a vehicle difficult. Corrosion is the product of an electrochemical reaction, in a vehicle’s case, between two dissimilar
A/C Compressors Take A Pounding
The A/C compressor is a pump that compresses and circulates refrigerant within the A/C system. Some have pistons inside while others have rotating vanes on an eccentric or a pair of metal scrolls or spirals around an eccentric. Many late-model vehicles have “variable displacement” compressors that change the piston stroke to increase or decrease the volume of refrigerant flowing through the system. Some of these run continuously instead of cycling on and off like conventional A/C compressors.
2004-2013 Mazda3 Alignment Service
The 2004-2013 Mazda3 shares the Ford C1 platform. This is almost the same vehicle as the Ford Focus and Volvo S40 when it comes to the suspension. While the exterior and interior changed in nine years, the suspension did not. The only major alteration occurred in 2009 when the suspension was updated and lost the built-in adjustments for front caster and camber.
Performing An Alignment On VW Jetta And Golf Vehicles
Most entry-level VW models featured the same basic suspension used from the advent of the original VW Rabbit. About the only change was from a rear strut suspension to a separate coil spring and shock absorber in the rear. Used for all models of the Golf, Jetta, New Beetle and the Audi TT, this suspension is simple, durable and easy to repair. There is still a beam axle in the rear of pre-2006 FWD cars.
Pep Boys To Launch All-New Automotive Retail Experience
Pep Boys is introducing an all-new customer experience for 2013 with the construction of a completely redesigned Tampa, Fla. retail store. According to Pep Boys, the redesign reflects the company’s latest efforts to make auto repair more accessible and engaging for consumers. The new experience begins with enhanced customer service from store associates with a more customer-centric approach.
Bill’s Quality Auto Care Lives Up To Its Name And Keeps Customers Coming Back For 19 Years
Bill’s Quality Auto Care Owner Bill Garcia was “green” before green was even popular. When he opened his shop in Simi Valley, CA, 19 years ago, it was a given that he would promote best practices such as recycling waste oil and metals. And he and his staff are always working to make the shop as energy efficient as possible.
How ‘Sweet’ It Is: Uncovering Unperformed Maintenance
Bob Howlett, owner of The Swedish Solution, Orange Village, OH, shares a vehicle inspection victory that resulted in his customer opting to get her 2004 Volvo XC70 fixed, rather than buy a new vehicle for her daughter.
Tech Tip: Measuring Wall Thickness of Main and Rod Bearings
Although the best method to measure clearance between the crankshaft and crankshaft bearings is by using a bore gauge while the bearing is installed in the cylinder block or connecting rod, the question of measuring wall thickness of the bearings to calculate the clearances still comes up from time to time.
Flexing Rocker Arm Muscle
How a Time Tested Technology Has Provided Proven Performance
Diagnostic Solutions: Diagnosing Chassis Noises
Customer interviews are critical to the noise location process. Keep in mind that the grinding noise that you hear might not be the squeaking noise that the customer hears. In most cases, a test drive with the customer might help to identify the noise with which he or she is most concerned.