Diagnostic Solutions: Building Off-Road Suspension Systems
Judging from weekend traffic, desert off-road and mountain trail driving is becoming a major past-time for many import vehicle enthusiasts. Most of the off-road import vehicles I see in Colorado are the late ’80s and early ’90s Toyota and Nissan pickups and SUVs that feature mechanical simplicity along with the structural ruggedness needed to navigate miles from any service facility.
Tech Tip: All Wheel Drive Synergies for Brakes, Transmission and Transfer Case
There are very few all-mechanical controls left on late-model vehicles. Almost all powertrain controls are electromechanical using a computer as the controller. These include powertrain control of the accelerator pedal with the latest being All Wheel Drive (AWD). The brakes and damping are also electromechanical under electronic control. There are peripheral systems that are all computer controlled such as Electronic Stability Control (ESC) and Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC).
Tech Tip: Motor Mount Inspection Guidelines
Most motor mounts are relatively simple in design and consist only of metal attachment plates and large rubber insulator blocks. But some vehicles have “hydraulic” or “hydro-mounts” with hollow chambers filled with glycol or hydraulic fluid.
Car Built in 1895 in Benton Harbor, MI, Still Runs
In 1895, carriage maker brothers Louis and Albert Baushke, with help from an engine designer, made what is believed to be the first motorized vehicle built completely from scratch. It is on display at the Antique Automobile Club of America Museum in Hershey, PA.
Tech Tip: An Economical And Effective Way To Refinish A Seal-Worn Shaft
Grooves from shaft wear can allow oil to leak out, which can result in bearing damage and failure.
Brake & Wheel Bearing Service
Although wheel and drivetrain bearings generally last the life of the vehicle, they occasionally fail due to extreme loading, lack of lubrication, dirt and moisture contamination, and, of course, ordinary wear and tear. When discussing bearing wear, it’s important to understand that the function of the modern bearing is to maintain a perfect alignment and near-zero clearance between rotating parts.
Tech Feature: Cooler ‘Heads’ Prevail – Pouring Over GM’s LT1 Engine and Reverse-Flow Technology
The LT1 engine was used in a variety of General Motors models, including 1992-’96 Corvette (Y-body), 1993-’97 Camaro and Firebird (F-body), and 1994-’96 Chevy Caprice and Impala (B-body), Buick Roadmaster and Cadillac Fleetwood (D-body).
Online Catalog Simplifies Search for Precision Products
Precision now offers a new, online catalog enabling distributors to find the exact replacement part number they need for virtually any hub assembly, bearing, seal, CV driveshaft, differential rebuild kit, trailer wheel repair kit and more – anytime, any day.
Tech Tip: Cartridge Wheel Bearing Replacement
While wheel bearing noise is one of the toughest problems for the customer to describe, it’s not unusual for it to come on so gradually that the customer may not even notice it until you mention it after an unrelated road test. Many times, the customer complaint will send you down the wrong path if you let it. We’ve heard complaints from exhaust leaks, to tire balance, to “it just doesn’t sound right,” that have ended up being bad wheel bearings.
Tech Tip: Put a Damper on Booming Astro Van Harmonic with Rear Axle Parts
Some 1995-2004 Chevrolet Astro Van and GMC Safari owners may complain about a “boom” noise inside the vehicle while driving at speeds between 60-65 mph. This condition is most noticeable from behind the driver’s seat. The noise may result from an engine-firing harmonic, which becomes noticeable at torque converter clutch (TCC) lock-up. A new rear leaf spring damper kit (one per spring) has been developed, to be used in conjunction with a pinion nose damper tuned to 86 Hertz (Hz) to reduce the resultant noise level.