Tech Tip: The When, Where, Why and How of Brake System Service and Component Replacement
Resurfacing or replacing brake rotors, and rebuilding or replacing brake calipers are two tasks that are often necessary when doing a brake job. These parts may not require much attention the first time the brakes are relined. But by the second or third brake job, it’s likely the vehicle will need rotors and calipers ….
Tech Feature: Update on CAN Diagnostics
Whether you like it or not, Controller Area Networks (CAN) have taken over. CAN technology has been steadily creeping into more and more new vehicles since it first appeared in 1992 on certain Mercedes-Benz models. Thanks to federal emissions rules, it is now required on all 2008 model year vehicles, and will be forevermore. What exactly is CAN? It’s basically a ….
Tire Tech Tip: With Aspect Ratios, How Low is Really too Low?
In my lifetime, tire aspect ratios have ranged from an 85-series to a 25-series. Did you ever clean the whitewalls on a 1952 Chrysler Imperial? Be thankful you didn’t. That’s why I like the new lower aspect blackwall radials. Not only are they easier to clean, they are radials, they handle astoundingly well, they give me a lot more grins per mile, as well as ….
Tech Tip: Vehicle Safety Hinges on Understanding, Checking and Replacing Ball Joints
If the engine quits at 60 mph, you have a chance of getting off the road safely. If a ball joint quits, you have a chance of crashing off the road. The ball joint is one moveable part of a control arm assembly. The control arm bushings are just as important as the ball joint – if the ball joint is worn, chances are the bushings are just as worn. In the case of a strut suspension, the upper mount can receive as much wear as ….
Rack & Pinion VS. Recirculating Ball
Most steering systems you will see in your bays are sealed. But, this does not mean that they do not need to be diagnosed, serviced or replaced. The most important thing to effectively accomplish this is to understand what is going on inside the steering box or rack. You may think the diagnosis of a
Brake Rotors & Calipers: The When, Where, Why and How of Brake System Service and Component Replacement
Resurfacing or replacing brake rotors, and rebuilding or replacing brake calipers are two tasks that are often necessary when doing a brake job. These parts may not require much attention the first time the brakes are relined. But by the second or third brake job, it’s likely the vehicle will need rotors and calipers. Regardless
Update On CAN Diagnostics
Whether you like it or not, Controller Area Networks (CAN) have taken over. CAN technology has been steadily creeping into more and more new vehicles since it first appeared in 1992 on certain Mercedes-Benz models. Thanks to federal emissions rules, it is now required on all 2008 model year vehicles, and will be forevermore. What
Tech Update: Scan Tools & Code Readers
One thing you can always count on in the automotive repair business is that diagnostic equipment is constantly changing. It must to keep pace with changing automotive technology. So the latest crop of scan tools and code readers have more features, more capabilities and give you more bang for your buck than ever before. There’s
Tech Tip: Customer Recently Complained about Moaning Noise in His 1998 Cadillac DeVille
Customers may comment on a steering vibration, shudder or "moan" during low speed turning/parking maneuvers. This condition may be due to the steering system frequencies being transmitted through the power steering pressure (inlet) hose assembly. An improved power steering pressure (inlet) hose assembly is available from GMSPO. To replace the steering pressure hose ….
Management: Gearing Up for a Career in Automotive Service
Through the years, you have heard over and over about the automotive technician shortage in the service and repair industry. Well, that subject has been dissected enough for now, so I won’t focus on that. However, I would like to talk about a side issue on the technician employment matter – steering the right people into our industry ….