Mitch Schneider: Life is Full of Choices, and Those Choices are Usually Right or Wrong
Three years and 40,000 miles ago, one of my technicians installed new ball joints and tie rod ends, along with a host of other steering and suspension parts, on a 1998 Dodge truck. The truck, a fairly "vanilla" Dakota, was – and still remains – absolutely stock. It wasn’t lifted. It wasn’t lowered. It wasn’t modified in any way.
GM Tech Tip: Solving Crunching Noise During Low-Speed Turning
Vehicle owners may complain of a crunch and/or popping sound during low-speed turning. The lower control arm may be striking the steering knuckle during full-turn type maneuvers, causing the crunch sound. Slight movement between the steering gear attaching bolt threads and the frame rail inboard steering gear attaching holes may cause the popping sound.
Tech Tip: Replacing Wheel Bearing Hubs Equipped with Wheel Speed Sensors
When engineers came up with the idea of putting the wheel speed sensor (WSS) and tone ring inside a sealed wheel bearing hub assembly, it seemed like a great idea. The sealed environment would help protect the sensor and make it less vulnerable to damage or contamination from the outside world.
Tech Tip: Pointers for Inspecting Brake Systems
Brake linings are sacrificial components designed to convert kinetic energy into heat energy by rubbing against a rotating brake rotor or drum. This rubbing action or friction wears away a miniscule portion of the brake lining and rotor or drum each time the brake pedal is applied.
Rain, Rain Go Away: Advance Auto Parts Offers Tips for Travel During Rain
Nobody wants to leave their couch on a rainy day, but a long list of things to do, or children to pick up from school, or a commute to and from work will often leave you with no choice but to fire up your vehicle and hope for the best during a rainy day. "You can best prepare for rainy weather by replacing your windshield wipers every season and by using a rain treatment on your windshield after every time you wash your vehicle. Additionally, be sure to check tread depth and tire pressures before driving in the rain," says Bryan Gregory, Advance Auto Parts director of consumer education.
Tech Tip: Selling Performance Modifications
The sport compact car market is hotter than ever. The market has moved beyond the simple bolt-ons such as wheels, tires, brake rotors and spoilers. It’s not unusual today to see sport compact engines producing upward of 400 horsepower on the street. With so much power under the hood, the challenge is getting the horsepower to the tires and maintaining reasonable traction and handling.
Tech Tip: New Shocks and Struts Can Improve Vehicle Handling
Shock absorbers and struts dampen the motions of the suspension to provide a smooth, comfortable and safe ride. Some OEM shocks have electronic valving that allows the driver or a body control module to adjust the dampening characteristics of the shocks or struts to changing driving conditions. Electronic dampers may use a solenoid or an electric stepper motor for this purpose. The latest technology is to use a special "rheological" magnetic fluid that changes its viscosity when a current is passed through it.
Brake Pad Wear
Brake pads are one of the few remaining accepted wear items in a modern vehicle. As a result, it represents a significant revenue opportunity for the service community. Drivers would surely love to have brake pads last for life. Service shop owners may have a different opinion. I’m sure that shop owners must deal daily
Wheel Speed Sensors Replacement: WSS, Chevy, GM
By Larry Carley, Technical Editor When engineers came up with the idea of putting the wheel speed sensor (WSS) and tone ring inside a sealed wheel bearing hub assembly, it seemed like a great idea. The sealed environment would help protect the sensor and make it less vulnerable to damage or contamination from the outside
Tech Update: The 10 Commandments for Selling Shocks & Struts
“143” alt=”” align=”right” /> Look for signs that the units might be leaking oil, such as the accumulation of road grime or the presence of oil inside the boots and dust shields. Also keep an eye out for “witness marks” that indicate the suspension might have bottomed out recently. Make sure all bushings and hardware