Tech Feature: Balance Between Crankshaft and Related Components is Critical
Balancing used to be the exclusive domain of the performance engine. Stock grocery getters rarely were considered candidates for balance jobs. But that thinking has changed. Even standard, run-of-the-mill automobiles are sent from the OE with precisely balanced engines. And customers have come to expect nothing but the same when they look into having their vehicle’s engine rebuilt.
Tech Feature: Curbing Catalytic Converter Thefts
Catalytic converters have been disappearing at an alarming rate. The theft of these emission control devices is being perpetrated by sleazeballs looking for easy money. A thief can hock a pilfered converter for $25 to as much as $100 depending on the value of the precious metals inside it.
Elgin Ranked Among ‘Best of the Best’ by JASPER for 8th Straight Year
Only a handful of JASPER’s hundreds of suppliers are selected annually for the award based on product quality, service, fill rate, response time to a problem, billing and credit procedures, and other criteria.
Engine Maintenance: Timing Belt Replacement on Lexus GS 300s
Recommended replacement intervals for timing belts are all over the map these days. Mileage and time suggestions can vary widely, so examine accessory belts and factor in the use of the car and its maintenance history. In this article, we’ll discuss timing belt replacement on a 2001 Lexus GS 300 model with the 2JZ-GE engine.
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: Wheel Bearing Service on Hybrid Vehicles
Most hybrid vehicles on the market today share wheel bearing components with their non-hybrid counterparts. There is no need to turn away these vehicles for wheel bearing replacement. As these vehicles increase in age, failures of the wheel bearings are inevitable. The main trend for some makes of hybrids, such as Toyota, is a shift to wheel bearing hub units from cartridge-type bearings.
Porsche Engine Diagnostics: Misfire Codes, Fuel Trim Faults, Secondary Air Injection
Porsche has been building engines for decades that will literally fit in a suitcase, but are still able to put out horsepower that rivals many larger engines. Find out how to keep the Porsche Boxster engine running smoothly.
Dana Unveils Hybrid Transmission for Off-Highway Market
Dana Holding Corp. recently introduced new hybrid drivetrain technology specifically engineered for off-highway vehicles. A concept transmission in the evaluation phase, the Spicer TE-15HX is an electric parallel hybrid that features a dual power path transmission control system. This system continuously monitors operating conditions and selects the proper combination of diesel and electric power to optimize productivity while reducing fuel consumption, emissions, noise and engine idling.
Tech Tip: Shorter Oil Drain Interval will Provide the Best Defense Against Harmful Engine Deposits
There isn’t a downside to more frequent oil changes. A shorter drain will provide the best defense against harmful engine deposits, better oil consumption control, improved fuel economy and lower wear on engine parts. More frequent oil changes also may help you discover a more serious engine problem, such as a coolant leak, before serious damage occurs ….
Getting a Grip on Traction Control
The basic principle of traction control is rather simple. A tire is breaking free and starting to spin so we’re going to place a drag on that wheel so that two things can happen. One is we want that tire to have a chance to regain its grip on the road surface. And two, we