SafeShop: Nature of the Hazard – Safe Welding Practices
Welding two pieces of metal together with sparks, fire and electricity is obviously a dangerous part of a technician’s job. Because as an automotive technician you’re not welding all day, the safety precautions that a professional welder takes sometimes go by the wayside. But even for short periods of welding, you must consider the dangers
Mac Tools Teams Up with Robby Gordon Motorsports
Mac Tools is partnering with Robby Gordon Motorsports to beget the first ever Mac Tools sponsored NASCAR Nextel Cup Series Car. The car will make its debut during the Nextel Cup Series race on October 21st at the Subway 500 at the Martinsville Speedway in Martinsville, VA.
Chevy Silverado Tech Tip: ABS Light Comes on at 40-50 mph
At speeds over 40-50 mph, the ABS and brake indicators come on, and the fuel and volt gauges sometimes drop low at the same time. The technician had already verified the condition and checked for codes before calling Identifix. He found code C0237 (rear wheel speed signal erratic) stored as a history code, but it had not reappeared for him.
Tech Tip: Diagnosing a Crunch or Popping Sound During Low-Speed Turning
Some vehicle owners may experience a crunch and/or popping sound during low-speed turning. This can be caused by the lower control arm 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.
CARS 2007 Early-Bird Registration Ends Sept. 20
The "early-bird" registration deadline for the Congress of Automotive Repair and Service (CARS) is Sept. 20. Members and nonmembers who register for the full CARS package can take advantage of significant savings. CARS 2007, sponsored by the Automotive Service Association (ASA), will be held Nov. 1-3 at the Flamingo Las Vegas.
Tech Tip: Diagnosing Squeaking Leaf Springs on Silverados
During normal operation, certain vehicles may exhibit a squeaking noise that can be traced to the rear leaf springs. While this noise is an operating characteristic of leaf springs, the frequency and severity of this noise will be affected by the roads on which the vehicle is driven. The noise may be due to debris getting between the leaf springs.
Nondirectional Rotor Finishes: Do You Need Them?
You have probably heard that nondirectional rotor finishes can lessen the risk of new brake pads squealing. They can, but do you really need to apply a nondirectional finish to freshly turned rotors. And what about new rotors? Should you give them a nondirectional finish if they don’t have one? Like many issues concerning brake
Wheel Bearing Service Tips
It may seem like a long time ago when removing the wheel bearings was a normal part of every brake job. The wheel, hub and drum would be removed. The bearings and seal were removed and the old grease was cleaned from the bearings with solvent and a brush. You would next take a wad
Hybrid Engine Diagnosis & Service
The Toyota Prius and Honda Insight hybrids have been around since 2001; the Honda Accord, Ford Escape and Lexus RX 400h hybrids since 2005; the Honda Civic, Toyota Highlander, Mercury Mariner, Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra hybrids since 2006; and the Lexus GS 450h, Saturn VUE Green Line, Toyota Camry and Nissan Altima hybrids since
Foreign Affairs: Probing Around Subaru Electrical Systems
With station wagons, small multi-purpose trucks and high-powered sports models in its product mix, Subaru has become an obvious choice for multi-use purchasers. And, by building one basic platform with all of the right stuff, Subaru has been able to concentrate on quality. That brings us to the topic of this article, Subaru electrical systems.