Worn Tie Rod Inspection: Discovering The Danger Zone
Excessive tie rod play is difficult to ignore for any driver. It may start with tire wear on the inner edge of the front tires. Next, there could be a slight knocking during braking or acceleration. Last, tie rod play could manifest itself in a knocking noise while turning.
10 Tips For Diagnosing And Installing Control Arms And Bushings
With wide adoption of large diameter wheels and low-profile tires, suspensions on late-model vehicles have changed. The extra weight of larger wheels has meant that suspension components have had to go on a diet of aluminum. Less sidewall area has transferred the role of absorbing road impacts to larger bushings in order to achieve the same ride quality.
Brake Job: 2012-Current Cadillac ATS
There are two brake packages for the ATS. The base JE5 uses single-piston calipers in the front and rear. The J55 or J6 is typically found on the ATS-V, and uses larger rotors and a four-piston caliper in the front. There is also an option for a more aggressive track pad on the ATS-V.
Aluminum Suspension Component Serviceability
For every 10 percent reduction in vehicle weight, there is a 5 to 7 percent fuel savings. Since 1990, there has been a steady increase in the weight of vehicles due to airbags, structural components and convenience features like heated seats. This fattening in some areas forced suspension components to go on a diet.
Performing An Alignment On VW Jetta And Golf Vehicles
Most entry-level VW models featured the same basic suspension used from the advent of the original VW Rabbit. About the only change was from a rear strut suspension to a separate coil spring and shock absorber in the rear. Used for all models of the Golf, Jetta, New Beetle and the Audi TT, this suspension is simple, durable and easy to repair. There is still a beam axle in the rear of pre-2006 FWD cars.
Brake Service On 2011-Newer Buick Regals
The fifth-generation Buick Regal on the surface might seem like an easy car to work on when the pads need replaced, but if you assume that this is just another Buick, you could quickly find yourself in trouble. The Regal has standard brake features that were once only found on high-end imports. This makes the Buick a game changer in the brake job world.
Timing Belt Replacement On Honda/Acura V6 Engines
The first step in timing belt replacement is selling the job. For many years, the industry standard for belt replacement was 60,000 miles. Those of us with more experience can even remember when 30,000 miles was the norm. Over the years, the materials and processes used in timing belt manufacturing have allowed Honda to move that interval to 90,000 miles and 105,000 miles. I use the 90,000-mile mark as my signal. As a customer’s vehicle nears this indicator, remind him or her that the belt needs to be replaced.
Servicing 6.0L Power Stroke Engines
If there is one engine that plagues the mid-size diesel world, you would have to say that it is the 6.0L Power Stroke. This engine has the worst repair history that has plagued and continues to plague Ford truck owners today. Even though the engine was only produced from 2003 to 2008, truck buyers often steer away from these engines when purchasing a diesel truck.
Honda Timing Belts: The First Step In Replacement Is Selling The Job
Bob Dowie, owner of Village Auto, Chester, NY, says that the first step in timing belt replacment is selling the job. While most customers know they need to be
Brake Job: 2011-Newer Buick Regal
There are two brake packages for the Buick Regal. Base models have a single-piston caliper in the front. High-performance models (GS) use the J64 brake package that uses a twin-piston caliper in the front and a different pad. The ABS/ESC system also has a different calibration.