Directions
Edward Sunkin has been the editor of Underhood Service since April of 1999. He has been a member of the Babcox family of automotive aftermarket publications beginning in December 1994, when he joined the jobber/parts specialist magazine Counterman as an associate editor. Edward also spent three years as managing editor Engine Builder, learning about the
Clearing Up the Cooling System Confusion
Would you believe cooling system failures are the No. 1 cause of mechanical breakdowns on the highway? That’s what statistics published by the U.S. Department of Transportation tell us. It’s not surprising considering how badly most cooling systems are neglected these days. In April, the Car Care Council offered motorists free vehicle inspections at more
Odds & Ends
Columbus, OH – PPG Automotive Refinish selected two outstanding vehicles to receive “PPG Dream Car” awards at the 8th annual Goodguys PPG Nationals, July 8-10 in Columbus, OH. The two vehicles were a 1937 Ford Pick-up owned by Joseph Dilkes Jr. of Little Falls, NJ, and a 1954 Chevy Sedan owned by Mac and Tina
Tire Speed Ratings
The Alphabet Soup Debate
Replacing FWD Wheel Bearings
When a wheel bearing goes out on a FWD car or minivan, it may or may not give much warning. Typical clues include noise from the vicinity of the wheel, possibly some steering wander or looseness in the steering, and/or some abnormal tread wear on the front tires. Also, an ABS light could illuminate. Any
Diagnostic Dilemmas: Navigating OBD II Scan Tool Diagnostics
Although some hybrid OBD I/OBD II versions existed as early as 1994, the current version of OBD II was introduced in 1996. Because OBD II is a scan tool-based diagnostic system, diagnostic techs have become much more reliant upon the scan tool as a primary method of diagnosing malfunction indicator light (MIL) issues. In addition
Light Diesel Service Opportunities are Growing
Diesels are back! During the past six years, more than 2.5 million new diesel-powered cars and light trucks have been sold in the United States. Though the numbers are not huge, they are growing. Diesel usage in U.S light vehicles has almost doubled over the last five years (from 2.2% in 1999 to 3.9% in
Muffler Technology: A Look Inside
Is a muffler nothing more than a steel can with some baffles and tubes inside? That’s how most mufflers look, but there’s a lot more to muffler science than meets the eye. A muffler’s job is to muffle sound. That’s why we call them mufflers. In England they’re called silencers. Regardless of the name, they
Hydro-Boost Power Assist Systems: Operation Diagnosis and Repair
The hydro-boost uses the hydraulic pressure from the power steering system to provide the driver assist in applying the brakes.
News: Babcox Publications Acquires Fleet Equipment & T3 Magazines
cations for the automotive aftermarket to now include the truck fleet equipment management and information technology (IT) arenas. These respected magazines, and their editorial staffs, broaden our reach and offer outstanding publications for the marketplace.” Each month, Fleet Equipment targets an audience of qualified fleet equipment managers who are directly responsible for specifying and buying