Making Sense of BMW Suspension Noises
Import Specialist Larry Bailly contends that most noise diagnosis challenges come from misunderstanding the customer’s complaint. And, as suspension systems have gotten more complex, with many more points of potential failure, making thorough repairs oftentimes takes using your senses during the diagnostic process.
Alignment & Suspension Specs: 2007-2011 Toyota Camry
In 2007, Toyota introduced a new Camry that was larger. But, under the new sheet metal was the same suspension design that was on the previous model. The suspension on the Camry is nothing special and has no real quirks. The only shocker is that the front caster is non-adjustable and there are no special kits or tools to alter the caster angle.
Alignment & Suspension Specs: 2005-2011 Toyota Avalon
Some people call the Toyota Avalon the “Japanese Buick” due to its size and plush ride. The suspension design of the Avalon does not vary that much from Toyota’s smaller vehicle platforms in overall suspension design. If you get on of these vehicles in your shop for an alignment, there are three things you need to do at the time of the alignment.
Suspension & Alignment Specs: Greatest Hits!
The most difficult issue with some alignments is knowing what you are getting into before you start or your shop even quotes the job. For almost two years, Hunter Engineering has been sponsoring BRAKE & FRONT END’s Suspension & Alignment Specs where Editor Andrew Markel examines a common vehicle platform to figure out what are the service issues and how to make the adjustments.
Alignment & Suspension Specs: 2007-2011 Ford Edge/Lincoln MKX
In 2007, Ford introduced the Ford Edge and Lincoln MKX crossover vehicles. The vehicles are based on the CD3 platform that is used for the Fusion and other Ford vehicles. FWD and AWD models are on the streets, but the alignment procedures are the same.
Alignment & Suspension Specs: 2005-2010 Chevy Cobalt and Pontiac G5
If you were to look at the underside of a 2005-2010 Chevy Cobalt or Pontiac G5, the recipe doesn’t look that much different that a 1995-2004 Chevrolet Cavalier or Pontiac Sunfire. The basic ingredients of a strut front suspension and loaded beam axle rear suspension are still there. But, GM introduced several new ingredients that can change how this vehicle is aligned.
Alignment & Suspension Specs: 2003-2008 Honda Pilot
Aligning the 2003-2008 Honda Pilot is not difficult. The first-generation Pilot shares the same suspension design as the Odyssey and rear suspension design with the Accord. The Pilot is the largest vehicle Honda manufacturers. There are no TSBs issued for alignment or tire wear problems. Most TSBs for these vehicles focus on the steering column noise, but most of them are for a limited number of vehicles. The Pilot is based on Honda’s Global Light Truck Platform. It features a highly robust and rigid unit body design with isolated front and rear subframes.
Alignment and Suspension Specs: 2005-2011 Chevrolet Equinox
The alignment process of the Equinox is mechanically straightforward. The front suspension is a MacPherson strut design with hydraulic bushings in the lower control arms. The rear suspension is a four-link layout.
Alignment & Suspension Specs: 1999-2005 Hyundai Sonata
The 1999-2005 Hyundai Sonata and 2001-2005 XG350 models sold more than half a million vehicles during the past decade, so it is a model that can not be ignored. With a large number of these vehicles almost 10 years old, you have to inspect some components with more care before the vehicle is measured for alignment.
Alignment & Suspension Specs: 2005-’10 Ford Mustang (Plus Shelby)
In 2005, Ford introduced a new Mustang with an all-new platform and clean-sheet design. While the formula of a live axle rear and MacPherson strut front end were the same from the previous model, Ford refined the design. These changes make for a vehicle that is easier to align and diagnose compared to the previous generation.