Wheel Bearing Hub Unit Q & A
Can I use an impact wrench to remove or install a wheel bearing hub unit? While it may appear to be easier to use an impact wrench, it is not recommended. We recommend the use of a certified, calibrated torque wrench. Impact wrenches can damage the wheel speed sensor.
Management: The Future of Brakes
I hear all of the moaning and groaning out there about how new cars are better made, require less maintenance and break down less often. But, they still need to stop and this means they will always need brakes. Brake pads and rotors are here to stay, and the market is predicted to get even better in the future.
Jeep Liberty Tech Tip: Diagnosing Rear Disc Brake Moan
The customer may experience a rear brake moan-like sound during light or no brake application pressure. This condition is more likely to occur when the brakes are cool (first use) and ambient temperatures are below 50°F. The moan-like sound may be intermittent.
Mitch Schneider: How Could That Happen?
That’s the question we were asked…over and over and over again. "How could that happen? How could it be the wrong part? I bought it from the dealer and they were identical; I checked it myself!" Well, you’ve probably already figured out that they weren’t identical, because if they were, there wouldn’t be much to write about.
Newly-Updated ‘Be Car Care Aware’ Kits Available for Fall Car Care Month
Newly-updated "Be Car Care Aware" point-of-sale kits, which include a copy of the new Car Care Guide and a pack of 25 vehicle inspection forms, are available now in time for Fall Car Care Month in October.
California Warranty Standards Proposed in New Mexico
New Mexico, under a general order from Gov. Bill Richardson, is moving to adopt the California Clean Car standards. The New Mexico Department of the Environment has proposed standards that, if passed, would implement the California vehicle emission standards – including the super warranty. The proposal directs the state to implement global warming and smog-forming emissions standards for vehicles. Additionally, the bill would impose the expansion and extension of warranties.
Mitsubishi Tech Tip: Curing Valve Noise at Start-Up
On V6 and DOHC models, it is normal to hear a valve noise (a "ticking" sound) during the first two minutes after engine start-up. However, vehicles that are overdue for an oil change or have not been started for a long period of time may experience the noise for longer than two minutes. The noise is caused by air in the high-pressure chamber inside the automatic valve lash adjusters.
Tech Tip: Ford Pickup Upshifts Below 15 mph
A 1989-’95 Ford pickup equipped with four-wheel drive and a manually shifted transfer case may upshift to third gear under 15 mph while in two-wheel drive. This may be caused by a false four-low signal at the controller. With the transfer case in two-wheel drive and the engine running, check the voltage at controller pin 14 on 1994-’95 7.3L Turbo diesel models or pin 12 on all other models.
Tech Tip: Replacing AWD Rear-Wheel Bearings on Subaru Vehicles
When replacing rear-wheel bearings on 1994 all-wheel-drive Legacy, Impreza and SVX vehicles, be certain not to over torque the lateral link bolt that secures the two transverse suspension arms to the wheel bearing housing. Do not air gun the bolt off. The proper torque is probably less than you think.
Tech Tip: GM Power Steering Gear Pop or Crunch Noise
Some GM vehicle owners may experience a crunch and/or popping sound during low-speed turning. This condition is caused because the lower control arm may be 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.