Bearing Diagnostics: Brinelling and Non-Noise Failures
In the good old days, most serviceable wheel bearings were maintained at least every 25,000 to 30,000 miles during a brake job. During this process, races, stub-axles and cages could be inspected for damage and replaced if necessary. Today, the average life of a sealed wheel bearing or hub assembly is about 85,000 to 100,000 miles. But they can fail sooner than expected without a whisper.
Tech Tip: Intermittent ABS Operation Caused by Cracked Sensor Ring
Rust can develop between the axle and the ABS speed sensor ring. The rust acts like a wedge and causes the ring to crack, creating a false or erratic signal that results in intermittent ABS operation.
Kia Brake & Chassis Repairs
Import Specialist Bob Dowie advises that while the Kia suspension system will provide many problem-free miles, from a safety standpoint, it could be argued that the steering and suspension system on any car is the most critical. That’s why it’s so important that every car that goes on the lift should get a basic safety check.
Heri Automotive Releases New Catalog
Heri Automotive, manufacturers of premium quality 100 percent new constant velocity (CV) drive axles for the North American aftermarket, has released its new product catalog featuring more than 1,100 SKUs.
Diagnostic Solutions: Lube Bay Strategies
Because import auto manufacturers have been steadily reducing scheduled maintenance requirements, many import shops have experienced a
Wheel Bearings
Wheel bearings can be of either ball or tapered roller type. The ball bearings used for front wheel bearing applications are an angular type. An angular-type ball bearing will accept greater thrust loads than a Conrad-type bearing, which will accept a 100 percent load in the radial or thrust position and any combination of a 100 percent load. A tapered roller bearing will accept both a radial and a thrust load. All wheel bearings come in sets.
Top 5 Tools: Francisco Sanchez, BZ’s Tire Shop & Road Service
Francisco Sanchez BZ’s Tire Shop & Road Service Seguin, TX Mac Tools Pry Bar — Very easy to tighten down the tire rods and ball joints and remove the CV axles. Snap-on Master Ball and U-Joint Set — Very, very easy to remove and replace ball joints. Ingersoll Rand Impact Wrench — Very easy to
Tech Feature: Quieting Hyundai Brake and Chassis Noises
It seems I’ve been writing a lot of these brake and undercar articles lately. While they’re similar in content, I hope you find them to be resourceful, and it never hurts to go over the basics. This month, we’ll be concentrating on the Hyundai line of vehicles. Over the years, these cars have seen improvements in performance and reliability. The latest models have certainly touched a chord with the buyers, and with smart styling, affordability and a strong dealer network, there is no reason to think you won’t be seeing these cars in your bays for many years to come.
Tech Feature: Nissan Undercar Noise and Vibration Repairs
When it comes to Nissan undercar work, Import Specialist Bob Dowie discusses the first challenge you face and that is selling the work. While he uses the word “selling,” what you are actually doing is making the customer aware of issues that need to be addressed to maintain the reliability and, more importantly, the safety of their vehicle.
ALIGNMENT & SUSPENSION SPECS: 2002-2010 Jeep Liberty
The Liberty (2002-2007 KJ+2008-2010 KK) was the replacement for the Cherokee (XJ). The major changes from the Cherokee to the Liberty were an independent front suspension and trailing arm rear suspension. Compared to the Cherokee, the Liberty is actually easier to align.