When To Replace Steering Knuckles and Arms
Alignment Angles Provide First-Hand Clues You’ve seen it a hundred times. A vehicle comes in with abnormal wear on a front tire. It looks like camber wear. One shoulder is badly worn, but the other front tire appears to be OK. You put it on your alignment machine and check camber and toe. Sure enough,
Talking Shop: Weighing In on In-Shop Cataloging
Paper catalogs have their place, but in-shop electronic catalogs are changing the repair shop/store dynamic. For the past 35 years, Harry, the archetypal, second-generation shop owner, has been telephoning Joe, the archetypal counterman, to order parts. And for 35 years before that, it was Harry’s father Clyde who owned the shop and was placing the
Internal Engine Repairs: Begin with Diagnosing Engine Failure Culprits
Saab engine technology has evolved through the years, but the same basic design of the original B202 engine is still used in today’s Saabs. When the 16-valve 2.0L engine (B202) was developed in 1984, I was one of 10 people chosen from the East Coast area by Saab in the United States to attend a
Technician Health and Safety: The Most Important Tool You’ll Ever Own
The life of an automobile technician is filled with many short- and long-term health hazards. The health offenses that I can recall throughout my career include: cuts to the hands, arms and face; burns on my hands and arms; flying debris in my eye; squirting fluid in my eye; breathing car-generated dust; breathing excess car
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
Timing Belt Replacement on a Sideways Engine
A timing belt failure can be a serious problem, not only because it strands the motorist, but also because of the extensive engine damage it can cause. If the engine is an “interference” application, a timing belt failure may result in bent valves, damaged pistons and a very expensive repair bill for your customer. For
Seasonal Service
It’s that time of year again. Time to start promoting seasonal service checks. So before family hits the road for vacation with gas possibly hitting $3 per gallon, here are some service items that should be checked. TIRES Tires obviously play a very important role in safe driving because of their affect on traction, handling
Servicing Cartridge FWD Wheel Bearings
Early front-wheel-drive wheel bearing service was difficult and time intensive. The most common arrangement was a pair of tapered roller bearings similar to that of a rear-wheel-drive vehicle, but with a spacer between the bearings. Servicing this arrangement took time and often special tools. Of course, an axle shaft went through the bearings and spacer.
Power Steering Racks: Fluid Leaks & Repairs
Power steering is a wonderful invention, especially for those who lack upper body strength or have puny arms. Years ago it was considered a luxury option mostly for elderly people who drove big Buicks, Cadillacs, Lincolns and Imperials. But today, everybody wants effortless steering, whether they drive an econocar or a three-ton SUV. Consequently, virtually
Volvo Service And Driveability: Ways to Simplify Repairs and Promote Maintenance
Keeping a record of scheduled maintenance and service repairs is probably the best selling feature when the time comes to trade or sell a vehicle. You know the type: They baby their car, and their friends and family want first dibs when they decide to sell it. In most cases, that level of upkeep is