Alignment & Suspension Specs: Ford Focus
In 2000, the Ford Focus represented a radical change in the domestic small car segment. Now as we enter a new decade, the current Focus platform is going into its last year of production and not too much has changed in the alignment department in 10 years, except the specs from year to year. The second-generation Focus uses the same suspension configuration as the 2000-2007 models. The restyled second generation is available as either a two-door coupe or four-door sedan – the hatchbacks and wagon were discontinued.
Tech Tip: Motor Mount Inspection Guidelines
Most motor mounts are relatively simple in design and consist only of metal attachment plates and large rubber insulator blocks. But some vehicles have “hydraulic” or “hydro-mounts” with hollow chambers filled with glycol or hydraulic fluid.
Alignment & Suspension Specs: 2006-Current Chevrolet Impala
The 2006-current Chevrolet Impala represents the evolution of the GM mid/full-sized front-wheel-drive car. This generation of the Impala is solid and easy to work on. Gone are the quirks of previous generations. We will be concentrating on the civilian V6-equipped version that represents about 85 percent of the Impalas on the road. The V8 and Police versions have different alignment/ride height specifications and components.
The Bendix Team Helps Outfit Repair Shops with Technician Promotions
From May 1 through December 31, 2010, professional technicians who purchase qualifying Bendix products will not only be offering their customers high quality brake pads and shoes, they will also be outfitting their shops with high-quality, premium-branded shop items.
Alignment & Suspension Specs: 2006-2010 Honda Civic
Built on a high-rigidity unit-body platform, the 2006-current Civic has a MacPherson strut front suspension and multi-link rear suspension. The 8th-generation Civic switched from a high mounted steering rack to a low mounted one and significantly increased caster. In the alignment bay, the 8th-generation Civic does not hold any surprises. But, it does require a sharp eye to spot potential problems.
Rotor & Resurfacing Response: The Industry Responds to the Midas/Glad Controversy
The response to last month’s article on the settlement of the Midas and Mike Glad lawsuit in California was overwhelming, and the conversation went in some unexpected directions.
Z Sport, Part 2: Powering Subaru WRX Engine & Chassis Upgrades
A few months back, I highlighted a project car being built by Z Sport. The car is now back together and running. Charles Damewood, the car’s owner and a principle at Z Sport, has been driving the car to break in the engine, and get an idea of what needs to be sorted out as far as engine management before doing a full on dynamometer test. As soon as fuel mapping and software issues are resolved, we will get full performance testing data and publish a follow up.
Tech Feature: Boosting Profits Through Turbocharger Services
A turbo’s basic purpose is to boost power, so when an otherwise healthy engine suddenly becomes anemic, it often (but not always) means turbo trouble.
Tech Tip: Acura with Idle Vibration/Harsh Shifting Issue
If a customer complains of a vibration at idle or harsh engagement when shifting the transmission between Park, Drive and Reverse, the probable cause is the front hydraulic engine mount may have deteriorated and torn.
Carley’s Corner: Cars, Kids & College
Sending a kid off to college hundreds of miles from home with a car can be scary. Finding a repair shop for them helps you put yourself in your customers’ shoes.