Tech Tip: Acura MDX Suspension May Pop, Clunk or Thump
A 2001 Acura MDX owner may complain of front-end noises. There are three distinct noises that may come from the front suspension. Each of the three noises has a different probable cause.
Tech Tip: SKF Offers Preventive Maintenance Recommendations and Tips for Avoiding Bearing Failure
A recent technical bulletin by SKF provides preventive maintenance recommendations for avoiding premature bearing failure, including tips on how to prevent repeat failures and assure customer safety.
Tech Feature: Servicing Worn Wheel Bearings
When a wheel bearing goes out on a vehicle, 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.
Tech Tip: Fixes for a Noisy Dashboard on an Acura MDX
Some Acura MDX drivers may complain that the dashboard is creaking. The repair for this condition involves removing the front damper/spring assembly, grinding off body spot weld burrs and refinishing the surface, and/or installing self-adhesive shims (three per side) to the damper mounting base.
Tech Feature: Engine Technology Gets a Boost
As a technician, you’ll need to understand how Ford’s EcoBoost turbocharged gasoline direct injection engine works, since the automaker plans to incorporate it in 90% of its new vehicles over the next three years.
Tech Tip: Diagnosing a Noisy Wheel Bearing
The classic symptom of a bad wheel bearing is typically a cyclic chirping, squealing or growling noise that changes in proportion to vehicle speed. The sound may disappear at some speeds or only occur at certain speeds. The noise may get worse when turning, or it may disappear momentarily. So it’s difficult to make a diagnosis based on noise alone.
Management: ‘Win-Win’ Repair Examples Can Positively Impact Customer Education Efforts and Your Bottom Line
In the process of educating customers, if you could show the link between proper repairs and vehicle performance and longevity, compared to vehicle neglect and its negative impact on critical components, you’d be able to heighten your customers’ trust in your repair recommendations and comfort level with the repair process.
Carley’s Corner: Modules Are Taking Over
The average new car today has up to 80 or more modules that control more than 1,000 different functions – everything from powertrain management, anti-lock brakes, stability control, electronic suspension and airbag deployment to power windows, power seats, climate control, infotainment and navigation.
Selling Shocks & Struts: Getting Past Your Feelings so You Can Sell More Ride Control
Early in my career, I was young, stupid and drove some of the most dangerous vehicles in terms of unperformed repairs because I knew that I could fix it “someday.” I believed in the philosophy that a car was half worn, not half broken.
Power Assist: Servicing Saturn VUE Hybrids
The hybrid version of the Saturn VUE was initially referred to as the “Green Line” model because of its improved fuel economy: 25 mpg city and 32 mpg highway versus 22/27 for the regular version of the VUE. The Green Line moniker has since been dropped for the 2009 model year.