Rotor Debate: Installing New Problems?
We have seen a slow increase in rotor prices over the last year. Every link in the supply chain from manufacturers to your local parts supplier has adjusted its prices. This is due to rising raw material costs. Also, the cost to manufacturer and ship rotors to your bay has increased dramatically. Resurfacing can restore
Engine Tuning & Chassis Upgrades
When car manufacturers come out with a new engine design, some car enthusiasts eye the new technology from a perspective of how to squeeze more performance out of it. The smaller displacement engines that are turbocharged or supercharged tend to be the most likely chosen because of their power-to-weight ratio. When Saab introduced a turbocharged
Right On the Mark: Lining Up Timing Belt Service for First-Generation Kias
This month, we’re going to take a look at timing belt replacement on the increasingly popular Kia line of vehicles. Kia has made strong inroads into the market by offering high-quality vehicles at an affordable price. As underhood car techs, we’re prepared to handle any of these cars: You have the required skills and, with
Tech Tip: School Bus Inspection and Maintenance
Now that school is out, school bus inspections and maintenance is taking place in preparation for the next session in the fall. Many school districts are outsourcing the maintenance of their buses. This could be your chance to increase your shop’s customer base. While the coach work (body) of buses is changing to incorporate features like air conditioning, the tires, wheels, brakes and suspension the have not change much in 20 years. The biggest changes are under the hood ….
Tech Tip: Tool Needed to Replace Timing Chain-Driven Water Pump
Replacing this water pump requires a special tool to secure the water pump sprocket. Failure to do so could result in misalignment of the engine’s balance shafts or significant engine damage. Remove the water pump access plate from the timing cover and install J 43651 Water Pump Sprocket Holding Tool, or equivalent. Secure tool to the sprocket and front cover and remove the sprocket bolts. Remove the water ….
Management: Downturn or Upturn? You Be the Judge
I have been asking a lot of shop owners and technicians one question, "How’s business?" In all honesty, I’ve been surprised at the responses. At the shop level, we are not doing too bad during these tough economic times. It is safe to say that we are in the worst recession in more than 20 years. The media is fixated on gas prices and the cost of a barrel of oil. It’s painful, but it’s not ….
Federated Introduces New Training Initiative to Help Service Providers Improve Profits
Recognizing the importance of running a profitable business while still keeping pace with ever-changing automotive technology, Federated has introduced a new training initiative to provide professional service providers with business management techniques to improve profits and enhance customer satisfaction ….
Busch, on SPICER Chassis, Takes Checkered Flags in Chicago
NASCAR Sprint Cup Series leader Kyle Busch did it again on SPICER Chassis this past weekend, earning victories in both the Nationwide Series race and Sprint Cup Series contests at Chicagoland Speedway in Joliet, IL. Busch won Saturday’s LifeLock.com 400 by leading 165 of ….
Tech Tip: Diagnosing Knocking Noise Coming from Front Suspension on Pontiac GTOs
Some 2004-2006 Pontiac GTO customers may comment on a knock noise from the front suspension when driving at low speeds over bumps or uneven road surfaces. This condition may be caused by the lower coil of the spring touching on the side lip of the spring seat. The spring coils contacting the body sheet metal within the wheelhouse area may also cause this condition ….
JGR and SPICER Chassis Dominate in Daytona
NASCAR Sprint Cup Series leader Kyle Busch battled back from 37th place to take the top prize at the Coke Zero 400 at Daytona (FL) International Speedway Saturday. Busch, Joe Gibbs Racing driver of the No. 18 Interstate Batteries Toyota Camry, rallied from a near accident on lap 83 to claim his ….