Monotube Shocks
From the outside, most shock absorbers and struts look pretty much alike: a round steel tube that telescopes up and down with bushings or fittings on both ends. But inside there can be significant design differences that affect not only the ride control characteristics and performance of the damper, but also its cost. Last month,
Correcting Coolant Confusion
Have you ever seen the inside of an aluminum water pump that was not adequately protected by the corrosion inhibitors in the coolant? Or a radiator or heater core that failed from the inside out because of internal corrosion? These kinds of parts failures are all too common. Yet they can be easily prevented by
Carley’s Corner: Fuel Pump Warranty Returns Still an Issue
About a year ago, I attended a meeting of the Fuel Pump Manufacturers Council (FPMC) in Chicago. The members of FPMC are the companies who manufacture and supply fuel pumps to the aftermarket (as well as the auto makers). The purpose of the meeting was to address a serious problem that has been plaguing the
Tech Tip: Inspect the Spring-Loaded Automatic Belt Tensioner when Replacing Serpentine Belt
Most late-model engines have serpentine belt drives for the engine-driven accessories. And most people know that belts are a maintenance item and eventually have to be replaced. But many don’t know the spring-loaded automatic tensioner that keeps a serpentine belt tight is also a wear item. Consequently, the automatic tensioner may also have to be replaced when the time comes to change the belt.
Exide NASCAR Extreme Batteries Officially Licensed by NASCAR
The Exide NASCAR Extreme battery supplies power and dependability for the long run. Manufactured with Silver Shield technology, these batteries deliver winning performance in any climate and are the only car batteries that are officially licensed by NASCAR.
Nissan Tech Tip: Identifying Leaking Struts
This Tech Tip provides information to correctly identify a strut on any 1990-2000 Nissan model that has slight oil seepage, a condition that is considered normal, doesn’t affect the strut’s operation or performance and doesn’t require replacement. It also provides information to correctly identify leaking struts that require replacement.
Rust Penetrant Maker Invites Technicians to Submit Photos for ‘Rusted Nuts Hall of Fame’
Created by Federal Process Corporation, the new online hall of fame recognizes technicians for all of the hard work consumers often don’t realize is involved in a typical repair. The hall of fame also encourages technicians to avoid using torches and hammers on "rusted nuts," and to instead use the revolutionary Free All formula to break through any corrosion and quickly free the fastener.
Tech Tip: Insufficient Vehicle Heating this Winter? Four Seasons Offers Tips to Turn the Heat On
During wintertime, vehicle heater operation presents numerous questions and problems. Four Seasons Inc. offers the following tips to ensure that the heater continues to work efficiently when the temperature drops.
Brake Tech: What is a Complete Brake Job?
Most motorists know brake linings don’t last forever. Brake pads and shoes use friction to stop a vehicle, so every time the brakes are applied the linings experience wear. After so many stops, the linings wear out. The rate at which the linings wear out depends on the frequency of use, how hard the brakes
Tech Feature: Diesel Service… VW Glow Plugs
Diesels are up to 30% more efficient than gasoline engines because they use high compression to ignite the fuel rather than spark plugs. High-pressure fuel injectors spray fuel directly into the combustion chambers when the pistons near top dead center. The heat of compression, combined with residual heat in the piston and cylinder head from