Hyundai Feature: Drivetrain Noises And Wheel Bearing Replacement
Don’t let customers lead you down the wrong diagnostic path. While wheel-bearing noise is one of the toughest problems for customers to describe, says Import Specialist Contributor Bob Dowie, it’s not unusual for it to come on so gradually that the customer may not even notice it until you mention it after an unrelated road test.
Fluid Rx Diagnostics Shows True Fluid Condition
For years, automotive repair and oil change facilities had limited methods when it came to convincing car owners it was time to service engine and drivetrain fluids and oils. Those options were the old standard time/mileage formula, “bad” color and odor, or referring to the vehicle’s owner manual. Fluid Rx Diagnostics has changed this paradigm with an easy-to-use chromatographic technology analysis that recommends fluid services based on the actual condition of the fluids.
Wheel Bearing Torque Dos and Don’ts
While it may appear to be easier to use an impact wrench, it is not recommended. OEM and bearing manufacturers always recommend using a torque wrench for installation. During removal, an impact wrench can damage the axle nut threads and shock the CV joints. It can also create a false sense of security when adjusting a nut or bolt, which may be under or over torqued.
Why Bearings Fail
The inside of a bearing can be a hot place. When a bearing is cooling off, the contracting metal, air and lubricant can create a vacuum that is hopefully held by the seals. If the seals are worn and can’t hold the vacuum, the bearing or sealed hub unit will suck in outside air, debris and water. In some parts of the country that use salt on the roads, it is almost as bad as ocean water on wheel bearings.
Chevy Cruze Alignment Pointers
The Chevy Cruze uses a semi-independent twist-beam rear suspension axle like on the Cobalt. The axle assembly attaches to the underbody through a rubber bushing and bracket located at the front of each integral trailing arm. The brackets are bolted to the underbody side rails. The axle structure itself maintains the geometrical relationship of the wheels relative to the centerline of the body.
Building Oil Change Profits One Job At A Time
Gary Goms defends the oil and filter change, but suggests introducing the term, “recommended maintenance interval,” and explains how shops can capitalize on profitable lubrication, drivetrain, filter, lighting, battery and tooling services in the process.
Spark Plug Removal On Ford Modular Engines
Ford’s Modular engine, used in various Ford, Lincoln and Mercury products during the mid- to late-2000s, has been known to give techs a hard time during a spark plug replacement. The problem lies with excessive carbon buildup on the plugs, especially on engines that have gone beyond an OEM-recommended replacement interval. This can cause a plug to break in the chamber during its removal, creating stress on the tech and additional labor time to remove the damaged component.
Mighty Licenses First Master Distributor In Canada
Western Dealers Co-Auto (WD Co-Auto), a leading supplier of goods and services to the franchised new car vehicle dealerships in Western Canada, was recently awarded an exclusive master license to distribute Mighty Auto Parts products throughout British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba and the Yukon.
Preventive Maintenance: When Should Fluids Be Replaced?
Unfortunately, many shops have been accused of over-selling fluid maintenance services. For example, I had a customer who, for whatever reason, preferred to have his vehicle serviced at an out-of-town fast lube shop. Although his vehicle recently had the automatic transmission replaced, the fast-lube shop insisted on selling him a transmission fluid flush. Not only did they sell him the first transmission flush, they attempted to sell him a second flush on a later visit.
Using A Torque Wrench Can Prevent Comebacks
It’s not difficult to torque wheel fasteners properly, but it’s not difficult to foul up the job, either. We’re not using double talk here; we’re shootin’ straight from the hip. The easy part of proper wheel fastener torquing is knowing the vehicle manufacturer torque specifications for a particular passenger car, light truck or medium truck, and following those instructions to the letter.