WHEEL BEARING Q&A: What, When & Why
How much load can a wheel bearing carry? On a typical passenger vehicle weighing around 3,400 pounds, each pair of front-wheel bearings, as well as the rear-wheel or axle bearings, support around 850 pounds, depending on the weight balance and driveline configuration. If it’s a 6,000-pound SUV, each bearing might carry about 1,500 pounds. This
Car Built in 1895 in Benton Harbor, MI, Still Runs
In 1895, carriage maker brothers Louis and Albert Baushke, with help from an engine designer, made what is believed to be the first motorized vehicle built completely from scratch. It is on display at the Antique Automobile Club of America Museum in Hershey, PA.
BMW Tech Tip: Steering Column Rubbing and Scraping Noises
The customer may report a rubbing or scraping noise, which occurs when turning the steering wheel from left to right. While there are a number of components that can cause this type of noise, this bulletin is specifically related to those noises that occur directly at the steering shaft.
Automotive Fluid Exchange Equipment
Vital fluids – including engine oil, coolant, transmission fluid, gear oil, power steering fluid and brake fluid – need to be replaced periodically. Technical Editor Larry Carley discusses the equipment and tools necessary for the preventive maintenance essentials.
Master Cylinders: Reliable, Hard-Working Components Still Need Periodic Inspections
If nothing else, modern master cylinders are notable for their long and relatively trouble-free service lives. The modern master cylinder evolved from the single-piston types popularly introduced in the 1930s to the modern dual-piston, dual braking system cylinders in use today. Master cylinders intended for drum brake use contain one or more residual pressure check valves that maintain a slight pressure in the system.
Tech Tip: 2005-2006 Pontiac G6 Wiring Connector Service
GM has issued a recall for 8,012 Pontiac G6 vehicles from the 2005 and 2006 model years, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Corrosion in a wiring connector in the brake lamps may cause those lamps to fail during braking. Also, the faulty wiring may prevent the cruise control from functioning and make the vehicle more difficult to ….
Tech Tip: Opting for Off-Brand or Value-Grade Components Can Be Risky Proposition
In light of the economic situation, it’s a safe bet that consumers will try and save money on car maintenance. This will likely mean greater willingness to opt for off-brand and value-grade components including hub units. Why is this a bad idea?
80% of Vehicles Need Service and Parts, Reports Car Care Council
Results of vehicle check-up events at community car care events across the country in April and October 2008 revealed that 80 percent of vehicles need service or parts, underscoring the huge untapped DIY and DIFM sales opportunities for the automotive aftermarket, the Car Care Council reported recently. The unsatisfactory condition of vehicles also reinforces the ….
Tech Tip: Drivetrain Noises and Wheel Bearing Replacement
One of the toughest challenges we face as import specialist techs is noise complaints. These aren’t necessarily difficult from the technical or nuts and bolts perspective as much as from the diagnostic process.
Hyundai: Drivetrain Noises & Wheel Bearing Replacement
One of the toughest challenges we face as import specialist techs is noise complaints. These aren’t necessarily difficult from the technical or nuts and bolts perspective as much as from the diagnostic process. The first challenge is to pin down the noise that has the customer concerned. We’ve all listened to our customers struggle with