Tech Feature: Brake Job on Chrysler Sebring
The Sebring was replaced with a new model based on the JS platform for the 2007 model year. There are several brake packages available featuring either a disc/drum combination or a disc/disc combination. All models are equipped with five possible brake system options.
BRAKE JOB: Bob on Brakes
Bob Dowie knows brakes. Dowie has been in the automotive service business for more than 30 years, and his shop, Village Auto Works in Chester, NY, specializes in Honda, Toyota, Mazda and Nissan repair. Dowie owns and runs a Honda Civic and Nissan Sentra SER in SCCA GT5 racing, and gets his technicians involved in various aspects of the sport. In this installment of BRAKE JOB, Bob shares some of his best tips for doing as complete brake job.
Tech Feature: Brake Job on Ford Edge
The Ford Edge is an SUV based on a the CD3 platform. The brakes on these vehicles are straightforward and do not break any new ground. The brake systems on all variants have disc brakes at all corners. There are no major changes to the brakes system from 2007 to 2009. For the 2008 model year, ABS became a standard feature, as did a direct tire pressure monitoring system. The worst brake component to service is the master cylinder. Getting to the unit requires removal of the trunking for the air intake, battery tray and other components.
Tech Feature: Brake Job on 2004-2008 Toyota Corolla
The 2004-2008 Toyota Corolla was one of the best selling vehicles in North America. The front brakes for all models are, for the most part, the same. The only changes came in the configuration of the brake pad shims. The Corolla was not subject to the unintended acceleration recalls for floor mats or gas pedal.
BRAKE JOB: Toyota Tundra Brake Caliper Upgrade
If a 2000-’05 Tundra or Sequoia comes into your shop with a complaint of brake pulsation, there are a few diagnostic steps that should first be taken before repairs are recommended.
BRAKE JOB: GM H-Body Brake Job
Pad and rotor replacement is straightforward on this vehicle. But, there are some common errors that can be made if you are not paying attention. First, make sure the front caliper bracket bolts are tightened to 137 ft/lbs. If the bolts work their way loose, the driver may experience a sporadic low pedal condition or worse. Second, replace the hardware if necessary. Most noise complaints can be traced to worn out hardware. Third, this vehicle is sensitive to thickness variation of the rotors. Always make sure thickness variation is below .0005”, or you could have a pulsation comeback.
Shop Profile: Quality Brake Jobs Cost More than $59.95
Lee Singer is the owner of Duke and Lee’s Service Station, a family-run automotive repair shop in Geneva, IL. One challenge he faces is educating customers about the cost of vehicle maintenance.
Tech Feature: Brake Job on 1995-2004 Toyota Tacoma
The first-generation Toyota Tacoma was introduced in 1995 and continued until 2004. During the 10-year run, the basic brake system configurations did not change. But, Toyota did make changes to the pad shape and hardware to improve performance.
Brake Tech Feature: 8 Myths that Could Be Holding You Back from Performing the Best Brake Job
It could be how you select friction materials, apply brake lubricants or machine rotors. You could be doing something that does not make sense, but you learned it from another technician and it could be holding you back. Here are eight brake job myths that could be holding you back.
Tech Feature: 2004-2008 Nissan Maxima Brake Job
Called the four-door sports car by Nissan, the 2004-2008 Maxima brake system is easy to service with very few complaints of brake noise or pulsation. The system used the same brake pads, rotors and calipers on all models. There were some changes in 2007 to the ABS system. The system uses floating piston calipers on the front and rear with the parking brake in the hub of the rotor.
Tech Feature: 2004-2008 Ford F-150 Brake Job Top 10 Tips
Starting with the 2004 model year, Ford launched a new body style for the F150. The new body style truck is a new vehicle inside and out. However, not all of the 2004 F150s that you see will be the new body style. The 2004 F150 was also made available in the older body style pickup that came on the scene in 1996. The older body style F150 is called a “Heritage” edition.
Management: Avoid the Million-Dollar Brake Job
You may not want to believe that a simple tire rotation or brake job could cost your dealership or service and repair business in excess of one million dollars, but the fact is it can.