Brake Job: BMW 1-Series (2008-2013)
The BMW 1-Series might be the least expensive BMW, but it shares a lot of the procedures that are common when it comes to servicing brakes on larger BMWs.
Brake Noise: Using Engineering Logic To Cure Common Noise Issues
The most important thing to know is that all brakes make noise. When the friction material makes contact with the rotor, it causes the brake pad and rotor to vibrate. The vibration moves the air around and makes noise.
Brake Rotors Don’t Warp & The Earth Is Not Flat
By declaring a customer’s brake pedal pulsation complaint is caused by warped rotors is like saying the earth is flat. Both are cases where the observation of the person is based on a tiny piece of evidence that is false in nature and application.
Brake Corrosion Science: Why Rust On Brake Lines And Pads Is Not Normal
You know what rust and corrosion look like, but what is it? Why does it cause holes in some metal parts while causing others to seize? It is not a simple answer. Understanding the mechanics of rust and corrosion is critical in repairing the vehicles and preventing corrosion from happening.
Parking Brake Diagnostics
If you are doing a brake job on a vehicle with an electronic parking brake (EPB), you will need a scan tool with the proper software for the parking brake system to retract the calipers, adjust the cables and perform diagnostics.
Tech Tip: Removing A Rear Rotor Stuck On The Parking Brake
If you are having trouble removing a drum-in-hat rotor, don’t just take a hammer to it. You may have to adjust the parking brake and back it off the rotor in order to remove the rear rotor.
Brake Job: 2012-Current Cadillac ATS
There are two brake packages for the ATS. The base JE5 uses single-piston calipers in the front and rear. The J55 or J6 is typically found on the ATS-V, and uses larger rotors and a four-piston caliper in the front. There is also an option for a more aggressive track pad on the ATS-V.
Rotor Q&A: Five Questions You Might Be Afraid To Ask
High-quality replacement rotors typically are made to very tight tolerances for lateral runout. But, the tolerance during manufacturing are measured on precision equipment that lives on the manufacturing floor. Rotors live their lives between the wheel bearing flanges and wheels where tolerances can stack up.
Brake TSB Trends
TSBs are an addendum to the factory service manual and typically are the product of the OEM solving problems in the field. The majority of TSBs address problems you see at your shop including pulsating brakes, leaks and noise.
Blame Game: Will Automatic Braking Systems Be The Answer Or A Problem?
There has been a lot of talk about automatic emergency braking systems (AEB). Starting September 1, 2022, these systems will be mandatory for cars and trucks under 8,000 lbs. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) estimates that AEB will prevent 28,000 crashes and 12,000 injuries by 2025. This is great for the new car buyer, but what about the car owner who needs to maintain the vehicle five or 10 years from now?
Top 10 Most Common Vehicle Repairs
Basic maintenance is the key to keeping a car running at its best. When motorists keep up with fluid changes, tire checks, filter changes and other services, it helps avoid bigger and more expensive repairs down the road. However, over time, some vehicle parts and components wear out or become damaged. When motorists are educated about their vehicles’ maintenance needs, it allows them to address any issues before they become even bigger problems.
Drum Brakes and Wheel Pullers (October 1943)
Inspecting drum brakes was very labor intensive. Pulling the wheel was typically the only way to see the shoes.
