AIRMATIC Suspension Solutions: Diagnostic Tips To Aid Your Repair Efforts
The Mercedes-Benz AIRMATIC suspension system was introduced in 1999 on the S-Class and has subsequently been used on the E-Class and most of the automaker’s SUVs. Keep reading for some key tips for common ailments to help you effectively get the system on these popular models in top-running condition.
Shocks, Struts And Tires: What Is The Wear Connection?
The role of ride control and tires becomes even more critical on vehicles equipped with ABS, traction control and stability control systems. As in an emergency lane-change situation, the driver can now steer under panic braking. This means that weight transfer and vehicle pitch can be even more extreme.
2003-2010 VW Touareg Air Ride Suspension Repair And Diagnostics
This is a full-feature air ride system designed to improve comfort, stability and off-road capabilities. Some vehicles with the 4XMotion option will also have a sway bar that can be decoupled to increase wheel travel. The struts have active dampeners that control compression and rebound. The driver can also control the height.
Tech Tip: GM Squeaky Rear Springs On Silverado, Colorado, Express And Savanna
The driver may complain of a squeaking noise coming from the rear of the vehicle. While squeaking is a normal operating characteristic of all weak springs under certain conditions, the frequency and severity of the noise will be present no matter what type of road conditions exist.
Symptoms Of Failing Shocks And Struts You Can Feel And Hear
The vast majority of drivers rely on their senses to tell them when it’s time for service. And there are few vehicle components that give off more physical warning signs that service is needed than shocks and struts.
VW Touareg 2003-2010 Air Ride Diagnostics And Replacement
The Volkswagen Touareg was the first VW SUV and the first to get an air ride suspension system. The luxury SUV shares the same platform as the Audi Q7 and Porsche Cayenne. This is a full-feature air ride system designed to improve comfort, stability and off-road capabilities. Some vehicles with the 4XMotion option will also have a sway bar that can be decoupled to increase wheel travel.
The Dynamic Alignment Perspective
One of the most difficult concepts for any technician to grasp is how alignment angles change when a vehicle is accelerating, braking and cornering. The view seen when the sensors and targets are on the vehicle in the alignment bay is just a small snapshot into the suspension’s geometry.
VIDEO: Wheel Displacement Sensor Diagnostics
Andrew Markel discusses the wheel displacement sensor (or ride height sensor) and the modules these sensors communicate with in order to determine ride height. Sponsored by Standard.
Piecing Together The Air Ride Diagnostic Puzzle
Air ride diagnostics can be just as complex as any ABS or fuel injection problem. The diagnostic process should start with questions about the system rather than the parts.
VIDEO: Upper Strut Mount Replacement
Andrew Markel discusses the upper strut mount and its importance to a strut replacement job, including the prevention of the strut binding and memory steer. Sponsored by Auto Value and Bumper to Bumper.
VIDEO: Rear Brake Pads On Vehicles With Stability Control
Andrew Markel explains why special attention needs paid to brake pads on vehicles with stability control, including oversteer and understeer corrections and differential replacement. Sponsored by Auto Value and Bumper to Bumper.
2003-2007 Cadillac CTS Alignment Specifications
The first-generation Cadillac CTS was introduced in 2003 and ended production in the 2007 model year. The Cadillac CTS was built on GM’s rear-wheel-drive Sigma platform. The 2003-’07 CTS came with two suspension packages – standard and sport. The packages have two different alignment specifications.
