Ride Control: 15 Tips To Sell The Job And Do It Right
The customer will not be happy if he brought the car in for a knocking noise, was sold a couple hundred dollars worth of struts and/or ball joints, etc., and the noise is still there. If he then takes the car elsewhere and the knocking noise is fixed with a couple of $20 sway bar bushings, that guy is going to think he got beat. This underscores the importance of addressing the customer’s complaint before that vehicle leaves your shop.
Fiat: Front End Noise In Cold Temperatures
The customer may experience a noise from the front of the vehicle while going over bumps. The noise may be more noticeable in colder temperatures.
Tech Tip: Continuous Damping Control (CDC) Damper Diagnosis And Replacement
More automotive manufacturers today are opting for the use of the continuously variable damping system called Continuous Damping Control (CDC) in their vehicles. It permanently monitors “influencing” factors, such as the road condition, load, vehicle body acceleration and driver’s actions.
Tenneco Introduces Dozens Of Monroe Ride Control Part Numbers
Tenneco’s February coverage expansion includes 17 premium Monroe Quick-Strut part numbers for passenger vehicles entering prime ride control replacement age.
Ball Joint Friction And Wear
Any recommended procedure for inspecting a ball-type joint from an OEM or suspension component manufacturer rarely involves a pry bar, and almost never involves a set of pliers.
Undercar Trend Watch: Loaded Calipers, Struts, Arms And Knuckles
The main advantage of a loaded, unitized or complete assembly is not the cost of the part, but rather the efficiency it offers the technician and the greater effectiveness of repair it gives the customer. By packing a loaded caliper, strut, control arm or even knuckle into a job, you can create a “win/win” for everyone.
VIDEO: Modern Air Ride Diagnostics
Andrew Markel shows how servicing air ride has changed over time and what knowledge you will need to better work with modern systems.
Electronically Adjustable Dampener Diagnosis
Modern suspension systems can read the road and the driver’s intentions to help select the correct amount of dampening force. These systems see the vehicle dynamics through accelerometers and Hall-effect sensors, and they can change settings in milliseconds. Some can even detect potholes and dial up the rebound so the wheel does not drop to the bottom.
Uncovering The Causes Of Suspension Noise On BMW Vehicles
One of the more difficult aspects of automotive diagnosis and repair is finding and correcting “noises.” Though not all noises come from the suspension, most of the movement in any car that can cause noise is related to the movement of the suspension, or other parts connected to it. Of course, everything is somehow connected to the suspension and from there to the road.
Cadillac Escalade Autoride System
GM’s Autoride comes standard on the Cadillac Escalade and Escalade EXT. Autoride is an electronic suspension control system that independently controls each of the four shock absorbers in order to control the vehicle ride characteristics. The electronic suspension control (ESC) system is capable of making these changes within milliseconds.
Jeep Tech Tip: Proper Torque Of Mounting Bolts
A frequent concern of technicians is that customers complain of rattling noises after the rear shocks have been replaced on 1999-2003 Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles.
Stability Control And Brake Jobs
Automotive technology continues to evolve in several directions. While many manufacturers are concentrating on electric and hybrid technology, higher mileage, and smaller and lighter vehicles, others are focused on performance, horsepower and ever-higher top speeds.
