10 Tips For Diagnosing And Installing Control Arms And Bushings
With wide adoption of large diameter wheels and low-profile tires, suspensions on late-model vehicles have changed. The extra weight of larger wheels has meant that suspension components have had to go on a diet of aluminum. Less sidewall area has transferred the role of absorbing road impacts to larger bushings in order to achieve the same ride quality.
What To Know About Modern Air Ride Systems
The most important thing to remember about a modern air suspension system is that it has different modes that adapt to the driving conditions and vehicle dynamics. Almost all four-corner systems will lower the ride height at highway speeds to increase fuel economy and improve handling. Some SUVs will increase ride height as requested or in response to increased wheel displacement and wheel slippage at certain speeds. Some systems may open up the valving and even disconnect a sway bar link on some BMW and Jeep models.
Weak Air Ride Compressor Diagnostics
Today’s air ride suspensions seem to have a mind of their own when it comes to alerting the driver of a problem. Unlike engine-related trouble codes, most air ride codes are cleared every key cycle or when the vehicle has been sitting for a specific period of time. Codes are not always a sign of a leak, as they can be set by components like the compressor, sensors or reservoir. These codes can appear to be intermittent, but once you understand how the system operates and the criteria for setting a compressor-related code, a diagnosis can be easy.
From The Forums: Telling Is Selling – Shocks And Struts
Shocks and struts don’t sell themselves: Educating the consumer is just as critical as how the parts themselves function. What happens when the driver who declines a recommended shock or strut replacement does not ask any questions? He goes online and starts asking questions. The following are real questions asked by drivers in online forums.
Why Selling Four is Better Than Settling For Just Two
We have all been in a situation where the customer comes in with a damaged or leaking shock/strut that needs immediate attention, while the rest of the shocks/struts have more than 80,000 miles on them and are due for replacement. Recommending replacement of all four units is the right thing to do, but after you
2007-2011 Ford Expedition and Navigator Air Suspension
The Ford Expedition air suspension does more than just lift and raise the vehicle. The system levels the vehicle under loads and when a trailer is attached. The system uses only two air bags on the rear axle unlike previous models with air bags on all four corners. Also, unlike previous Expedition models the rear
Inspecting Nivomat Shocks
Nivomat shocks can be found on a variety of vehicles. They are self-leveling shocks that use an internal pump on the piston to control the level of the vehicle. There are no external lines or connections. Five Signs a Nivomat is Bad Sagging: If you load the trunk of a vehicle with Nivomats, the rear
Shocks and Struts: A Crucial Part of the Electronic Equation
When a vehicle’s ABS or stability control is really needed, how well it works is directly related to the tire’s contact patch. If the tire does not have traction, any type of electronic intervention or driving skill will not bring the car back under control. During a panic stop, weight transfers to the front tires,
A Look at Nivomat Shock Absorbers
The Nivomat Shock Absorber is a self-leveling monotube shock absorber developed by Sachs. Nivomat is a contraction of two French words, niveau and automatique. When translated to English, it would be level automatic or automatic level. The system makes use of the mechanical energy which is generated during the first meters of driving from the
Shocks, Struts and Springs: The Lighting Connection
The health of the suspension has a direct effect on the headlights, even on vehicles without self-leveling headlights. If the ride height is down in the front, the headlights’ beam pattern will not project far enough. If the rear height is down, the headlight pattern could be pointing at the sky and in the eyes
Why Your Customers Believe They Don’t Need New Shocks, Struts
The old proverb of “walk a mile in their shoes” applies to selling shocks and struts. Your typical customer is not like you — their point of view is completely different. You have to understand what they know and what they value. You also need the patience to educate them on the importance of these
Drift Correction with Cross Camber
One of the common handling-related complaints brought to an alignment shop is ‘drift’ — usually meaning the vehicle fails to continue straight when allowed to choose its own path. Many times, an alignment tech is able to easily resolve drift issues, but not always. Making adjustments and then failing to impact a drift issue or
