Tech Tip: Rotors Don’t Cause Most Rotor Problems
Troubleshooting a disc brake rotor problem can be tricky if you assume the rotor is the culprit. In many cases, the root of the problem is anything, but the rotor. The good thing is that, in most cases, the rotor itself can reveal where the trouble really lies. Here are some troubleshooting tips that will help you screen and identify other possible causes.
Tech Feature: Mazda Brake and Chassis Repair Essentials
Every job should start with the customer interview. When the appointment is made, it’s important that some questions that will help ensure a successful job get answered. The first question to ask is why the customer thinks the brakes need service. What is obvious to us is a mystery to the customer so it’s important that we establish what it is that has the customer concerned. There is nothing more disappointing to a customer than to spend money on a repair and not have their concerns addressed.
Tech Tip: BMW Brake Pad Warning Light On After Brake Pad Replacement
You may get a customer complaint that the brake pad warning light comes on after the rear brake pads have been replaced. After replacing the pads and wear sensor, turn the ignition on and wait for at least 30 seconds, then start the engine. If the pad wear circuit is good, the light should go out with no further procedures.
Brake Pad Bedding – Adding a Little Seasoning to the Rotor
One of the most controversial topics involving brake repair is where noise comes from and what can be done to prevent it. All brake noise starts at the point where the pad and rotor make contact. Every squeak, chirp and groan has its origins at the interface between these two components and how it is expressed through the rest of the car.
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.
O’Reilly Auto Parts Selects Affinia Group for Drums and Rotors
O’Reilly Automotive, Inc., one of the nation’s largest automotive parts retailers, has signed an agreement for a portion of their brake drum and rotor business with Affinia Group, a global leader in the automotive aftermarket.
Tech Tip: Mazda ABS Warning Light On and Grinding Noise from Front Wheels
If a customer brings in a Mazda with an ABS warning light and a grinding noise from the front wheels, it could be due to problems with the sensor rotor or with the front brake disc, depending on the model.
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.
The Profitable Brake Lathe: Can You Make Money by Machining Rotors?
If you think you can stop machining rotors by installing new rotors, you are dead wrong. Selling new rotors may seem like the right thing to do to avoid a comeback for your shop, but it can actually cause a comeback and it is not the right thing to do in the eyes of the customer and some courts.
Honda Tech Feature: Eliminating Brake Comebacks
The advent of ABS, and its integration into traction control and vehicle stability assist, make good work habits when servicing the brake
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.
Tech Tip: Brake Vibration Diagnostics on Subaru Models
Studies confirm that rarely is it necessary to resurface brake rotors and/or drums on all four wheels when a confirmed brake vibration exists. With proper diagnostics, front or rear brake vibrations can be isolated, eliminating the need to resurface all four rotors and/or rear brake drums.