Ball Joint Inspection And Service
Ball joints have been on most vehicles for more than 70 years. They were replacements for kingpins, but they also became essential for independent suspensions. While the basics of the ball joint have remained the same, the materials have improved along with design refinements that enable the joint to last longer and carry greater loads. In the aftermarket, some manufacturers have focused on improving the OE designs and adding serviceability to the joint.
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 suspension is independent. If the air suspension is malfunctioning, it will have a direct impact on tire wear.
Air Ride Leak Detection
To the untrained technician, a winter air ride problem might lead you down the path that there is a leak in the system. However, chances are there are no detectable leaks. These types of faults are usually set by parameters from the air ride module for a specific action to cause an expected result.
VIDEO: Front End Repair Checklist For Pothole Season
When the winter starts to set in, more customers enter your shop having hit a pothole. Andrew Markel discusses the areas you need to check to ensure a complete repair. Sponsored by Nissan.
Jeep Tech Tip: Lower Control Arm Cold Temperature Squeak/Creak Noise
The customer may describe a creak or squeak noise coming from the front suspension. The noise is typically more noticeable during cold temperatures below 40 degrees. The noise may go away when the vehicle warms up.
Ford Tech Tip: Squeaking Noise When Making Right Turns During Slow Parking Lot Maneuvers
Inspect the roll restrictor heat shield for witness marks that indicate contact was made with the engine roll restrictor-to-subframe retaining bolt head.
VIDEO: Reading Tire Wear To Diagnose Suspension Issues
Andrew Markel discusses how certain tire wear patterns can tell you the condition of the shocks, struts and springs on a vehicle. Sponsored by Auto Value and Bumper to Bumper.
GM Autoride Diagnostics, Service And Conversion
Autoride comes standard on the GMC Yukon Denali and Yukon XL Denali. The product is also standard on the Cadillac Escalade, Escalade EXT and Escalade ESV, on which it is known as Road Sensing Suspension. GM also offers Autoride as an option for the Chevrolet Suburban, Tahoe and Avalanche 1500, as well as the GMC Yukon XL 1500.
Dodge Tech Tip: Suspension Does Not Adjust In Cold Weather
Customers may experience no ride height change with the truck in really cold conditions and they may also have a Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) illumination. They may also notice the truck does not change ride heights when selected in cold weather.
VIDEO: Air Ride And Sleep Mode
Jason Stahl discusses air ride, and how the vehicles that have it still perform even when the vehicle is turned off. Sponsored by Standard.
VIDEO: Can Electric Power Steering Smooth Out Road Crown?
Jason Stahl discusses electric power steering and how it senses driver activity in order to smooth the vehicle’s suspension movements on turns. Sponsored by Standard.
Selling Ride Control With Tires
Tire wear patterns are visual representations of how the vehicle is performing and how owners maintain their vehicle. Tread patterns reveal the condition of alignment angles, suspension components and ride control components. Learning how to read the tire and communicate your findings to your customers is the key to selling ride control.
