Toyota/Lexus Timing Belt Service On 3.3L V6 Engines
With extended service intervals and poor maintenance habits, oil sludging problems can cause the camshafts to seize and break belts. And, as engines get more complicated and expensive to repair, educating your
Making Sense of BMW Suspension Noises
Import Specialist Larry Bailly contends that most noise diagnosis challenges come from misunderstanding the customer’s complaint. And, as suspension systems have gotten more complex, with many more points of potential failure, making thorough repairs oftentimes takes using your senses during the diagnostic process.
Diagnostic Solutions: Ignition Coil Diagnostics
Import Specialist Gary Goms says there are a variety of opinions about how to test ignition coils and ignition systems. The most basic method is measuring a coil’s primary and secondary resistance. But meeting primary and secondary resistance specs on the bench is no guarantee that the coil will perform correctly under extreme heat and load.
Ride Control and Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
For all 2012 model year vehicles, stability control is standard. For model year 2008, the majority of vehicles sold were sold with ABS and optional stability control. Most of these systems have something in common, sensors that measure the dynamics of the vehicle and the intentions of the driver.
Alignment & Suspension Specs: 2007-2011 Toyota Camry
In 2007, Toyota introduced a new Camry that was larger. But, under the new sheet metal was the same suspension design that was on the previous model. The suspension on the Camry is nothing special and has no real quirks. The only shocker is that the front caster is non-adjustable and there are no special kits or tools to alter the caster angle.
BRAKE JOB: 2004-2009 Mazda3
The 2004-2009 Mazda3 is based on the Ford global C1 platform, shared with the European Ford Focus and Volvo S40. Nothing is really groundbreaking about the brake system. But, not paying attention to the details can end in a post brake job comeback.
7 Brake Myths Busted
There are some myths about brake pads, rotors and hydraulics that need to be busted. These myths can hurt and hinder a technician’s ability to diagnose and solve some brake problems and customer concerns. On the surface, some of these myths make sense. The logic can seem sound and explain a problem, but they do not resolve the real issues with a brake system.
Performing a Brake Job on a 2002-2009 Chevrolet Trailblazer
The Chevrolet Trailblazer is based on the GMT 360. The brake system on the Trailblazer is not groundbreaking by any means, but there are some intricacies technicians should be aware of on this common platform. The front brakes utilize dual piston calipers with phenolic pistons. The most important thing to remember when replacing the pads on this vehicle is to replace the hardware.
Tech Feature: Troubleshooting Internal Errors – Solving Piston and Ring Breakdowns
Rings that do not seal well during all four phases of the four-cycle combustion process can reduce an engine’s power potential by 20, 30, 40 or more horsepower, depending on the engine’s displacement, compression ratio and speed. Rings that leak during the intake stroke will reduce air velocity and volumetric efficiency.
Diagnostic Solutions: Lube Bay Strategies
Because import auto manufacturers have been steadily reducing scheduled maintenance requirements, many import shops have experienced a
Volvo: Pulling the Plug on Plugged Oil Traps
We learned our lesson years ago. Before you fix any oil leaks, make sure there isn’t excessive crankcase pressure. Many of the vehicles we work on have crankcase breather systems that are much more involved than a plain PCV valve. A few years back, we looked at the Volvo 850 system, saw how it worked and what happens when it doesn’t. The newer cars with their extended oil change intervals seem to be just as prone to clogged breather assemblies as the older cars, and it’s even more so the case on the turbocharged cars.
Cadillac Ciel Concept Celebrates the Journey
The spacious and elegant concept car Ciel is powered by a twin-turbocharged version of the 3.6-liter Direct Injection V-6 engine, paired with a hybrid system using lithium-ion battery technology. The Ciel – pronounced “C-L,” the French translation for sky – is a four-seat convertible that opens a new chapter in Cadillac’s design and product ascent, pushing the brand’s Art & Science philosophy into a new stratum.