Andrew Markel, Director of Content
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Selling the Complete Ride Control Job (Shocks & Struts)

A new strut or shock is only as good as the parts attached to it. These “required” components (notice I did not say add-ons) should be sold as part of any shock or strut replacement.

Five Wheel Bearing R&Rs That Have a Bad Reputation

Some wheel bearing jobs can take as many as three hours and require removal of the knuckle from the vehicle. Collected in this article are some of the most difficult vehicles as reported by technicians, labor guides and bearing manufacturers.

TIRES: TPMS TIPS: Nine tips to increase productivity and reduce comebacks

Nine tips to increase productivity and reduce comebacks

Dodge Tech Tip: Jingle/Squeak from L/H Rear of Vehicle

The driver may experience a squeak and/or jingle from the left rear of the vehicle when driving over rough roads.

VIEWPOINT: Brake Reflashing takes Centerstage

How a moose and a Cherokee could change your brake business.

Performing a Brake Job on a 2005-2010 Toyota Scion TC

The replacement of the pads and rotors on a Toyota Scion TC is straightforward, but there are some things that you should know before you start. This car is designed for ceramic friction material formulations. If everything is operating correctly, it is not uncommon for a set of rotors to last three sets of ceramic pads. Toyota even recommends not machining the rotors if the rotors are within specifications for thickness, thickness variation and runout.

Alignment Specs: 1999-2006 Honda Insight Hybrid

You may not see many Honda Insights in your alignment bay, but don’t let the strange styling and hybrid badge scare you away from doing any chassis repairs.

Custom Exhaust Fabrication: Bends, Bungs and Mufflers

Custom exhaust work is one of the first modifications an owner may perform. It can help the car or truck breath better and make more power. But, often some vehicles do not have a performance system available because the vehicle is to new, rare or the owner wants something special.

Tool Tip: Maximizing Tools: Diagnosing ABS/ESC Hydraulic Control Units

Brake & Front End Editor Andrew Markel finds the root cause of a brake pull using Innovative Products of America’s Brake System Analyzer.

Steering Angle Sensor Diagnostics

Measuring the steering wheel position angle and rate of turn, which are critical for Electronic Stability Control (ESC) systems, is the job of the Steering Angle Sensor (SAS). The scan tool will typically display the information in degrees.

Filters for Brakes: Hawaii Proves There is a Sucker Born Every Minute

New laws regulating the amount of copper present in brake pads are becoming reality. Most brake manufacturers are ready or getting ready for the California and Washington state mandates to kick in over the next 10 to 15 years. Other states, like New York, Rhode Island and Oregon, are working on their own proposals. Most of these regulations are written in a way so the public is not at risk and so they do not become an economic burden to the state, aftermarket manufacturers or the public. But, Hawaii has gone off the deep end with the help of an inventor.

Brake Job: 2011-Newer Buick Regal

There are two brake packages for the Buick Regal. Base models have a single-piston caliper in the front. High-performance models (GS) use the J64 brake package that uses a twin-piston caliper in the front and a different pad. The ABS/ESC system also has a different calibration.