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.
FMVSS 126 NHTSA takes on ESC
By September 1, 2012, every car manufactured or imported in the U.S. must be equipped with Electronic Stability Control (ESC) to comply with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS 126). While I am opposed to new legislation that makes anything more expensive or complicated, this is one law that I support because it could put
Alignment Specs: 2002-2005 Ford Explorer
The 4-door Explorer and companion Mercury Mountaineer were redesigned entirely in 2002, losing all design similarity with the Ranger. The suspension on this Explorer has more in common with a car than a truck. Beginning with the 2002 model year, Ford installed a fully independent rear suspension in the Explorer and Mercury Mountaineer (but not in the 2-door Explorer Sport). This replaced the non-independent (“live-axle”) rear suspension used in previous model year Explorers.
Bearing Diagnostics: Brinelling and Non-Noise Failures
In the good old days, most serviceable wheel bearings were maintained at least every 25,000 to 30,000 miles during a brake job. During this process, races, stub-axles and cages could be inspected for damage and replaced if necessary. Today, the average life of a sealed wheel bearing or hub assembly is about 85,000 to 100,000 miles. But they can fail sooner than expected without a whisper.
Brake Shimology: Stopping Noise and Comebacks
The first thing to remember is that all brakes make noise. When the friction material makes contact with the rotor, the coupling causes the brake pad and rotor to oscillate and vibrate. In engineering terms, this is called “force coupled excitation,” which means that the components are locked as a combined system that will vibrate at the system’s natural frequency combined modes of vibration. The driver hears these vibrations as noise. This is “ground zero” for brake noise.
Alignment Specs: Thrust Angle and Setback
The thrust angle is an imaginary line drawn perpendicular to the rear axle’s centerline. It compares the direction that the rear axle is aimed with the centerline of the vehicle. It also confirms if the rear axle is parallel to its front axle and that the wheelbase on both sides of the vehicle is the same. It is one of the most important diagnostic angles during an alignment.
Torque-To-Yield Suspension Components
What do some ball joints, tie rods and suspension components have in common with engines? The answer is Torque-to-Yield (TTY) fasteners. These bolts and studs that stretch are becoming more common on vehicles not just under the hood, but under the car.
10 Brake Comeback Solutions
Nothing is worse than a customer returning to your shop after a brake job complaining of a noise or performance issue. These comebacks can be frustrating because they cost your shop’s productivity and reputation. Continue reading for 10 tips that can help you solve a brake comeback due to noise in less time.
Viewpoint: Displaced Fear of Vehicle Repairs
Looking at the BRAKE & FRONT END archives, images and stories of death, destruction and dismemberment were par for the course to sell parts and service during the first 30 years of the magazine. It was not uncommon to see a horribly mangled car or the image of a child chasing a ball into the street in the ads and articles.