Live-Axle Wheel Bearings
In 1963, almost every car manufactured in the U.S. had a solid rear axle. There were exceptions like the Corvette and Corvair. Today, many light- to medium-duty trucks still use live rear axles. While the design differentials have changed, the ends of the axles have not. The improvements in have been made in the materials
10 Alignment Service Tips
The more thorough the pre-alignment inspection, the better your chances are of not overlooking something that might cause a comeback after the wheels have been aligned. The most neglected inspection item is tire inflation. Even the most precisely aligned toe angle will still pull if the pressures are not even.
11 TPMS Commandments
1. Every time a stem-mounted TPMS sensor is removed from a rim, it must be serviced, no ifs, ands or buts. This goes for sensors that are six months old to six years old. Do not reuse seals or stems. 2. Always use a new kit. The typical kit includes a nut, valve core, grommets
BRAKELIGHTS: Indy 500 Brakes
BRAKE & FRONT END — September 1963 — In the 1950s and early 1960s, it was not uncommon for a driver to brake at the end of the long straights at Indianapolis. Engine technology was out pacing chassis technology and scrubbing speed was essential for making it through the corners. Also, in those days, cars came off
Tool Tip: 10 Diagnostic Tests for Smoke Machines Besides EVAP
A smoke machine may seem like an expensive piece of equipment if it is just used for testing EVAP systems. But, if you factor in other diagnostic tests it can perform, it is a worthwhile investment.
Viewpoint: The Good Times Are Back!
Looking at the recent economic news, we can officially say we have made it through the toughest economic downturn since the Great Depression. Consumer confidence is up, unemployment rate is going down and markets are returning to pre-2008 levels.
Brake Myths Revisited
The overall response to the Eight Brake Myths Busted article in the January issue was huge. I took a lot of abuse, but that was the goal of the article. Too many times technicians get stuck in a mindset that leads to false diagnoses. The point of the article was to shake things up in
Alignment & Suspension Specs: 2007-2011 Jeep Patriot
The Jeep Patriot is a crossover vehicle produced by Jeep and Chrysler. The same basic platform is used for the Sebring, Avenger, Dodge Caliber and Mitsubishi Lancer. This is a “Net Build” vehicle with only toe adjustments built into the vehicle. Some adjustments for caster and camber can be made by moving the subframes.
Brake System Scan Tools: The New Essential Tool
While there are many times where you will be able to repair a vehicle’s brakes without a scan tool, you only have to run into one car that needs this to make it worth having. The reality is that if your customer’s vehicle is 10 years old or newer, there’s nearly a 100% chance that you could need a scan tool to perform some sort of test/repair on the brake system.
Alignment Specs: 2010-2012 Buick LaCrosse
The second-generation Buick LaCrosse is built upon the mid-size Epsilon II platform. The Epsilon II platform will be the bread-and-butter of GM’s mid-size product strategy with revamped Malibu, Impala and Cadillac XTS models being launched soon. The chassis of the LaCrosse sets the bar high in terms of alignment service.
Brake Job on 2000-2006 Hyundai Elantra
The initial inspection revealed the front rotors were below specifications and had uneven pad wear on the right front inboard pad. The rear drums were also out of specification and a leaking wheel cylinder had contaminated the brake shoes. Hyundai recommends replacement of the wheel cylinders if any brake fluid is found in the dust boots. Runout measurements of the rotors and hubs revealed little or zero runout.
TPMS Update: Sensor Replacement
More than 68 million vehicles on the road today have direct TPMS systems. With the average age of a vehicle on the road lasting more than 10 years, a vehicle with four TPMS sensors will have all of its TPMS sensor replaced during the life of the vehicle. This is the business opportunity of the decade and you should not let it pass you by.