VIEWPOINT: GM Creates New Recipe for Brake Rotors
Over the past three months, there has been a buzz about a new type of rotor from GM. GM’s team of brake experts and suppliers put a batch of rotors on a lot of Buick and Cadillac models in 2008 to test out if they had truly changed how rotors perform. They succeeded.
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.
TPMS Signal Science: Why You Should Go Outside
As TPMS is becoming more common on vehicles, more misinformation is starting to develop as consumers and shops try to come to terms with the systems. One of the most misunderstood areas of TPMS is sensor signals. A sensor is a transmitter of information. It sends pressure and temperature information to the vehicle. Also, some signals include information identifying the sensor and the health of the battery.
BRAKELIGHTS: Merrill Axle & Wheel
Merrill Axle and Wheel has been in business since 1928 in the Denver, CO, area. In 1945, Marcellus “Celly” Merrill developed and was manufacturing an innovative wheel balancer for automobiles.
Viewpoint: Sex, Politics & Religion
I worked for a shop owner who once told me there are three things I could not discuss at work with co-workers or customers. The three topics were sex, religion and politics. It was a simple rule some people find hard to follow this time of year. All around us the airwaves are filled with political ads that will not end until this time next year. On the roads, political candidate signs seem to be breeding at an alarming rate. Your shop must be a politic-free zone for customers and employees.
Court Verdict Will Forever Shine Bright Light on Tire Repair Practices
It is Everyone, Somebody or the Other Guy – often despite tons of contrary information. Thus it is with January’s $22.8 million court verdict over a faulty tire repair. Earlier this year a San Diego jury awarded $14.5 million to the three children of a couple who were killed in a July 2006 accident caused by an improperly performed tire repair.
Alignment & Suspension Specs: 2005-2011 Toyota Avalon
Some people call the Toyota Avalon the “Japanese Buick” due to its size and plush ride. The suspension design of the Avalon does not vary that much from Toyota’s smaller vehicle platforms in overall suspension design. If you get on of these vehicles in your shop for an alignment, there are three things you need to do at the time of the alignment.
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 TIP: FORD: Brakes – Squeak/Creak Noise Driving Over Bumps
Some 2008-2010 Focus vehicles may exhibit a squeak/creak noise from the underbody when driving on rough roads. The noise may be caused by contact between the park brake cables and the routing eyelets.