OE vs. Aftermarket Brake Pads: Smoke, Mirrors and Friction
I was recently doing a brake job on my 2002 Jaguar X-Type. On one of the rear caliper bolts there was a 12-oz rubber and steel donut. The reason for the weight is to help dampen vibrations and shift the frequency.
ALIGNMENT & SUSPENSION SPECS: 2002-2010 Jeep Liberty
The Liberty (2002-2007 KJ+2008-2010 KK) was the replacement for the Cherokee (XJ). The major changes from the Cherokee to the Liberty were an independent front suspension and trailing arm rear suspension. Compared to the Cherokee, the Liberty is actually easier to align.
BRAKE MATH: CALCULATING THE FORCE NEEDED TO STOP A CAR
Harold Unikel of Power Brake X-Change, of Pittsburgh, PA reminded my why it is so important for technicians to be able to understand the brake math basics. I made a mistake while editing the equation for calculating the surface area of a circle which is πR2.
BRAKE MATH: PSI & Clamping Forces What happens in the real world?
In our last installment of Brake Math, we demonstrated how 70 lbs. of force on a brake pedal can result in 556 psi of brake fluid heading to the calipers. So how does this pressure stop a car? Next, we we look at how PSI is turned into “clamping force” and the math behind it. Also, we will look at the implications it has on friction materials and caliper design.
Tech Feature: Brake Job on Ford Edge
The Ford Edge is an SUV based on a the CD3 platform. The brakes on these vehicles are straightforward and do not break any new ground. The brake systems on all variants have disc brakes at all corners. There are no major changes to the brakes system from 2007 to 2009. For the 2008 model year, ABS became a standard feature, as did a direct tire pressure monitoring system. The worst brake component to service is the master cylinder. Getting to the unit requires removal of the trunking for the air intake, battery tray and other components.
Alignment Specs: 1997-2004 Chevrolet Corvette
With different front and rear run-flat tire sizes, the 1997-2004 Corvette must be aligned every 20,000 miles or when the smallest amount of abnormal tire wear is present. If the customer does not have this service performed, even the slightest amount of extra toe, camber or caster can result in an expensive tire replacement bill.
Performing an alignment on a C5 Corvette is actually easier than on most vehicles because most of the adjustments are built into the vehicle. Also, you can adjust the ride height without replacing parts. But, you need to take care and be aware of what makes the Corvette different than most vehicles.
TPMS Update: Chrysler Tire Pressure Monitor Systems
Chrysler uses a Schrader Electronics or VDO systems on just about every late-model vehicle. Chrysler never used a band sensor in any of its platforms. On some 2004 and 2005 models, Chrysler may have used two different TPMS systems on a vehicle platform depending on if the vehicle was equipped with AWD or if the system was optional or standard.
WHEEL BEARING Q&A: What, When & Why
How much load can a wheel bearing carry? On a typical passenger vehicle weighing around 3,400 pounds, each pair of front-wheel bearings, as well as the rear-wheel or axle bearings, support around 850 pounds, depending on the weight balance and driveline configuration. If it’s a 6,000-pound SUV, each bearing might carry about 1,500 pounds. This
Formula Truck: The Future of Motorsports?
August can be one of the cruelest months for racing fans. Races seem to linger unwatched for long periods on the DVR. Going to races in the hot weather can be torture. Also, most of the series have entered into the doldrums with fans performing mind numbing calculations of who will be the champion if X, Y or Z happens.
Used Car Dealers Con Lawmakers: Even with a horrible image, used car dealers avoid federal oversight.
We have all seen it before when a customer brings in their “new” used vehicle for the first time with a problem. It could be a car that cannot be aligned because of crash damage, or an off-lease car with a sludged engine due to neglect.
When it comes time to tell the customer what is wrong with their “new” used car, the conversation usually turns to how much they paid and the length of the loan. Eventually, it ends in the two of you wondering how the dealer could ethically do that and stay in business.
Tech Feature: Brake Job on 2004-2008 Toyota Corolla
The 2004-2008 Toyota Corolla was one of the best selling vehicles in North America. The front brakes for all models are, for the most part, the same. The only changes came in the configuration of the brake pad shims. The Corolla was not subject to the unintended acceleration recalls for floor mats or gas pedal.
BRAKE LIGHTS:Wetmore’s/Guess the Car
BRAKE & FRONT END, April 1961: Wetmore’s has been a fixture on Woodward Avenue in Ferndale, MI, since 1928. Their landmark building is known for a car on the roof with wobbly wheels. The front wheels are powered by an electric motor. Can you name the cars?