A/C Update: Bad A/C Blowers & Fuses
One component air conditioners and heaters share in common is the blower motor. The blower motor is usually located in the Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) housing under the dash. The blower motor spins a squirrel cage fan that delivers both cold and hot air. If the driver wants cold air and turns on
Wheel Bearings 101
Service and replacement is making a comeback on some vehicles Some people think servicing wheel bearings is a thing of the past — like measuring dwell on a set of ignition points. But, even with sealed hub units, inspection and service have not gone out of style. Like any moving part on a vehicle that
Tie Rod Geometry
Keeping the angles in line with Ackermann Most people consider the common tire rod to be low tech. But, when you consider how front suspensions have evolved from straight axles to independent designs, the tie rod has had to adapt to new angles and geometry. Keeping it on the road was simple with the straight
The Future Of Climate Control
What Role Will Alternative Refrigerants Play? There has been a lot of discussion lately about the future of automotive refrigerants and their impact on the environment. Ozone depletion is no longer the main concern. Now it’s global warming. Last year was the warmest year on record. Average temperatures all across the globe are on the
Diagnostic Solutions: Wheel Bearing Diagnosis
PROPER PROCEDURES AND CORRECT TOOLS PREVENT COMEBACKS Although wheel bearings are often the most neglected part of the vehicle, they nevertheless have a critical job to do, and in most cases, do it very well. Not only are wheel bearings designed to support the weight of the vehicle and allow it to travel over a
AC Update: Finding and Fixing Leaks
Finding refrigerant leaks is a major aspect of A/C service. It makes no sense to recharge a leaky system with refrigerant if it will soon leak back out. Ultraviolet dyes can make even the smallest leaks clearly visible. But not all OEMs approve of their use. The domestic OEMs (Ford, GM and Chrysler) all use
Viewpoint
I recently bought a 1967 AMC Rambler American for a “beater rally” that will take the car from New York to New Orleans (www.baberally.com). The 1,500 mile trek is not that extraordinary, but when you consider that it must be done in a $250 car, it takes on a whole new dimension. Also, the more
Steering Stabilizers: Suspension Geometry
Big rims or tires can look good and give a vehicle a unique look. But what is invisible becomes real ugly is the alignment and suspension angles that become altered. Also, that extra weight in stylist alloy rims or thick off-road tires can create a gyroscopic problem. Lifting Why do people lift trucks? The primary
A/C Update: Global Warming…Cooling Customers
There has been a lot of discussion lately about the future of automotive refrigerants and their impact on the environment. Ozone depletion is no longer the main concern. Now it’s global warming. Last year was the warmest year on record. Average temperatures all across the globe are on the rise as are ocean temperatures. Arctic
Selling Services: Anti-Seize & Studs
Last month I received a great letter from one of our readers. He was absolutely livid about the story “Double Hit” in our February issue. Ed from the Cherokee Garage in Beckwourth, CA, pointed out several incorrect items in the article. In the article, it was advised that a light coating of anti-seize could be
AC Update: Running A/C Diagnostic Tests Before Dash Surgery
I must have worked on Mercedes-Benz automobiles for 15 years before I ever replaced an evaporator. Through the 1970s, we pulled many an evaporator out of 107 and 116 chassis models to repair a poorly designed interior drainage system. The early models had little flappers on two interior tubes that carried the condensation to a
Wheel Alignment,: Advances in Alignment Equipment Increase Productivity and Profit
Having the needed alignment specifications and service information close at hand is key to boosting productivity in today’s automotive service facilities. In the alignment bay, time is money. Combine this with the expense of today’s alignment equipment, and it’s easy to understand why choosing the right piece of alignment equipment is very important to an