Tech Feature: Servicing Ford’s 3.0L Engine
The 3.0L Duratec V6 was introduced in 1996 to replace the aging 3.8L V6 in the Ford Taurus and Mercury Sable. Unlike its conventional pushrod predecessor, the 3.0L V6 has dual overhead cams, four valves per cylinder and an aluminum block with cast-iron cylinder liners.
Tech Feature: Nissan Brake and Suspension Repairs; Solving Noise Complaints
At first, you may not think brake and suspension systems are closely related. But when it comes to noise and vibration complaints, you don’t want to be looking at one without considering the other.
Akebono’s Advertising Will Drive Business Through Your Doors
Sign up for the Akebono Brake Experts Alliance today and Akebono will advertise your business as an Akebono Brake Experts Location. Be on the front line of Akebono’s advanced brake technology and enjoy fewer comebacks, higher profits and increased customer satisfaction.
Tech Feature: Oil Pump Technology
Oil pressure is something every engine builder worries about. Low oil pressure or a loss of pressure can cause expensive warranty problems and catastrophic engine failures, neither of which is good for your business. Though the “bigger is better” mentality persists, most engines only need about 10 psi of oil pressure for every 1,000 rpm of engine speed.
Tech Feature: Wheel Bearing Service on Hybrid Vehicles
Most hybrid vehicles on the market today share wheel bearing components with their non-hybrid counterparts. There is no need to turn away these vehicles for wheel bearing replacement. As these vehicles increase in age, failures of the wheel bearings are inevitable. The main trend for some makes of hybrids, such as Toyota, is a shift to wheel bearing hub units from cartridge-type bearings.
Tech Feature: Ford Hybrid Braking
A hybrid vehicle is a different animal than many of us are used to seeing. After all, if the engine of a typical vehicle were to stall out at a traffic light, the driver of that vehicle would know something was wrong with it. If that same vehicle still drove with the engine off, then that would mean they were probably going down hill. But in the hybrid world, that is all normal. Several systems around the vehicle are impacted by two key elements.
Bleeding ABS Brake System: Why Brake Fluid and Lines Degrade
According to R. L. Polk, the average age of the vehicles on U.S. roads was 9.2 years in 2007 with 41 percent of the vehicles 11 years or older. This high median age is a good reason to consider the condition of the brake fluid and bleeding procedures when performing maintenance or repairs. Maintenance or repair of an Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) system can require the opening of the hydraulic system. Any time the hydraulic system is opened, air can be introduced into the lines and components.
Tech Tip: ‘Braking’ the Code on a Ford Hybrid
The owner of a Ford Escape Hybrid or Mercury Mariner Hybrid may complain of an illuminated malfunction indicator lamp (MIL). If you obtain the diagnostic trouble code (DTC) of U2062, the problem may originate in the brake system control module, part of the hydraulic control unit (HCU). Follow the steps in the Service Procedure to correct the condition.
GM Tech Tip: Rear Independent Suspension for AWD Vehicles Out of Alignment
Drivers of some General Motors vehicles with independent rear suspensions and All-Wheel-Drive (AWD) may complain of excessive rear tire wear, clunking noises and possible instability. Technicians may also notice excessive negative camber of more than 3.5 degrees and toe-out conditions that cannot be corrected with normal adjustments.
Tech Tip: Don’t Overdo Loaded Caliper Prep
The benefits of using loaded calipers is that all hardware and components are provided for quick installation – perfect for the busy technician trying to move cars in and out of his or her bay. However, some techs might be doing too much to prepare new calipers for installation, according to Bendix Answerman, Chuck Kennedy.
2009 Raybestos Rookie Racing Schedule Kicks Off in the Garden State
Raybestos Rookie Racing School participants put pedals to floorboards for the first time in 2009 at Motorsports Park in Millville, NJ. Held the first week of June, the event kicked off the second season of what is quickly becoming one of the most popular promotional programs in the aftermarket.
Akebono Releases 2009 Master Brake Catalog
The 2009 Akebono Catalog being distributed this month will contain 28 new part numbers which have already been released in 2009 – 18 Pro-ACT and 10 EURO.