Choosing the Right Tools for Servicing Cooling Systems
Automobile cooling systems are complex systems that are getting tougher and tougher to diagnose, service and repair. This article by Mike DuBois will offer some information about choosing the right tools and equipment and the kinds of repairs they will allow you to complete.
Federal-Mogul Continues Aggressive Expansion of MOOG Chassis Parts Line
Federal-Mogul Corporation has continued to aggressively expand its line of MOOG replacement steering and suspension components, with 700 new MOOG part numbers introduced over the past 12 months and 180 new parts rolled out in 2009.
Honeywell’s Friction Materials Business Named Preferred Supplier by Automotive Distribution Network
Friction Materials LLC, maker of Bendix and Jurid brake products, was awarded “preferred premium friction supplier” status by Germantown, TN-based Automotive Distribution Network (ADN) during the group’s annual membership meeting last month.
Breathe Easier with Fresh Cabin Air Filters in Your Car
If you are driving a vehicle with cabin air filters you are in luck, especially if you reside in a metropolitan area where air pollution levels are high or if you suffer from a respiratory condition such as asthma or seasonal allergies. Cabin air filters capture potentially harmful particulates so they are not recycled into the passenger compartment and compromise the driving comfort of the people in the vehicle.
WIX Filters Adds 87 New Product Numbers in First Quarter of 2009
WIX Filters made available to its customers 87 new product numbers across light-duty, heavy-duty and industrial applications in the first quarter of 2009. Filters for foreign nameplate applications led the list, with more than 35 new air, oil, cabin air and fuel filter product numbers for Mazda, Honda, Hyundai, BMW, Porsche, Audi and Volkswagen, among other brands.
DENSO Develops World’s First Passenger Vehicle Air Conditioning System Using an Ejector
DENSO Corp. said this week it has developed the world’s first passenger vehicle air conditioning system that uses ejector technology. The ejector, which is a small refrigerant injector, contributes to an overall reduction in power consumption. The system will be installed on the new Prius, introduced by Toyota this month.
Tech Tip: Toyota Matrix/Pontiac Vibe Brake Job
The 2004-2008 Pontiac Vibe and Toyota Matrix were produced in Fremont, CA, on the same production line. The vehicles are based on the Toyota Corolla platform and share the same braking system.
The front brakes for all models are for the most part the same (including all-wheel drive models). The only changes came in the configuration of the brake pad shims. The rear brakes can be either drum or disc and even some all-wheel-drive versions have drums.
Nivomat Shock Absorbers: Self-Leveling Monotube Ride Control Units
The Nivomat Shock Absorber is a self-leveling monotube shock absorber developed by Sachs. Nivomat shocks are used by Chrysler, Ford, General Motors, Jaguar, Kia, Mitsubishi, Saab, Volvo and other OEMs. The system is also available on the GM Suburban and Tahoe as part of ZW7 Premium Smooth Ride Suspension. Replacement units are available from Monroe, ZF Sachs and OES suppliers.
Alignment Trends: What is the Future of the Alignment Bay?
In the past two years, we have seen more vehicles on the market with stability management and adaptive cruise control. If a vehicle with one of these systems comes into your shop for alignment, be aware that any changes in the steering position sensor’s “zero” position may have drastic consequences for the safety of the vehicle. If the data from a steering position sensor is off after an alignment adjustment, the car could think it is in a turn and try to perform a correction.
Tech Tip: Cool Fix for a Ford Diesel
A Ford truck, SUV or van owner may complain of a crank/no-start condition, lack of power and coolant leak. Some vehicles equipped with a 6.0L diesel engine may exhibit those symptoms, along with oil in the coolant. The coolant leak creates a low coolant condition, which may cause the engine to overheat or result in no cabin heat.
Beck/Arnley Adds 426 New Foreign Nameplate Part Numbers in First Quarter 2009
Beck/Arnley announces it added 426 new part numbers to its line of premium quality, genuine foreign nameplate products in the first quarter of 2009. Beck/Arnley is continuously expanding its catalog to provide aftermarket automotive parts needed by today’s service dealers.
Affinia Training Courses Offer Technicians a Chance to ‘Fine-Tune’
Affinia Global Brake and Chassis, manufacturer of Raybestos brand brake products, is again offering training classes and programs for technicians interested in fine-tuning their craft. More than 8,000 technicians enroll every year in the Affinia Tech Training courses – a program long regarded as one of the most comprehensive training programs in the aftermarket.