Taking The ‘Ho-Hum’ Out of Ride Control Sales
Despite the increased quality of ride and stability control systems during the past decade, remember that springs, shock absorbers and MacPherson struts wear out just like tires, brakes and other expendable parts. Don’t miss sales opportunities for this often-overlooked system.
New SKF Hub Unit Part Numbers Available for Wide Range of Vehicles
SKF recently added 21 new part numbers to its comprehensive line of premium quality hub units. These new hub units cover front wheel and rear wheel applications, and are currently available for a wide range of vehicles including Ford, Lincoln, Nissan, Infiniti, Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Hyundai, Kia and more.
Centric Parts Launches New Corporate Website
Brake components manufacturer Centric Parts has launched a new corporate website. The website now offers a wealth of new features as well as expanded functionality for customers, according to the eight year old company.
Improved Training Offered for A/C Technicians
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has strengthened technician training and certification requirements for auto air conditioning service. According to the EPA, improper auto A/C servicing can lead to high emissions of potent greenhouse gases, but thanks to industry innovation, the environmental performance of this sector has improved.
Tech Tip: New Caster/Camber Adjustments for Old Ford Ranger
The cam bolt and nut kit that was used for adjusting caster and camber on all torsion bar and coil spring front suspensions prior to 2004 has been discontinued. Now, if the caster and camber settings need to be adjusted, a washer must be installed. The right-hand upper control arm design changed from a two-piece design to a single-piece design during the 2003 model year.
Tech Feature: Brake Service on the Cadillac DTS
The 2006-current Cadillac DTS is the largest sedan that General Motors offers. The brake system of the DTS is simple to work on and has a lot in common with other GM vehicles. When one comes into your shop, remember every DTS is equipped with stability control and TPMS, so have a scan tool and TPMS tool on hand.
Tech Tip: Cartridge Wheel Bearing Replacement
While wheel bearing noise is one of the toughest problems for the customer to describe, it’s not unusual for it to come on so gradually that the customer may not even notice it until you mention it after an unrelated road test. Many times, the customer complaint will send you down the wrong path if you let it. We’ve heard complaints from exhaust leaks, to tire balance, to “it just doesn’t sound right,” that have ended up being bad wheel bearings.
Tech Tip: Put a Damper on Booming Astro Van Harmonic with Rear Axle Parts
Some 1995-2004 Chevrolet Astro Van and GMC Safari owners may complain about a “boom” noise inside the vehicle while driving at speeds between 60-65 mph. This condition is most noticeable from behind the driver’s seat. The noise may result from an engine-firing harmonic, which becomes noticeable at torque converter clutch (TCC) lock-up. A new rear leaf spring damper kit (one per spring) has been developed, to be used in conjunction with a pinion nose damper tuned to 86 Hertz (Hz) to reduce the resultant noise level.
Toyota 4Runner Drive Belt Noise Creates Driver Tension
Some Toyota 4Runner drivers may complain of a “squealing” or “chirping” sound from the accessory drive belt when the engine is first started. An improved auto tensioner assembly, flange bolt, V-rib belt and service procedure have been developed to correct the condition.
Tech Feature: Diagnosing Repeat Fuel Pump Failures
During the past several years, I’ve encountered many vehicles that were running on their third or fourth new fuel pump in as many years. As with many repeat failures, the initial fuel pump installations were sloppy or a brand of fuel pump with a known high failure rate had been installed. In the remaining cases, an OE or aftermarket-equivalent fuel pump had been installed, but fuel tank contamination had been overlooked as a cause of the premature failure.
Tech Tip: Steering You to a Leaky Saturn Solution
By Ed Dorowski, ALLDATA Editor and Jeff Webster, ALLDATA Technical writer A Saturn owner may complain about steering system leaks or noises. Refer to this Tech Tip for general diagnostic information about power steering noise and/or leak diagnosis on Saturn L-Series and S-Series vehicles equipped with hydraulic power steering. Applicable Models: • 2000-2005 Saturn L-Series
Tech Tip: Honda Pilot’s Compressor Clutch Has Taken Off
No A/C compressor clutch. The scan tool says A/C off and A/C switch off. There is no air out of the front vents, but the blower motor operates and changes speeds with the front switch.