Tech Tip: Erratic 4Runner Blower Motor
Some Toyota 4Runner owners may complain of a condition where the blower motor speed does not match the HVAC display indication.
A/C Update: The Future of Cool
Editor Ed Sunkin returns from the Mobile Air Conditioning Society Worldwide trade show and convention in February, 2009, with details on the possible future of the U.S. refrigerant segment of the industry — HFO-1234yf. This refrigerant provides a very low global warming potential and many new service and sales opportunities.
Ride Control Clinic
The more you know, the more you sell.
Tech Tip: Inspect Saturn VUE Steering Knuckles
GM is recalling 2,149 model year 2009 Saturn VUE vehicles. Some of these vehicles may have been built with an incorrect right and/or left front steering knuckle. As a result of the incorrect knuckle and resulting inadequate clearance, the tie rod ball stud could pull out of, or fracture, the tie rod housing. This could cause the tie rod to separate from the knuckle ….
Tech Tip: Pop or Crunch Noise Coming from the Steering Wheel or Steering Column
Possible causes for pop or crunch noises that can be felt in the steering wheel or heard coming from the area of the steering column are: steering intermediate shaft; strut mounts; tie rod ends; or steering column. It is important to ensure that the noise is not coming from another source before the power steering gear is replaced ….
Tech Tip: Consider Your Customer Base When Purchasing an Alignment Lift
If you do wheel alignment work, you need an alignment lift for raising vehicles off the ground. A lift is essential because you have to get under the vehicle to inspect the steering and suspension before you check the alignment. You can’t align worn parts, so it’s important to always make sure the tie rod ends, ball joints, springs, bushings, struts and related components are all in good condition before you make any corrections ….
Tech Tip: SKF Offers Technical Information for Hub Unit Part Number Specific to Cadillac DTS/Buick Lucerne
SKF currently offers a pigtail-style hub unit – part number BR930548K – for the Cadillac DTS/Buick Lucerne. A recent technical bulletin by SKF provides technical information for preventing ABS sensor failure in pigtail-style hub assemblies. ABS system failures that happen shortly after hub unit installation can cause a technician concern and customer dissatisfaction. Several items should be checked when replacing the BR930548K or other pigtail style hub ….
Tech Feature: Replacing Water Pumps as Preventive Maintenance
In today’s import repair market, it’s not uncommon to see a vehicle with well over 200,000 miles on the odometer that still is in cosmetically and mechanically "great" condition. The importance of this trend is that many parts that were formerly being replaced on an as-needed basis are now being replaced on a preventive basis. Water pumps are a good example because they serve as an idler pulley on many engines equipped with timing belts and, due to accessibility issues on many transverse engines, should be replaced during any ….
Robinair Unveils New Customer-Centric Website for the HVAC-R and Automotive Aftermarket
SPX brand Robinair recently launched its newly re-designed website. The new site offers visitors more intuitive navigation and search functionality and enhanced tools for researching Robinair-specific product information and industry-related content ….
Chassis Control Engineering & Application
It is a common mistake to look at a vehicle’s chassis and suspension system as just components that are either good, bad or broken. It should be looked at as a system. Understanding basic terminology and vehicle configurations is important to the technician for maintaining or returning that new car chassis control and performance. It
BMW Climate Control Diagnostics: Resolving Any Cooling System Problems First Speeds Repairs
First Speeds Repairs There was a time when the heating and ventilation system on most cars was simple. A three-position switch, a couple of levers and maybe some separate vents that would allow outside air to enter the passenger compartment. Times have changed and today’s car buying public wants to dial in a desired temperature
Alignment Lifts: Consider Your Customer Base When Purchasing an Alignment Lift
If you do wheel alignment work, you need an alignment lift for raising vehicles off the ground. A lift is essential because you have to get under the vehicle to inspect the steering and suspension before you check the alignment. You can’t align worn parts, so it’s important to always make sure the tie rod