Rotor Debate: Replace, Discard or Machine?
More often than not, many rotors today are being replaced when the brakes are relined – and some motorists are complaining that new rotors aren’t really necessary. Unless a rotor is worn down too far to be safely resurfaced or has cracks, deep grooves, severe rusting, hard spots or other structural defects, resurfacing can usually
Brakes: Reading Pads & Calipers, Examining Old Pads Can Prevent Problems Down The Road
Read any good brake pads lately? Don’t make the mistake of replacing brake pads without reading the old pads to spot potential caliper problems that could cause brake problems down the road and a possible comeback. Here are six conditions to watch out for: UNEVEN PAD WEAR. A sure sign of caliper trouble. If the
Clearing Up the Cooling System Confusion
Would you believe cooling system failures are the No. 1 cause of mechanical breakdowns on the highway? That’s what statistics published by the U.S. Department of Transportation tell us. It’s not surprising considering how badly most cooling systems are neglected these days. In April, the Car Care Council offered motorists free vehicle inspections at more
Vehicle Mileage Maintenance
A mere 0.7 of a mile does not sound like much, it is about 3,700 feet, or less than one-third the distance around Daytona International Speedway. On average, the U.S. population of vehicles will get 20 miles per gallon (including light trucks and passenger vehicles). A 0.7 of a mile improvement represents only a 3.5
Alignment and Scan Tools
How can centering a steering wheel during an alignment cause a vehicle to turn a blind eye? 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
BALL JOINTS & BUSHINGS: Worn Components Take Their Toll on Advanced Suspension Technologies
Too often, shop owners and technicians alike assume that suspension systems haven’t changed much in the past 20 years. In reality, nothing could be farther from the truth because today’s import vehicle may incorporate a number of technologies that can be affected by worn steering and suspension components. To illustrate, we’re beginning to see electronic
Tech Tip: Avoid Cadillac Water Pump Installation Woes
Anyone who has ever changed a water pump on a 1985-’95 Cadillac 4.1L, 4.5L or 4.9L knows that it is a job they don’t want to have to redo due to a false step during installation. However, there is some useful information available that could help avoid a potentially big installation headache.
Eyeball Estimates: Stop Using Percentages if You Cannot Show Your Work!
I have been seeing a lot of estimates recently that project how much “life” is left in the brake pads. This number is often expressed as a percentage. While I do realize that it is a number most customers might be able to understand, it is misleading and often inaccurate. The typical estimate says, “20
Advanced Brake Diagnostic Tools
Brake technicians are only as good as the tools they use. I have lived by this statement for a long time and it only makes sense, right? Well, what if I say the most important tool a brake technician has is his mind. The mind is a powerful tool when equipped with the right information,
Brake Lubricants: High Temperatures Require High Performance Products
When it comes to brake lubricants, grease is a dirty word. Brake lubricants are specially-formulated products that are NOT the same as ordinary chassis grease or even multi-purpose grease. The kind of grease that’s used to lube tie rod ends, ball joints and U-joints is not the same as the lubricants that are required for
Reading Between the Brake Lines
Being able to “read” brake components during inspection is a critical skill.
Brake Performance Upgrades: Meeting Customer Expectations While Ensuring Safe Repairs
In case you haven’t noticed, the auto manufacturers are in a horsepower race. And as horsepower numbers go ever higher, the need for improved brakes increases. BMW has kept pace with the other manufacturers in both areas by systematically increasing brake component size while, at the same time, turning more control over to the various