Tech Tip: To Avoid Brake Comebacks, is it Better to Resurface or Replace?
Thanks to rising raw materials costs, there has been a steady increase in rotor prices, causing every link in the supply chain to adjust prices. Also, the cost to manufacture and ship rotors to your bay has increased dramatically. With that in mind, resurfacing can restore the friction surface on worn rotors to like-new condition, 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 ….
Brake Job: 2002-2008 Ford Explorer
The Ford Explorer’s brake system is a relatively robust and trouble-free system. But, that doesn’t mean something can’t go wrong.
Selling Services: Loaded Brake Calipers…Can They Boost Productivity?
Some technicians and parts professionals like loaded and semi-loaded calipers because almost everything they need comes in one box. They don’t have to worry about mismatched parts from different suppliers and the complete assemblies are quick and easy to install. Most importantly, they see fewer comebacks because of brake noise or other problems. Also, the
Tech Tip: Toyota Fuel Gauge Inclination Meter Reset
Due to the unique bladder design of the 2001-’03 Prius fuel tank, it may be necessary to reset the fuel gauge inclination sensor if the combination meter has been replaced or the fuel level reading is determined to be inaccurate. Follow the procedure below to reset the fuel gauge inclination sensor ….
Servicing Solutions: Falling into an ‘Oil Leak’ Trap
Your customer’s Volvo has an oil leak. You think you do everything right. You add dye and see the rear main oil seal leaking. The repair goes smoothly, the customer is happy…for about two weeks. Then the rear main oil seal is leaking again, and he wants to know why. This is not an isolated
Brake Job: Toyota Prius
Does performing a pad replacement on a Toyota Prius scare you? Well it should; if you treat it like every other vehicle. But, if you know a few things ahead of time, the job can be performed like any other brake job. Do not worry about high voltage. Worry about angry customers due to comebacks
Kia: Brake Service Essentials
Arm Yourself With the Proper Tools, Equipment & Service Information to Facilitate Diagnosis and Repair
Old Air Products Offers ‘Bolt-In’ Direct Replacement for the GM Frigidare/Harrison A-6 Compressor
The Pro6TEN Compressor is a 10 Cylinder “bolt-in” direct replacement for the GM Frigidare/Harrison A-6 Compressor. This new design is specifically engineered to fit original A-6 mounting brackets and A/C hose assemblies. This highly efficient compressor offers a smoother, quieter operation, creating less vibration and engine drag, increased fuel mileage, improved engine and cooling system
Tech Tip: What is the Real Cost of a Cheap Brake Pad?
The brake repair market is starting to become dominated by a "good enough" mentality. Good enough to some is just being able to stop in a "reasonable" distance at normal driving and last for 10,000 miles. But, when asked to perform an emergency stop or a series of hard stops, the vehicle can become unsafe with longer stops and a low pedal. You may rationalize that you customer may never perform such severe maneuvers, but how can you be ….
Tech Tip: Belt and Hose Inspections
Although belts and hoses are still classified as expendable parts, their durability has increased to the point that many import shop owners and technicians are now neglecting to perform routine belt and hose inspections. From a historical perspective, belts and hoses have moved from a recommended replacement interval to an inspection interval. This means that, unless otherwise required, there is generally no recommended replacement interval for ….
Tech Tip: Brake Lathes Continue to be a Profit Center for Busy Shops
A brake lathe has long been an indispensable piece of equipment for shops that do brake work. A bench lathe is necessary to resurface rotors and drums. An on-car lathe is also a great tool for turning troublesome rotors on vehicles that are sensitive to rotor runout issues, and those with captured rotors. But with cheap offshore rotors flooding the aftermarket, and some new cars now being equipped with lightweight rotors that are too thin to turn, you may be questioning the need for a brake lathe ….
Test Drives: What is the Real Cost of a Cheap Brake Pad?
Ever since the first issue of BRAKE & FRONT END, the magazine has warned of the costs of using inferior friction materials. In the 1930s, the magazine fought the fight against inferior materials coming from “mail-order houses.” In the 1940s, inferior materials were blamed for costing the war effort in terms of lost materials and