Reading Between the Brake Lines
Being able to “read” brake components during inspection is a critical skill.
Not All Brake Lubricants are Created Equal
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
Bleeding ABS Systems
Occasionally, there will be a need to replace an ABS modulator or other hydraulic component, such as a pump/motor or even a master cylinder, on some systems. When this need arises, it will be essential you are prepared for the task. This article provides an overview of some of the techniques, tools and procedures required
Diagnosis of Faulty ABS Systems
ABS diagnosis typically starts with accessing the associated DTCs and then applying the appropriate flowchart. There will be times when this type of approach will not be possible, or the occasions when it doesn’t yield positive results. When this is the case, it is always helpful to have an understanding of how the systems and
Fleet Management and Warranty Companies: What’s the Difference?
In the case of a warranty company, the company has a direct vested interest in the costs of the repairs. Such companies sell a repair contract on a single vehicle where certain items on the vehicle are specifically named. The company will pay for, or toward, the repair of those specifically named items within the
Caliper Science Friction
Disc brake calipers come in many sizes and configurations, including fixed-caliper, multi-piston designs, and the more modern floating-caliper, single piston designs that may also contain a mechanically actuated parking brake. Needless to say, disc brake calipers have undergone a series of design changes that continue to make them more adaptable to late-model vehicle applications. To
Drum Brakes, Understanding The Hydraulic Side
The wheel cylinder supplies the muscle for a drum brake. Most wheel cylinders are relatively simple: a pair of horizontally opposed pistons mounted inside a cast iron or aluminum housing. A brake line or hose from the master cylinder routes hydraulic pressure to the wheel cylinder, which pushes the pistons out. This forces the brake
Disc Brake Calipers
Disc brake calipers come in many sizes and configurations, including fixed-caliper, multi-piston designs, and the more modern floating-caliper, single piston designs that may also contain a mechanically actuated parking brake. Needless to say, disc brake calipers have undergone a series of design changes that continue to make them more adaptable to late-model import vehicle applications.
Bleed and Flush Pointers
es overlap on the same job. Bleeding the system is done to remove all air from the hydraulic system, while flushing is performed to replace the fluid. More and more shops are performing a variety of fluid flush services as a method of increasing shop income. Generally, shops purchase a specialized flush machine for each
ABS Bleeding Service Pointers Help Complete the Job Right the First Time
Honda Honda has a well-deserved reputation for overall vehicle reliability, which extends to the ABS system. For the most part, bleeding the system will present no unusual problems. Caution: A word of warning when working around the accumulator and modulator assembly. The brake fluid is under thousands of pounds of pressure (3,625-5,075 psi). Be sure