Tech Tip: Installing OBD II Universal Converters
When installing universal OBD II converters, the most important consideration is mounting the converter so that the rear of the replacement converter catalyst brick is the correct distance from the rear, post-cat O2 sensor, which remains in its original location. First, clean cut the exhaust pipe immediately in front of the original converter, and immediately to the rear of the converter, leaving the post-cat O2 sensor intact.
Have You Scheduled Your Annual Lift Inspections?
Sure, you see them every day, but when was the last time your vehicle lifts were thoroughly inspected by a qualified lift inspector? The Automotive Lift Institute (ALI) recommends that all vehicle lifts be inspected by a qualified inspector at least annually "in order to ensure reliability and allow the continued safe operation of the lift."
Management: The Internet as a Shop Tool
During the the last few years, automotive aftermarket use of the Internet has continued to grow, making it a valuable business tool in automotive repair shops. Ask most techs and they’ll tell you the Internet in the past decade has been a useful tool for seeking specific repair information or chatting through e-mail with fellow technicians on a hard-to-diagnose repair.
Hunter Inspection Lane Point-of-Sale Kit Helps Shops Increase Repair Authorizations
Hunter’s new Inspection Lane Point-of-Sale Kit can help shops capture more repair authorizations for needed service uncovered by its inspection lane equipment. The kit focuses on customer communication at the point of sale as well as promotion and advertising of the inspection lane services.
BWD Automotive Offers Line of ABS Components
BWD Automotive brand ABS components provide the latest coverage for both domestic and import anti-lock brake systems. BWD Automotive’s brand ABS product categories include speed sensors, remanufactured computer modules, as well as remanufactured modulator valves.
Nissan Tech Tip: Gear Whine Noise Between 25 and 75 MPH
If a 1999-2000 Quest exhibits a gear whine noise between 25 mph and 70 mph under light throttle application (i.e. 1/8 to 2/8 throttle applied), use the following service procedure to resolve the incident.
Steck Manufacturing Introduces EZ Pull Pliers
Steck Manufacturing Company has released another winning tool – the EZ Pull Pliers (P/N 20085) – which allows body shop technicians quick access to grip and pull multiple pull pins (studs) as well as vertical and horizontal flanges.
Mitch Schneider: Did You Just Say What I Think You Just Said?
I just finished writing a piece for our sister publication, Counterman. This particular article centered on a warranty issue for a defective master cylinder that we purchased and installed just the other day. In and of itself, there shouldn’t be much to write about. But, unfortunately, in this case there was. It turns out this particular master cylinder had been purchased years before by the supplier who got the call. And, again, there shouldn’t be much to write about. After all, it’s not like we’re talking about chicken or fish: something likely to "spoil" over time.
Raybestos Brand Brakes Rewards Customer with ‘Be a Pit Crew Member’ Trip
Mike and Kimberly Graham, of Paces Ferry Exxon in Atlanta, won an experience most NASCAR fans can only dream of – a weekend spent in Charlotte at Lowe’s Motor Speedway, with exclusive access to the garages and pits, and even a ride with Raybestos Rookie Juan Pablo Montoya – all courtesy of Raybestos brand brakes, the official brakes of NASCAR.
Hytec Automotive to be Sole Supplier of Water Pumps to Parts Plus and IAPA Auto Parts Stores
Hytec Automotive (Hytec), a DeBartolo company, announced recently that it has achieved "preferred vendor" status with the Automotive Distribution Network (ADN), the marketing group comprised of Parts Plus and Independent Auto Parts of America (IAPA) auto parts stores.