Impressive Year-End Numbers Announced by Raybestos Brand
2009 was an extremely busy manufacturing year for Raybestos brand products. The Raybestos brand, a member of the Affinia family of brands, produced 1,400 new brake numbers and 539 new chassis numbers over the past year.
Tech Feature: 2010 Buick LaCrosse Brake Service
The 2010 Buick LaCrosse is built on the Epsilon II platform that is shared with the Saab 9-5 and other soon-to-be-named vehicles. While you may not see this vehicle in your bays for a while, it is a great example of how the common brake job will stay the same and how it will change in the future.
BRAKE JOB: GM Acadia / Buick / Outlook / Enclave
The Lambda Platform is shared with the Chevrolet Traverse, Saturn Outlook, GMC Acadia and Buick Enclave. It is largely derived from the GM Epsilon platform, the same platform that makes the Chevrolet Malibu and Pontiac G6. These vehicles can be front- or all-wheel drive. All models have the same rear disc brake setup with the parking brake in the hat of the rotor. All Lambda platform vehicles incorporate Tire Pressure Monitoring (TPMS) ABS and Stabilitrak electronic stability control.
BRAKE JOB: Seventh Generation Accord (2003-’08)
The seventh-generation Honda Accord (2003-’08) and Acura TL are some of the top-selling vehicles in the U.S. They have a very simple brake system to service, but it can be prone to brake noise if not serviced properly.
Tech Tip: Brake Pedal Sinks When First Pulling Away (2001-’05 Impala and Monte Carlo)
Customers may complain of a very slight loss of speed and sinking of the brake pedal when first pulling out of a driveway or parking lot.
Mercedes Acceleration Slip Regulation (ASR) System Troubleshooting
The lack of self-diagnostics plus the complexity of the ASR II system can frustrate even the most experienced master tech.
Selling Services: Wheel Speed Sensors
There are two main types of magnetic wheel speed sensors — passive and active. Both use a tone ring to reference against and each look very similar to one another.
ABS Diagnostic Equipment
Antilock brake systems run self-diagnostic tests when the vehicle is driven to check for faults. If a fault is detected, it will usually set a code and turn on the ABS warning light to alert the driver.
‘Brake’ the Audi Squeal Habit
Audi owners may complain of squealing brakes. This Tech Tip describes a procedure for reducing squeal and may be used for both front and rear disc brake systems.
Tech Tip: FAQs on Wheel Bearing Installation
Here are the top frequently asked questions about bearing installation from SKF.
Brake Job: Chrysler 300 + 300c, Dodge Magnum/Challenger/Charger Brakes
What do you get when you mix the front suspension from an Mercedes S-Class, the rear suspension from a E-Class and the transmission from a C-Class? The 2005-current Chrysler rear-wheel-drive LX-Platform.
The LX platform includes the 300, Magnum and Charger. In 2008, the platform was shortened for use in the LC-platform that was used in the Challenger platform. All have rear disc brakes with the parking/emergency brake mounted in the hat of the rear rotor.
Tech Feature: Nissan Brake and Suspension Repairs; Solving Noise Complaints
At first, you may not think brake and suspension systems are closely related. But when it comes to noise and vibration complaints, you don’t want to be looking at one without considering the other.