NVH Strategies for Disc Brakes
Nobody likes noisy brakes. Vehicle manufacturers go to great lengths to minimize brake noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) because potential car buyers won’t tolerate it.
Tech Tip: Ford F-150 Uneven Rear Brake Inboard/Outboard Pad Wear
Sometimes the design intent of OE engineers does not play out as they thought it would once the vehicle is driven in real-world conditions. This may be the case with the rear brakes on some 2004 and later F-150 trucks.
Tech Tip: Solving Common Brake Symptoms With Unique Solutions
Some vehicles have a history of brake-related problems, but there are some unique solutions to resolve those frustrating customer complaints.
‘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.
Brake & Wheel Bearing Service
Although wheel and drivetrain bearings generally last the life of the vehicle, they occasionally fail due to extreme loading, lack of lubrication, dirt and moisture contamination, and, of course, ordinary wear and tear. When discussing bearing wear, it’s important to understand that the function of the modern bearing is to maintain a perfect alignment and near-zero clearance between rotating parts.
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.
Akebono Releases 2009 Master Brake Catalog
The 2009 Akebono Catalog being distributed this month will contain 28 new part numbers which have already been released in 2009 – 18 Pro-ACT and 10 EURO.
Tech Tip: Mazda MPV Brake Noise Keeps ‘Popping’ Up
Mazda MPV owners may complain about rear brake noise. While applying the brakes under normal stopping conditions, usually at low speeds, a metallic popping, clicking or squealing sound can be heard coming from the rear brakes. This may be caused by uneven contact between the brake lining and the brake drum.
Honeywell’s Friction Materials Business Named Preferred Supplier by Automotive Distribution Network
Friction Materials LLC, maker of Bendix and Jurid brake products, was awarded “preferred premium friction supplier” status by Germantown, TN-based Automotive Distribution Network (ADN) during the group’s annual membership meeting last month.
Tech Tip: Toyota Matrix/Pontiac Vibe Brake Job
The 2004-2008 Pontiac Vibe and Toyota Matrix were produced in Fremont, CA, on the same production line. The vehicles are based on the Toyota Corolla platform and share the same braking system.
The front brakes for all models are for the most part the same (including all-wheel drive models). The only changes came in the configuration of the brake pad shims. The rear brakes can be either drum or disc and even some all-wheel-drive versions have drums.
Jurid Brakes Added to E-Catalogs for Easier Part Number Look Up
Newly introduced to North American customers, Jurid brake pads will now be available in domestic catalogs – including the Bendix iParts e-catalog as well as in popular third party e-catalogs beginning in June.