Brakes: Friction Archives - Page 16 of 19 - UnderhoodService
Suspension & Brake Repairs: Ensure Customer Service and Safe Vehicle Operation

This month, we find ourselves in a familiar environment — under a car or in the wheel well. The good news is you’re under a Mazda car or truck that will present few surprises in terms of service procedures, while providing the additional service opportunities we’ve come to expect from undercar repairs. A vehicle can

Brake Pad Wear

Brake pads are one of the few remaining accepted wear items in a modern vehicle. As a result, it represents a significant revenue opportunity for the service community. Drivers would surely love to have brake pads last for life. Service shop owners may have a different opinion. I’m sure that shop owners must deal daily

Nondirectional Rotor Finishes: Do You Need Them?

You have probably heard that nondirectional rotor finishes can lessen the risk of new brake pads squealing. They can, but do you really need to apply a nondirectional finish to freshly turned rotors. And what about new rotors? Should you give them a nondirectional finish if they don’t have one? Like many issues concerning brake

2006 Ford Explorer Pointers

Photo 2). Another change for the 4.6L in 2006 is that it no longer uses a knock sensor. Both, the 4.0L and the 4.6L use a PCM-controlled heated PCV valve. The PCV valve on the 4.0L SOHC engine is located in the back of the left valve cover, mounted horizontally, and is well hidden from

The Long-Lasting Brake Job: Can Your Brake Job Go 12, 000 Miles Without a Problem?

All shops what to see a customer again, but not for a brake comeback. What is the magic number of miles that can separate a comeback from a service situation? In my opinion, the minimum is 12,000-miles. Even installing new friction, rotors and calipers will not ensure a long-lasting brake job. The long-lasting brake job

Viewpoint: Stinky Brake Pads

How you can avoid a sinus comeback. I have been getting a few phone calls lately from readers about bad smelling brakes after a brake service was performed. Most drivers may not know much about their vehicles, but they know when something does not smell right. The customers who typically come back to the shop

GM ‘W Platform’

Preventive Maintenance and Undercar Service

Diagnostic Solutions: Brake Maintenance & Inspection

” height=”234″ alt=”” border=”0″ align=”right” /> Although brake systems wear at a relatively glacial rate, a point will be reached when they can no longer stop the vehicle in an emergency situation and brake system inspections are therefore required to prevent accidents caused by brake component failure. Inspection procedures vary from area to area. Mountainous

Brake Myths: ABS/ESC & Replacement Brake Pads

At most shops, the person ordering brake pads is given the choice of a several levels of brake pads. The good, better and best marketing is sorted out by price and brand rather than solid engineering data. Sometimes the tech has no choice when the choice is dictated by a supply relationship for friction materials.

Cross-Examining: Selling Brake Jobs

Cross-Examining Service Adviser: “May I help you?” Customer: “Yes, I need to get a brake job.” Service Adviser: “OK, sign here and we’ll get right to it.” The technician pulls the vehicle in and finds that the pads are low. The brake job is already authorized over the front counter. The tech does the job,

Hyundai: From Ball Joints to Brakes…

Uncovering Needed Repairs With Undercar Inspections The brake and suspension systems on Hyundai’s popular line of cars and SUVs are both undercar systems where problems can be detected during routine maintenance. From loose ball joints to worn-out brakes, it’s all there to be checked while the vehicle is on the rack for service and, oftentimes,

Service Guide: F-Series New Model 2004

A bold new look and some subtle changes probably best describe the 2004-and-up Ford F150. To the technician, it is the subtle changes that he or she needs to be aware of. Starting with the 2004 model year, Ford launched a new body style for the F150. The new body style truck is a new