Brake Job: 2000-2007 Ford Focus
The 2000-2007 Ford Focus is based on the Ford global C1 platform, shared with the European Ford Focus and Volvo S40. Nothing is really groundbreaking about the brake system. However, not paying attention to the details can end in a post brake job comeback.
Inspecting Brake Hydraulic Systems: Worn Components Take Their Toll on Advanced Suspension Technologies
During a service writer’s efforts to sell competitive brake services at the service desk, he or she often focuses on selling “good, better or best” brake friction replacements, while ignoring the added expense of repairing brake hydraulics. Did you know that neglected brake system hydraulics can cause an expensive warranty comeback?
Brake Myths Revisited
The overall response to the Eight Brake Myths Busted article in the January issue was huge. I took a lot of abuse, but that was the goal of the article. Too many times technicians get stuck in a mindset that leads to false diagnoses. The point of the article was to shake things up in
Advice from the Bendix Answerman: Brake Fluid Service as Important as Oil Changes
While some may think an old school “flush” will breathe new life into a braking system, Chuck Kennedy, technical trainer at Bendix Brakes says if one is performed without checking for contaminants already present, the braking system’s hydraulic control unit (HCU) can be seriously damaged. That’s why maintaining clean, contaminant-free brake fluid is just as important to a vehicle as getting regular oil changes.
Tech Feature: Loaded Brake Calipers
Loaded calipers provide a variety of benefits when doing brake jobs on customers’ vehicles. Most brake suppliers have a loaded caliper program today so availability is seldom an issue. If price becomes a hurdle, that’s when it’s time to inform your customers of the features and benefits of loaded calipers.
GM Tech Tip: Squeak Noise On Brake Pedal Application
Some customers may comment on a squeak noise when the brake pedal is applied or when released. This noise is normally heard when the brake pedal is slowly applied with the engine on or off, but can occur when the brake pedal is released. The noise may be isolated to the master cylinder area.
Tech Feature: Nissan Undercar Noise and Vibration Repairs
When it comes to Nissan undercar work, Import Specialist Bob Dowie discusses the first challenge you face and that is selling the work. While he uses the word “selling,” what you are actually doing is making the customer aware of issues that need to be addressed to maintain the reliability and, more importantly, the safety of their vehicle.
Brake Tech Feature: Buick Lucerne Service
The 2006-current Buick Lucerne is the largest sedan that General Motors offers. It is built on the same line as the Cadillac DTS at the Hamtramck, MI, GM plant. The two vehicles share many brake components and the same Regular Production Option (RPO) codes for the brake system.
Boosted Brakes: A look at the history of power-assisted brakes.
Since we are talking brakes, let’s do a little comparison of the most popular brake systems that brought us away from dragging a flat plate against the wagon wheel or mashing your foot down on a mechanical linkage arm that eventually either slowed the car down or gave you one really strong leg. What I’m talking about is the power-assisted brake systems we find on modern cars and trucks.
Tech Feature: Electric/Electronic Parking Brakes
The current emergency/parking brake is the most unused device on a vehicle equipped with an automatic transmission. But, the electrically actuated parking brake is changing the parking brake into a multi-purpose mechanism on modern vehicles. Using an electric motor to apply the parking brake results in the mechanical linkage being eliminated from the vehicle passenger compartment.
Tech Feature: Performing the Complete Brake Job
The problem with routines is that we tend to – you guessed it – fall into a routine. Because the braking system on many modern imports is integrated into other systems like vehicle stability control (VSC) and traction control, modern braking systems must meet minimum levels of performance. For that reason alone, short-cutting a brake repair with substandard procedures and materials is a recipe for future comebacks.
Tech Tip: Mercedes-Benz ESP Warning Lamp On/Multiple DTCs Set
Models affected: 163.113/128/154/157/175 VIN range as of 371935 up to 442083 with ESP control unit MK25 If you receive customer reports in the above models of the Electronic Stability Control (ESP) warning lamp being illuminated with the following stored fault codes (listed below), perform the following repair procedure. • C1140 – B34 ESP Brake Pressure