Brake Fluid Testing: Bleeding and Flushing Minimizes Internal Corrosion in the Brake System
Brake fluid is something that should always be changed when the brakes are relined or when replacing a caliper, wheel cylinder, brake line, hose or master cylinder. But what about at other times? Should brake fluid be replaced for preventive maintenance? Most brake experts say yes! DOT 3 and DOT 4 brake fluid contains glycol
Truck Brake Update: Service Procedure Boosts Performance while Eliminating Steps that Add Time and Expense
Toyota trucks have been the standard bearer for small trucks for more than 40 years. The Hilux (now known as the Tacoma) line has been the small truck class leader, and over the last 15 years the T100 and Tundra models have moved into the medium- and full-size classes to set new standards there. With
Brake Hydraulics: Don’T Overlook the Obvious
Basic Checks Go A Long Way In Restoring System Integrity Brake work is fairly routine for most technicians. Even so, it’s easy to overlook some obvious problems with the hydraulic part of the system when replacing pads and rotors. So, following are some things you should always remember to check. CHECK THE FLUID LEVEL If
The Wheels on the Bus Go Round and Round
Now that school is out, school bus inspections and maintenance is taking place in preparation for the next session in the fall. Many school districts are outsourcing the maintenance of their buses. This could be your chance to increase your shop’s customer base. While the coach work (body) of buses is changing to incorporate features
The ABS Phenomenon: Profitability Hinges on Solid Preventive Maintenance Program
Profitability Hinges On Solid Preventive Maintenance Program An unusual event happened last week: a customer actually wanted a glowing warning light on his anti-lock braking system diagnosed! A preliminary interview revealed that: a) the ABS warning light was continuously illuminated, b) the brakes pulled to the right, and, c) the brake pedal pulsated when pressure
Brake Caliper Diagnostics
The owner of a 2004 Malibu says that there is a squeaking noise coming from the right front wheel. A quick inspection shows that the master cylinder is low on fluid and the pads are down to the sensor. You tell the owner that she needs to have the brake pads replaced. She responds that
Complete Brake Jobs
Restore Brake System Integrity For Better Performance And Safer Driving The rate at which the brake linings wear out depends on the frequency of use, how hard the brakes are being applied, the temperature of the linings and the wear characteristics of the friction material itself. Consequently, a set of brake linings on one vehicle
Brake Tech: What is a Complete Brake Job?
Most motorists know brake linings don’t last forever. Brake pads and shoes use friction to stop a vehicle, so every time the brakes are applied the linings experience wear. After so many stops, the linings wear out. The rate at which the linings wear out depends on the frequency of use, how hard the brakes
Brake Fluid Q & A
Mike Evangelo of Dynamic Motorsports and Rossion Automotive e-mailed me with six questions about brake fluid. I like a challenge, so here are my answers. 1. What are the fundamental differences between synthetic fluid and conventional DOT 3 and 4? Simple, it all comes down to the base stock. Both synthetic and conventional brake fluids
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
GM ‘W Platform’
Preventive Maintenance and Undercar Service
Selling Services: Brake Line Repair: Tubing, Hoses and Fluid
Corroded brake lines and flare nuts have been a problem since hydraulic brakes were first installed on vehicles. Improved materials and processes have improved serviceability, but in the Northeast and Midwest where salt and other agents are used to de-ice roads, it is still a problem. Brake Tubing 101 Beginning in the 1930s, the Bundy