Tech Tip: Steering System Flush Procedure
Fine particles can enter a hydraulic system because of mechanical stress on the steering components. As a consequence, it is recommended to flush the entire hydraulic system when replacing the power steering pump. A few vehicle manufacturers have installed a drain bolt in the area of the steering gear. The disadvantage is that it is not possible to drain all the fluid here. A residual quantity always remains in the system.
Diagnosing Hyundai Wheel Bearing Failure
While wheel bearing noise is one of the toughest problems for the customer to describe, it’s not unusual for it to come on so gradually that the customer may not even notice it until you mention it after an unrelated road test. Many times, the customer complaint will send you down the wrong path if you let it.
Performing An Alignment On Ford F-150 And Lincoln Mark LT Vehicles
The 2004-’08 Ford F-150 and 2005-’08 Lincoln Mark LT are not difficult vehicles to align, but they are difficult vehicles to properly inspect and adjust to the optimal specifications. The main difference with the 11th generation is in the front control arms. The lower control arm is forged aluminum. Upper ball joints have a reputation for failing sooner than lower ball joints.
GM Power Steering Pump Replacement Tips
An analysis of returned power steering (PS) pumps that had been replaced for noise, no power assist, no or low pressure and leaking conditions has indicated a high number of “No Trouble Found” results. When attempting to repair a power steering concern, the steering system analyzer should be used to assist the technician in a successful diagnosis.
Nearly 70 Parts Added To MOOG Steering And Suspension Line
Federal-Mogul has announced the addition of nearly 70 parts to its MOOG Steering and Suspension product line. The latest expansion of the MOOG line includes more than 50 parts for late-model foreign nameplate passenger vehicles from BMW, Honda, Mazda, Mercedes-Benz, Subaru, Toyota and other manufacturers.
Aluminum Suspension Component Serviceability
For every 10 percent reduction in vehicle weight, there is a 5 to 7 percent fuel savings. Since 1990, there has been a steady increase in the weight of vehicles due to airbags, structural components and convenience features like heated seats. This fattening in some areas forced suspension components to go on a diet.
Saab Tech Tip: Snap Or Pop From The Front Suspension
A customer may complain of a snapping or popping noise on turns from the front suspension. This typically occurs on sharp turns such as a parking lot maneuver. Have the technician duplicate the concern to verify the noise is coming from the front suspension.
Reading Tire Wear Patterns
Modern tire construction has generally trended toward low aspect ratio tire casings with more flexible sidewalls and rigid treads. Although this type of construction has made tires less sensitive to negative camber angles used in many current steering geometry designs, many types of tire wear patterns continue to indicate problems in a vehicle’s steering geometry.
Power Steering Fluid Is Just Power Steering Fluid, Right? Not Necessarily, Especially When It Comes To Imports …
Savvy technicians know to use dedicated power steering fluids for the many models, both import and domestic, that call for them. There are still many cars on the road for which ATF is appropriate. However, in recent years, some European automakers have specified a more advanced synthetic fluid for use in power steering systems.
MOOG Steering And Suspension Introduces Dozens Of Additional Parts For Late-Model Applications
The MOOG Steering and Suspension brand from Federal-Mogul has introduced more than two dozen premium replacement parts for late-model foreign nameplate and domestic automotive and commercial vehicle applications. As the automotive service industry’s “Problem Solver,” the MOOG brand offers innovative technologies that improve on original component designs for longer life, superior performance and faster, easier installation, according to Federal-Mogul.
Tech Tip: Hyundai Power Steering Pump Whine
Before replacing a power steering oil pump for a “whine” noise condition, check the oil pump reservoir filter screen for contamination. If the filter screen at the bottom of the oil pump reservoir is clogged, it may cause the pump to aerate and produce a “whine” noise.
Tech Tip: Mercedes-Benz Noises, Vibration At Steering Wheel With A/C Switched On
If you receive customer reports on Model 209.372/472 vehicles of a groaning noise and vibration felt in the steering wheel at engine speeds between 800 and 2,000 rpm and with the A/C on, the cause may be the transfer of vibration from the A/C compressor through the high-pressure power steering hose to the steering wheel.