Tech Tips:
Customers may comment on a steering vibration, shudder or “moan” during low speed turning/parking maneuvers. This condition may be due to the steering system frequencies being transmitted through the power steering pressure (inlet) hose assembly.
Tech Tip: Ford Rack and Pinion Pressure Port Check Valve Installation
The original rack and pinion may have a check valve and retaining clip in the pressure port. The valve prevents fluid from backing up into the pump when the engine is shut off. Not all original units have a check valve, but if one is present, it should be transferred to the replacement rack.
Tech Tip: 10 Steps to Trouble-Shoot Power Steering Pumps
What are the things that must be done to ensure successful diagnosis, installation and testing of a replacement power
steering pump? The following 10 questions outline the most common causes of failure, trouble-shooting suggestions,
diagnostic tips, and proven installation procedures and practices.
Tech Tip: Pop or Clunk Noise from Steering Column Area While Turning
Some 2008-2010 Escape and Mariner vehicles built on or before 6/11/2010 may exhibit a pop or clunk noise from the steering column area while turning. This noise typically occurs quarter turn before the steering column reaches its end of travel stop and typically goes away with weight off the wheels.
Federal-Mogul Expands MOOG Coverage with 81 New Parts Covering Millions of Late-Model Applications
The industry-leading MOOG steering and suspension product line from Federal-Mogul Corporation now features 81 additional high-volume parts covering millions of late-model foreign-nameplate and domestic applications.
Tech Tip: What Causes Binding in the Steering System?
When replacing any steering component, it is recommended that power steering lines be replaced if more than four years old or appear damaged. Also, flush the entire system with new fluid to wash away any contaminates. If you do not flush the system and replace lines, you could experience a return of the symptoms.
Tech Tip: Help These GM Trucks Stand Straight and Tall
Some GM truck owners may complain that their vehicle appears to lean on one side. In most cases, the left front of the vehicle sits lower than the right front. The condition occurs because the rear leaf spring bushings or shackles may become loaded when the rear leaf spring shackle nuts are secured. Follow the steps in this Tech Tip to correct the lean.
Tech Feature: Steering Gear Diagnostics
We need to understand the basics of how a power steering system works before we can develop an assessment technique. At its most basic level, the steering system’s power steering pump can generate up to 2,000 psi of hydraulic pressure. This hydraulic pressure is metered to a steering assist cylinder through a steering gear pressure control valve. Both the cylinder and valve are integral to the steering gear assembly on modern vehicles.
Alignment Specs: 1997-2004 Chevrolet Corvette
With different front and rear run-flat tire sizes, the 1997-2004 Corvette must be aligned every 20,000 miles or when the smallest amount of abnormal tire wear is present. If the customer does not have this service performed, even the slightest amount of extra toe, camber or caster can result in an expensive tire replacement bill.
Performing an alignment on a C5 Corvette is actually easier than on most vehicles because most of the adjustments are built into the vehicle. Also, you can adjust the ride height without replacing parts. But, you need to take care and be aware of what makes the Corvette different than most vehicles.
Diagnostic Solutions: Building Off-Road Suspension Systems
Judging from weekend traffic, desert off-road and mountain trail driving is becoming a major past-time for many import vehicle enthusiasts. Most of the off-road import vehicles I see in Colorado are the late ’80s and early ’90s Toyota and Nissan pickups and SUVs that feature mechanical simplicity along with the structural ruggedness needed to navigate miles from any service facility.
Tech Tip: All Wheel Drive Synergies for Brakes, Transmission and Transfer Case
There are very few all-mechanical controls left on late-model vehicles. Almost all powertrain controls are electromechanical using a computer as the controller. These include powertrain control of the accelerator pedal with the latest being All Wheel Drive (AWD). The brakes and damping are also electromechanical under electronic control. There are peripheral systems that are all computer controlled such as Electronic Stability Control (ESC) and Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC).
Alignment & Suspension Specs: Ford Focus
In 2000, the Ford Focus represented a radical change in the domestic small car segment. Now as we enter a new decade, the current Focus platform is going into its last year of production and not too much has changed in the alignment department in 10 years, except the specs from year to year. The second-generation Focus uses the same suspension configuration as the 2000-2007 models. The restyled second generation is available as either a two-door coupe or four-door sedan – the hatchbacks and wagon were discontinued.