Why TPMS Sensors Fail
The number one reason TPMS sensors fail is physical damage. Sensors operate in a harsh environment of extreme temperatures and vibration. These forces can damage transmission coils, pressure and temperature sensors. Another reason sensors fail is due to damage during removal and installation. One false move with a bead breaker or tire iron can break the sensor at the stem. Even forgetting to use a torque wrench or calibrated screwdriver can damage the mounting stem.
Diagnosing Air Ride Systems
Air ride diagnostics is more than a spray bottle of soapy water. On today’s late-model vehicles, it requires a scan tool, meter and scope. Swapping components will only lead you down a diagnostic black hole that leads to an angry customer and parts supplier. Modern air ride systems have a compressor and a module to control the flow of air to the struts or shocks. Control modules can have as many as 10 valves. They can also have three or more sensors to measure the pressure.
VIEWPOINT:Automatic/Autonomous Braking Systems/The future at 22- or 30-mph or whatever speed the lawyers decide…
There has been a lot of coverage in the news about automatic/autonomous braking systems. The newspaper and magazine articles are heralding the new systems as the greatest thing since the seat belt. Most of the journalists need a reality check. These systems are on some 2014 cars, but only work at lower speeds and still
Clamp-On And Snap-In TPMS Sensor Installation Procedures
Most TPMS sensors are held in using just a screw or a nut, but if not assembled or torqued properly, the results can be catastrophic.
Carelessness can result in a broken sensor or even a customer stranded with a flat tire.
Why Shocks And Struts Wear Out
Ask any one working the front counter what is the most difficult items to sell and two items will always come up, diagnostic fees and struts. When shocks and struts wear out, there are almost no visual clues. The car will not turn on a light or leave the customer stranded. The clues are all in the “seat of the pants” of the driver. When a unit is leaking, it is a sign of failure and not wear. Even the “knee on the bumper” test can give false results due to how some units handle low-frequency movements.
ASE A5 Prep: Electronic Brake Distribution (Video)
Anti-lock brake systems (ABS) and the HCU are replacing proportioning, combination and other valves to change the braking forces in the front and rear. This is called Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD) and it can dynamically change to proportioning to take into account if the vehicle is turning or is loaded. The system can also use EBD to perform a “soft stop.” This routine is performed when a vehicle is slowing at low speeds and the brake force is varied in the front and rear so the vehicle’s attitude is controlled and weight is evenly transferred. This means a flatter and more stable stop.
What DOT Really Means: Brake Hose Inspection And Replacement
Brake hoses are the most government-regulated components on a vehicle. Anyone making brake assemblies must be registered with the Department of Transportation (DOT). All aftermarket hose, fittings and complete hoses must conform to FMVSS 106 and SAE J1401. These tests are demanding and often exceed what a vehicle will see in the real world.
10 Cordless Tool Myths
The myth that cordless tools are not as powerful as air tools is false for the majority of cordless tool categories. Most cordless tools are just as powerful as air or corded tools. Compare the specs; you might be surprised! Take impact wrenches for example, apples-to-apples, some professional cordless tools can match and exceed maximum or break away torque of similar 3/8″ or 1/2″ air impacts. Check the specs.
How Long Should a Brake Job Last?
The Pressure Is On With New Customer Expectations
Catalytic Converters: Replacement Is Changing
If your shop is not in California, the replacement of the catalytic converter is simple and typically there is only one replacement option. Most shops understand that they must replace the converter and that using a test pipe or bypassing the converter is bad for business and against the EPA regulations and could result in big fines.
Why Do Ball Joints, Tie Rods And Control Arms Wear Out?
The ball and socket joint has been around on animals and humans for millennia. This simple design has been used on vehicles since the turn of the century because it works. But, just like our hip joints, ball and socket joints, like ball joints, tie rods and sway bar links, wear out.
TPMS Sensor Corrosion: 5 Tips To Help Avoid A Snapped Stem
Since TPMS became standard equipment in 2008, many sensors are starting to show their age. While some of these sensors may have a lot of battery life left, the sensors’ stems are starting to fall victim to corrosion. Here are five tips that can help you avoid snapping stems and have the shop eat a sensor.