Preventing Brake Noise Complaints
Most brake complaints will be squeak-related, with the common metal-on-metal grinding taking a close second. Both of these noises relate to the pad. The grinding noise is almost always the result of worn pads and the backing plate contacting the rotor, and we all know how to deal with that. To a lesser extent, you’ll also get some knocking complaints.
Take Time To Evaluate The Condition Of Brake Hydraulics
Mileage is an essential criterion for evaluating the condition of brake hydraulics. Keep in mind that, each time the brakes are applied, the master and wheel cylinder piston seals wear. Given time, the rubber cups in master cylinders wear to the point that they will not consistently seal hydraulic pressure. The result will often be a low brake pedal, poor stopping power or an intermittently sinking brake pedal.
Digital Edition Of March ImportCar Magazine Is Now Available
A digital version of the March issue of ImportCar is now available on-line. Access the easy-to-view digital version that features articles on PCM Diagnostics, BMW Fuel System Repairs, Stopping Pulsation Comebacks, Air Ride System Replacement Options, a host of tech tips on import nameplates, and more!
BFGoodrich Tires Joins Popular Lucas Oil Off Road Racing Series
BFGoodrich Tires has taken a significant marketing and promotion position in the 2014 Lucas Oil Off Road Racing Series which begins a 16-event season March 22-23 at Wild Horse Pass Motorsports Park in Chandler, Ariz.
Snap-on Tool Storage Additions Now Include A Great Subtraction
For a limited time, Snap-on is offering 15 percent off the price of its tool storage add-on units for Snap-on EPIQ, Master Series and Classic Series tool storage units.
Carl Edwards Crew Chief Jimmy Fennig Makes Right Call At Bristol, Wins MOOG Problem Solver Award
Carl Edwards crew chief Jimmy Fennig might have wanted to join his driver in a post-race backflip after making the late call that propelled Edwards and the No. 99 Kellogg’s Ford Fusion to victory in Sunday’s Food City 500 NASCAR Sprint Cup race at Bristol (Tenn.) Motor Speedway. Fennig told Edwards to trust his tires for the final 71 laps of the half-mile concrete oval, a strategy that enabled the 99 car to maintain the advantage in a race that had seen 20 lead changes and plenty of unpredictable moments.
Automotive Scholarship Application Deadline Is March 31
Applications for automotive scholarships funded by the University of the Aftermarket Foundation are being accepted through March 31. Applicants can apply online. Interested applicants must be pursuing a career in the automotive aftermarket by attending a full-time program at an accredited college, university, or ASE/NATEF certified post-secondary automotive, collision or heavy-duty technician training program.
Program More Sensors With Bartec TPMS Tools
Bartec, one of the first companies to feature “at the car” programming of aftermarket TPMS replacement sensors, has announced an update for its range of TPMS tools.
Pinning Down Intermittent Malfunctions On OBD II Vehicles
Although post-1996 OBD II powertrain control modules (PCMs) are generally very reliable, we’re beginning to see more failures because the average age of our national vehicle fleet has now increased to about 11.5 years. Technically speaking, the PCM should store a DTC indicating some type of internal malfunction. But, in the real world, if your scan tool indicates “no communication” and asks if the ignition switch has been turned on, you obviously have a communications problem.
Why Chasing The Cheapest Brake Job Costs Your Shop In The Long Run
Ever since the 1930s, there has been a war on the price of brake jobs. Eighty years ago, shops were advertising low-priced brake relines on sandwich boards for $19.99, but they complained about “gyps” selling brake jobs for $9.99 on the side of the road. We see almost the same situation today. This time the price point is around $150. Instead of gyps, shops are complaining about some guy on Craigslist who will perform a brake job for around $40 if he is provided with the pads.
Returning Brake Rotors To ‘Like New’ Condition
When it comes to returning brake rotors to “like new” condition, it is a two-step process that can be different every time. If the vehicle has a pulsation symptom or complaint, it pays to perform a diagnostic check before machining the rotor in terms of both time and additional parts sales.
Measuring Ball Joint Wear
Detecting and measuring wear in a ball joint is critical to ensuring the safety of a vehicle. When a ball joint fails, the driver loses control of the vehicle. This can result in damage not only to the suspension, but also the axle shafts, brakes and even the body.