Power Steering Racks: Leak Diagnosis & Repair
Power steering is a wonderful invention, especially for those who lack upper body strength or have puny arms. Years ago it was considered a luxury option mostly for elderly people who drove big cars. But today, everybody wants effortless steering, whether they drive an econocar or a three-ton SUV. Consequently, virtually all cars are now
Brake Hardware: Lessons Learned From a Little Piece of Wire
Every technician has struggled with those little wire clips that push the pads onto the pistons on first-generation Mazda Miatas. Those little clips that barely fit into the painted-over holes on the new pads and can shoot across the shop like a rubber band can make a big difference. One racecar builder who specializes building
Seasonal Service
It’s that time of year again. Time to start promoting seasonal service checks. So before family hits the road for vacation with gas possibly hitting $3 per gallon, here are some service items that should be checked. TIRES Tires obviously play a very important role in safe driving because of their affect on traction, handling
Brake Dynamometer Testing: One Test is Worth a Thousand Expert Opinions
Some friction material companies market their products by saying they are third-party tested or tested on their own brake dynamometer. But, understanding what this really means is tough if you do not understand how a brake dynamometer operates. In the engine performance world, an engine dynamometer is associated with measuring performance. Brake dynamometers also measure
Servicing Cartridge FWD Wheel Bearings
Early front-wheel-drive wheel bearing service was difficult and time intensive. The most common arrangement was a pair of tapered roller bearings similar to that of a rear-wheel-drive vehicle, but with a spacer between the bearings. Servicing this arrangement took time and often special tools. Of course, an axle shaft went through the bearings and spacer.
Battery Tech: How to Inspect, Charge and Replace
The first test of a battery is a visual inspection. There are certain things a technician should look for when inspecting a battery. Some things to look for include the quality of the connection from the battery to the cables. Cracks or other leaks can cause acid spills. Missing battery hold down hardware can cause
Steering Racks: Leak Diagnosis & Repair
Power steering is a wonderful invention, especially for those who lack upper body strength or have puny arms. Years ago it was considered a luxury option mostly for elderly people who drove big Buicks, Cadillacs, Lincolns and Imperials. But today, everybody wants effortless steering, whether they drive an econocar or a three-ton SUV. Consequently, virtually
Volvo Service And Driveability: Ways to Simplify Repairs and Promote Maintenance
Keeping a record of scheduled maintenance and service repairs is probably the best selling feature when the time comes to trade or sell a vehicle. You know the type: They baby their car, and their friends and family want first dibs when they decide to sell it. In most cases, that level of upkeep is
Water Pumps: Why They Fail and When to Replace Them
If you’ve wondered how much work a water pump must do, remember that only about 30 percent of the heat energy produced by combustion results in mechanical energy. That estimate, of course, is a mathematical comparison between the heat value of the gasoline going into the engine, and the heat value of the mechanical energy
Cracking the Code: Understanding Friction Material Edge Codes…Ways to Simplify Repairs and Promote Maintenance
Just about every brake pad or shoe you install has a cryptic code printed on the side of the friction material. As a technician, being able to read this code is just as important as the Dewey Decimal system is to a librarian. The “Edge Code” can tell you information about the product you are
OBD II Diagnostics: Checking into Mode $06
In this scan tool diagnostics article, we take a look at Mode $06 functions which govern non-continuous monitors (EVAP, catalyst, EGR, etc.)
Understanding How a Battery Operates
In the automobile, the battery serves three main functions. First is the obvious. It supplies electrical power for the ignition system, starter, computer system and every other electrical component while the engine is not running (or any other instance when the alternator is not charging). Second, it serves as a reserve power source, should the