Tech Tip: Servicing Bravada Electronic Controlled Air Suspensions
I borrowed a friend’s 2002 Oldsmobile Bravada to pick up some supplies from the local home improvement store. After loading it with weekend-warrior bounty, I started the vehicle and noticed that the rear end was sitting low. The Electronic Controlled Air Suspension (ECAS) compressor was running, but the back end would not return to normal ride height.
Tech Tip: Uncovering Hidden Culprits Speeds A/C Diagnostic Process
Many of our customers consider air conditioning to be a necessary, rather than an optional, vehicle amenity. For this reason, it has to work on demand. Why shouldn’t your shop garner these A/C service and repair opportunities? To aid your efforts, this article is going to look at some of the most common A/C problems we encounter on the Honda vehicle lineup.
Subaru Tech Tip: Transmission Crossmember Service Precautions
When performing service work or installing Subaru’s accessory short-throw shifter, it’s extremely important that the transmission is supported properly when removing or reinstalling the crossmember. If not, damage to the bolts and/or threads will occur.
Tech Tip: Diagnosing Suspension Noises on Hyundai Vehicles
Like any other problem, the more information we can get from the driver regarding suspension-related noises, the better. Many times, the best tactic is to have a tech road-test the car with the customer to be sure of the noise you’re chasing. At the same time, it’s a good idea to do a thorough safety inspection.
Why Bearings Fail
When a bearing wears out, it is usually a case of inadequate lubrication, faulty installation or improper adjustment. For the repair to be successful, you must first determine why the previous bearing failed. For sealed hub units, examining the internal bearings and races is impossible. The most common failure pattern for bearings is for those
Chrysler & Jeep Cooling System & HVAC Service
Every car make has its quirks, and Chrysler and Jeep vehicles are no exception. In researching this article, we found several examples of heater problems in these vehicles that seem to be fairly common. On 2001 and 2002 Sebring Sedan, Sebring Convertible and Stratus Sedan, plus 1993 to 2002 Chrysler Concorde, LHS, New Yorker and
Tech Tip: What to Know When Coolant Leaks Occur
Engines run hot! Almost a third of the heat energy produced by combustion is absorbed by the engine itself. That’s why engines need a cooling system. The cooling system absorbs the engine’s waste-heat and prevents the engine from overheating and self-destructing.
Nissan Tech Tip: Pleasant Surprise – Plugging Head Leak
Any technician who has worked extensively with Asian-made vehicles has more than a casual acquaintance with head gasket replacements. It comes as no surprise that when you put an aluminum head on a cast iron block, the different expansion rates of the two metals will eventually weaken the head gasket.
Hyundai: From Ball Joints to Brakes…
Uncovering Needed Repairs With Undercar Inspections The brake and suspension systems on Hyundai’s popular line of cars and SUVs are both undercar systems where problems can be detected during routine maintenance. From loose ball joints to worn-out brakes, it’s all there to be checked while the vehicle is on the rack for service and, oftentimes,
Diagnostic Dilemmas
It’s Mechanical, Stupid! Just about every student of politics remembers President Bill Clinton’s famous campaign slogan, “It’s the economy, stupid!” Allow me to paraphrase by saying, “It’s mechanical, stupid!” Yes, that’s right, mechanical failures can cause diagnostic trouble codes and, all too often, we tread the Primrose Path because we become lost in a maze