AC Update: Running A/C Diagnostic Tests Before Dash Surgery
I must have worked on Mercedes-Benz automobiles for 15 years before I ever replaced an evaporator. Through the 1970s, we pulled many an evaporator out of 107 and 116 chassis models to repair a poorly designed interior drainage system. The early models had little flappers on two interior tubes that carried the condensation to a
Leak Detection: Becoming Your Shop’s Leak Detective
When a customer’s A/C system isn’t cooling well and the refrigerant charge is low, you know the system is leaking. The question is where? Finding refrigerant leaks on today’s vehicles can be a challenge. For one thing, many of the A/C system parts are buried and difficult to reach. Also, most systems today hold much
Preventive Maintenance Keeps Air Compressors Running Smoothly
Few pieces of shop equipment are used as regularly as air compressors. However, when is the last time you performed any type of maintenance on this vital piece of equipment? If your answer isn’t “within the past 24 hours,” take a moment and think about what life would be like without the compressor to power
Volkswagen Tech Tip: Humming Noise From Front of Vehicle During Cornering
A humming sound coming from the general area of the front end may be noticeable on 1998 Beetles during slow-speed turning with the steering wheel almost to the full turning position. The noise may be generated from the differential spider gear contacting the one-piece thrust washer under load. In addition, the noise goes away when the steering wheel is returned to the center position.
Tech Tip: Thermostat Technology
Although the humble thermostat isn’t generally considered to be a "high-tech" component, it continues to serve a number of very critical functions in the modern, computer-controlled import vehicle. To better understand these functions, let’s first consider that carbon and water are two major by-products of internal combustion that accumulate in an engine’s motor oil.
Tech Tips: Brake Lubricants – High Temperatures Require High Performance Products
When it comes to brake lubricants, grease is a dirty word. Brake lubricants are specially-formulated products that are NOT the same as ordinary chassis grease or even multi-purpose grease.
Tech Tip: Regular Fluid Flushes are Good for Transmissions
Out with the old and in with the new. Transmission fluid flushing is a service that replaces old worn-out automatic transmission fluid (ATF) with fresh new fluid to prolong the life of the transmission. Considering the fact that it costs $1,500 to $2,200 or more to replace a transmission or transaxle these days, the cost of a fluid flush is peanuts by comparison.
Tech Tip: Replacement of Gear Lubes Can Prevent Expensive Driveline Problems
The lubricants that are used in manual transmissions, transaxles, differentials and transfer cases include a variety of different oils. Most of these lubricants are long-lived and hold up well for tens of thousands of miles. But none will last forever. The combination of heat, shearing action and oxidation eventually breaks down the oil and reduces its ability to lubricate and protect.
Transmission Service: It’s a Dirty Job, But Here’s What You Need to do It
Automatic transmission work has always been considered hard, dirty work. And rightly so. Pulling a transmission, especially on a front-wheel-drive car or minivan, can be a long day’s work. It usually involves supporting the engine while the transmission and subframe are dropped from the vehicle. Consequently, you need some type of engine hoist or engine
Waste Not, Want Not
Generating waste is not too difficult for most automotive repair shops. Getting rid of it is what often poses a problem, especially when the waste in question is something that is as environmentally damaging as used automotive fluids. When it comes to disposing of hazardous waste, shop owners need to understand their state’s regulations, establish