Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems Present a New Service Opportunity
Changing technology always brings with it a need for new tools, and today’s new Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems (TPMS) are no exception. In 2000, Congress passed legislation called the TREAD (Transportation Recall Enhancement, Accountability and Documentation) Act in response to tire failures that were causing SUV rollovers. Many of these tire failures were blamed on
Volvo Tech Tip: Replacing the Fuel Pump Connector
Use the following procedure to replace the fuel pump connector on 1993 and newer Volvo 850, S70, V70 and C70 models.
Tie Rod Geometry
Keeping the angles in line with Ackermann Most people consider the common tire rod to be low tech. But, when you consider how front suspensions have evolved from straight axles to independent designs, the tie rod has had to adapt to new angles and geometry. Keeping it on the road was simple with the straight
BMW Maintenance: The Right Equipment and Information Make Service Profitable
Well-designed and durable, the cars from Bavaria have had a reputation for handling and performance that many other manufacturers only aspire to. In the last 50 years, BMWs have gone from the three-wheeled Isetta microcar of the 1950s to today’s powerful and comfortable high-performance machines with all of the latest technology. One of my favorite
Top 5 Tools
Frances Lenox, owner/technician Enginooity Import Repair Bryan, TX Power Probe and attachments Tru-Spark Ignition Firing Indicator Snap-on FZ936 Ratchet Head 1/4” Drive Impact Type Universal Sockets Mac Tools 3/8” Drive Air Impact Wrench Gary Lui, owner/technician West Valley Automotive, Inc. Alhambra, CA Snap-on Vantage Snap-on Scanner Mitchell 1 Information System Ingersoll-Rand Air Ratchet
Tech Tip: Oxygen Sensors – Monitoring Converter Efficiency
In 1996, automakers did the aftermarket a huge favor. They added "downstream" oxygen (O2) sensors to their vehicles. The downstream O2 sensors are located just behind the catalytic converter, or on some Fords, in the converter itself.
Tech Tip: Use Proper Torque When Installing Wheel Fasteners
It’s not difficult to torque wheel fasteners properly, but it’s not difficult to foul up the job, either. The average foot-pounds of torque needed to keep today’s wheel fasteners safely in place is between 65- and 80-foot-pounds.
Double Hit
It’s not difficult to torque wheel fasteners properly, but it’s not difficult to foul up the job, either. We’re not using double talk here; we’re shootin’ straight from the hip. The easy part of proper wheel fastener torquing is knowing the vehicle manufacturer torque specifications for a particular passenger car, light truck or medium truck,
The Right Tools at the Right Time
The toughest part about changing a timing belt on most engines is just getting to the belt. The timing belt is sealed inside a protective cover on the front of the engine. Replacing it typically requires removing everything on the front of the engine that obstructs the timing cover. This includes the serpentine belt and/or
Tech Tip: Trailer Wiring Offers Repair Opportunity
Every year, an estimated 15 million trailer hitches are installed on cars, trucks, vans and SUVs. Industry statistics tell us that upwards of 65% of all trucks and SUVs have a trailer hitch installed on them at some point, and many passenger cars do too. That’s a lot of vehicles on the road that may need trailer wiring repairs at some point in their life.