Rotor Runout Check List
The vehicle owner may say that under light braking the vehicle pulses to a stop, or under heavy braking the vehicle shudders. Technical service bulletins (TSBs) often describe these symptoms as a “judder.” There are only two causes for judder — lateral runout and disc thickness variation on the rotor’s friction surface. What could have
Steering Position and Yaw
Driving skills and Electronic Stability Control One of the first things a novice driver asks is: “Do I turn into the skid or away from it?” With Electronic Stability Control, this decision is made for us. When a vehicle begins to skid during a cornering maneuver, the skilled driver steers into the direction of the
Shop Profile: All Technicians at Direct Tire & Auto Service are ASE Certified
In these days of bargain hunting and hurrying to find a quick fix at the cheapest possible price, it’s refreshing to know that people like Barry Steinberg are still in the tire business. Since he opened the very first Direct Tire and Auto Service location in Watertown, MA, in 1974, Steinberg has stood out in his market. From day one, he made a conscious decision to compete in the arena of service rather than price, a move that quickly set Direct Tire apart from its peers ….
Shop Owners and Technicians Offer Up Their ‘Top 5 Tools’
The readers of TechShop – Equipment, Tools & Supplies magazine were asked to submit a list of their top five favorite tools. Here is a sampling of some of the responses that were received ….
Tech Tip: Pop Goes the Mustang
Some 2005 Mustang vehicles may exhibit an intermittent popping noise from the front of the vehicle while turning left or right. The noise will typically occur during low speed maneuvers and may occur multiple times while turning. On both sides of the vehicle, install a revised upper strut bearing assembly. If the vehicle was ….
Truck Brake Update: Service Procedure Boosts Performance while Eliminating Steps that Add Time and Expense
Toyota trucks have been the standard bearer for small trucks for more than 40 years. The Hilux (now known as the Tacoma) line has been the small truck class leader, and over the last 15 years the T100 and Tundra models have moved into the medium- and full-size classes to set new standards there. With
New 5.0 Mustang 1.0 Budget Package Available from Fidanza
Fidanza is now offering a budget clutch and flywheel combination that will leave Mustang owners with enough cash to pump gas in their 5.0. The Fidanza 1.0 Budget Package (#381500) includes a 1.0 level clutch and a nodular iron flywheel (157-tooth ring, 50 oz. imbalance) as well as ….
Tech Tip: Giving Chevrolet Excessive Steering Effort the Boot
Owners of 2003 Chevrolet Impala and Monte Carlo or Buick Regal and Century vehicles may comment on reduced power steering, excessive steering effort, rubbing or excessive noise in the passenger compartment. The cause of the problem may be due to the intermediate shaft lower boot between the bulkhead and the steering gear being incorrectly installed and interfering with the intermediate shaft. Follow the ….
Ron Dillingham, The Car Store
Ron Dillingham, Shop Foreman The Car Store Norwich, VT Snap-on 3/8” Air Ratchet — Plenty of power, very reliable. Hunter’s B400 — Great tool for upselling alignments. When used properly, it’s very reliable. Hunter Wheel Balancer (GSP 9700) — The Road Force Tire Balancer takes all the guesswork out of all tire concerns. Snap-on
CrossOver SUVs: Rear Suspension Dynamics
Higher gas prices are increasing sales of cross-over SUVs. These smaller SUVs have ditched the live axle in favor of rear independent suspension. While the designs are often borrowed from a car-type platform, some do have more travel in order to boost the off-road and load capabilities. Where the car ends and the truck begins