Ken-Tool Announces Valve Breaker Tool
The patent pending Valve Breaker is compact and powerful; using a slide ram design to drive a heat-treated punch into the valve stem seat to easily pop the valve stem out of the rim after the wheel has been demounted.
SPX Acquires Torque Tension Systems Ltd
Leading supplier of hydraulic torque wrench and tensioner tools expands SPX product offerings for global rnergy infrastructure markets.
Revisiting OBD II’s Missing Mode — Mode $06
Mode $06 has sometimes been called the “missing” mode because it has been hard to find on most scan tools. And even if you did find it, it didn’t make any sense because it was all hexadecimal gibberish.
Tech Feature: Servicing Worn Wheel Bearings
When a wheel bearing goes out on a vehicle, it may or may not give much warning. Typical clues include noise from the vicinity of the wheel, possibly some steering wander or looseness in the steering, and/or some abnormal tread wear on the front tires. Also, an ABS light could illuminate.
Wells Manufacturing Reports Strong Traffic to Web and YouTube Diagnostic Videos
The new video series – which already tackles more than a dozen common vehicle service topics – is also available for free viewing via the customer-focused Wells website.
New AutoBoss V30 Global Scan Tool Offers Advanced Import Diagnostics Capabilities
The cutting-edge Windows CE scan tool offers OEM-level import diagnostic capabilities for European and Asian vehicles, continuous software updates via the Internet, and U.S.-based technical support.
Brake Job: Chrysler 300 + 300c, Dodge Magnum/Challenger/Charger Brakes
What do you get when you mix the front suspension from an Mercedes S-Class, the rear suspension from a E-Class and the transmission from a C-Class? The 2005-current Chrysler rear-wheel-drive LX-Platform.
The LX platform includes the 300, Magnum and Charger. In 2008, the platform was shortened for use in the LC-platform that was used in the Challenger platform. All have rear disc brakes with the parking/emergency brake mounted in the hat of the rear rotor.
Tech Feature: Mazda Driveability Diagnostics and Check Engine Light Complaints
From a torn air intake hose to ignition system concerns, Bob Dowie tackles driveability issues as well as some of the more common ailments that will bring Mazda vehicles into your bays with a check engine lamp complaint.
Tech Tip: Put a Damper on Booming Astro Van Harmonic with Rear Axle Parts
Some 1995-2004 Chevrolet Astro Van and GMC Safari owners may complain about a “boom” noise inside the vehicle while driving at speeds between 60-65 mph. This condition is most noticeable from behind the driver’s seat. The noise may result from an engine-firing harmonic, which becomes noticeable at torque converter clutch (TCC) lock-up. A new rear leaf spring damper kit (one per spring) has been developed, to be used in conjunction with a pinion nose damper tuned to 86 Hertz (Hz) to reduce the resultant noise level.
Toyota 4Runner Drive Belt Noise Creates Driver Tension
Some Toyota 4Runner drivers may complain of a “squealing” or “chirping” sound from the accessory drive belt when the engine is first started. An improved auto tensioner assembly, flange bolt, V-rib belt and service procedure have been developed to correct the condition.