Diagnostic Solutions: Wheel Bearing Diagnosis
PROPER PROCEDURES AND CORRECT TOOLS PREVENT COMEBACKS Although wheel bearings are often the most neglected part of the vehicle, they nevertheless have a critical job to do, and in most cases, do it very well. Not only are wheel bearings designed to support the weight of the vehicle and allow it to travel over a
Directions: Optimistic Industry Trends Can Mean Full Bays
As the editor of an automotive aftermarket business-to-business magazine, I get forests of news items, press releases and industry trend reports each month. Looking over some recent releases, I’ve found that there seems to be quite a bit of optimism for our industry and your businesses. For example, one headline that just crossed our desks
Advances in Piston Ring Technology
Piston rings have one of the toughest jobs inside an engine. They’re slammed up and down between the ring lands thousands of times a minute, they’re subjected to searing temperatures and extreme pressures, and they’re constantly scraping back and forth against the cylinder walls. In spite of all of this, the rings are expected to
Talking Shop: Training Challenges Every Shop Faces
Your technicians are acquiring training. But are they getting the right type of training? This month, a repair shop owner and renowned columnist offers his opinion on the subject. Although shop owners are routinely encouraged by industry leaders to provide from 40 to more than 100 hours per year training for each technician, some shop
Diagnostic Dilemmas: Fuel System Foul Ups
Are the fuel pump returns from your shop going up? Understanding the root cause of technician errors is the first step to successfully managing fuel system parts purchases and returns. Over the years, vehicle fuel systems have become more complex as OEs look to improve fuel burning and engine efficiency. And during that time, industry
Dyno Might! – Gaining Business Horsepower Through a Dyno
Part One of a Two-Part Series
Safe Shop: Meeting Your Shop’s Lighting Needs
Having reliable “mobile” or “task” lighting is very important so technicians are able to clearly see what they are working on, even in the crevices of an engine compartment. Not having the necessary lighting accessories will hinder productivity and prolong the time it takes to complete a job. There are many types of lighting available
SuperFlow New Title Sponsor for IMCA’s Five Modified Regions
SuperFlow Technologies is the new title sponsor for each of IMCA’s five Modified regions. The Colorado-based flowbench and dynamometer manufacturer will pay a portion of the point fund distributed to top five drivers in the Western, South Central, Central, North Central and Eastern regions.
Tech Tip: Aftermarket Brake Pads – Are They Really OE Quality?
Quality is something everybody talks about when it comes to selling brake pads, but what does it really mean? Same look and fit as the original pads? No installation problems? No noise complaints? Same or better braking performance, feel and pad life as the OEM pads?
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.