GM Tech Tip: Rear Independent Suspension for AWD Vehicles Out of Alignment
Drivers of some General Motors vehicles with independent rear suspensions and All-Wheel-Drive (AWD) may complain of excessive rear tire wear, clunking noises and possible instability. Technicians may also notice excessive negative camber of more than 3.5 degrees and toe-out conditions that cannot be corrected with normal adjustments.
Alignment Trends: What is the Future of the Alignment Bay?
In the past two years, we have seen more vehicles on the market with stability management and adaptive cruise control. If a vehicle with one of these systems comes into your shop for alignment, be aware that any changes in the steering position sensor’s “zero” position may have drastic consequences for the safety of the vehicle. If the data from a steering position sensor is off after an alignment adjustment, the car could think it is in a turn and try to perform a correction.
Taking The ‘Ho-Hum’ Out of Ride Control Sales
Despite the increased quality of ride and stability control systems during the past decade, remember that springs, shock absorbers and MacPherson struts wear out just like tires, brakes and other expendable parts. Don’t miss sales opportunities for this often-overlooked system.
Tech Tip: Consider Your Customer Base When Purchasing an Alignment Lift
If you do wheel alignment work, you need an alignment lift for raising vehicles off the ground. A lift is essential because you have to get under the vehicle to inspect the steering and suspension before you check the alignment. You can’t align worn parts, so it’s important to always make sure the tie rod ends, ball joints, springs, bushings, struts and related components are all in good condition before you make any corrections ….
Chassis Control Engineering & Application
It is a common mistake to look at a vehicle’s chassis and suspension system as just components that are either good, bad or broken. It should be looked at as a system. Understanding basic terminology and vehicle configurations is important to the technician for maintaining or returning that new car chassis control and performance. It
Alignment Lifts: Consider Your Customer Base When Purchasing an Alignment Lift
If you do wheel alignment work, you need an alignment lift for raising vehicles off the ground. A lift is essential because you have to get under the vehicle to inspect the steering and suspension before you check the alignment. You can’t align worn parts, so it’s important to always make sure the tie rod
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
Get the Drift: The Ins and Outs of Sport ‘Drifting’
Drifting is not a sport for SUVs. If it were, it would probably be called “rollovering.” Nor does it lend itself very well to cars with front-wheel drive. Drifting is all about sliding around curves with the rear wheels smoking all the way. Drifting sounds like an activity dreamed up by the tire manufacturers to
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
Engine Tuning & Chassis Upgrades
When car manufacturers come out with a new engine design, some car enthusiasts eye the new technology from a perspective of how to squeeze more performance out of it. The smaller displacement engines that are turbocharged or supercharged tend to be the most likely chosen because of their power-to-weight ratio. When Saab introduced a turbocharged
Tire Changer Q & A
Tire Changer Q & A We talk to Pete Liebetreu of Hunter Engineering on Tire Changers This month we talk to Pete Liebetreu, tire changer product manager of Hunter Engineering, on the future of the market and how shops can get the most out of this vital piece of equipment for most undercar shops. BRAKE
Air Springs and Suspensions
ed air suspension to their SL sedans and limousines. Air springs returned in 1974 for the rear suspension of the new GMC Motor Home RV26. This time the springs came from Firestone and the compressor was driven by an electric motor. The mid 1980s saw a revival of air suspension at all four corners for