Tech Tip: Honda CR-V Rear Brake Grinding, Thumping or Groaning Noises
A customer may complain of a grinding, thumping or groaning noise coming from the rear brakes. This occurs during the first several stops after the vehicle has been parked overnight. Under normal braking, corrosion from the disc surface is not quickly removed, allowing for a temporary grinding or thumping noise. A new brake pad is now available, which has improved corrosion-removal characteristics.
Brake Job: 2007 GM Full-Sized 1500 Pick-Up and SUV
The GMT 900 debuted in 2007 as the replacement for the GMT 800. The first GMT 900 vehicle was the Chevrolet Tahoe, which arrived at dealers in January 2006. The GMC Yukon (regular and Denali) and Cadillac Escalade soon followed. Chevrolet Avalanches and Suburbans, GMC Yukon XLs, and Cadillac Escalade ESV and EXT were next to hit the roads.
Tech Tip: Jaguar Front End Creaks/Knocks on Bumps or Turns
A customer may report a concern of a creak or knocking noise coming from the front of the vehicle when driving over uneven ground or turning a corner. The noise may be emanating from the front left-hand side of the vehicle.
Tech Tip: BMW Brake Pad Warning Light On After Brake Pad Replacement
You may get a customer complaint that the brake pad warning light comes on after the rear brake pads have been replaced. After replacing the pads and wear sensor, turn the ignition on and wait for at least 30 seconds, then start the engine. If the pad wear circuit is good, the light should go out with no further procedures.
Tech Feature: Brake Job on Chrysler Sebring
The Sebring was replaced with a new model based on the JS platform for the 2007 model year. There are several brake packages available featuring either a disc/drum combination or a disc/disc combination. All models are equipped with five possible brake system options.
BRAKE JOB: Bob on Brakes
Bob Dowie knows brakes. Dowie has been in the automotive service business for more than 30 years, and his shop, Village Auto Works in Chester, NY, specializes in Honda, Toyota, Mazda and Nissan repair. Dowie owns and runs a Honda Civic and Nissan Sentra SER in SCCA GT5 racing, and gets his technicians involved in various aspects of the sport. In this installment of BRAKE JOB, Bob shares some of his best tips for doing as complete brake job.
BRAKE MATH: CALCULATING THE FORCE NEEDED TO STOP A CAR
Harold Unikel of Power Brake X-Change, of Pittsburgh, PA reminded my why it is so important for technicians to be able to understand the brake math basics. I made a mistake while editing the equation for calculating the surface area of a circle which is πR2.
BRAKE MATH: PSI & Clamping Forces What happens in the real world?
In our last installment of Brake Math, we demonstrated how 70 lbs. of force on a brake pedal can result in 556 psi of brake fluid heading to the calipers. So how does this pressure stop a car? Next, we we look at how PSI is turned into “clamping force” and the math behind it. Also, we will look at the implications it has on friction materials and caliper design.
Tech Feature: Brake Job on Ford Edge
The Ford Edge is an SUV based on a the CD3 platform. The brakes on these vehicles are straightforward and do not break any new ground. The brake systems on all variants have disc brakes at all corners. There are no major changes to the brakes system from 2007 to 2009. For the 2008 model year, ABS became a standard feature, as did a direct tire pressure monitoring system. The worst brake component to service is the master cylinder. Getting to the unit requires removal of the trunking for the air intake, battery tray and other components.
Tech Tip: Volvo Brake Goes Too Low on First Application
If a customer complains of Volvo brakes going too low on first application, it may be because of improperly installed brakes or aerated fluid.
Tech Tip: Mazda ABS Warning Light On and Grinding Noise from Front Wheels
If a customer brings in a Mazda with an ABS warning light and a grinding noise from the front wheels, it could be due to problems with the sensor rotor or with the front brake disc, depending on the model.
Tech Feature: Brake Job on 2004-2008 Toyota Corolla
The 2004-2008 Toyota Corolla was one of the best selling vehicles in North America. The front brakes for all models are, for the most part, the same. The only changes came in the configuration of the brake pad shims. The Corolla was not subject to the unintended acceleration recalls for floor mats or gas pedal.