Servicing Variable-Assist Power Steering Systems
Variable-assist, variable-rate or variable-effort power steering is used on a growing number of vehicles. Variable assist is a way of providing the best of both worlds: finger-tip parking maneuverability at low speed and reduced assist at higher speeds for greater stability and road feel. As a vehicle’s speed increases, less effort and assist are needed to steer the wheels. Variable-rate steering, by comparison, applies more assist at low speed when it is needed most and reduces assist at higher speeds when it is needed least.
Air Ride: Compressor Diagnostics
On most modern vehicles, the compressor and air ride control unit are very intelligent components. Most communicate with the Body Control Module (BCM) on a high-speed serial data bus. These systems have malfunction indicator lights on the dash and require the use of a scan tool to diagnose the system.
Volkswagen Tech Tip: Solving Suspension Creaking Noise
Select Volkswagen vehicles may exhibit a creaking noise originating in the front suspension while entering steep driveways or over large bumps. The source of this noise could be the forward inner control arm bushing. To confirm if this is the issue, raise the vehicle and remove the wheel on the suspected side.
10 Alignment Tips To Increase Productivity And Profit
Tires are not perfect! Like every part on the car, tires and wheels are made within tolerances. These tolerances include runout and radial force variation. The changes in uniformity and stacked tolerances in the tire and wheel can cause a steering pull. You can try rotating the tires to cancel out the pull or at least move the worst tire to a non-steering axle. But, during the next rotation, the pull could return.
Brad Keselowski Crew Chief Paul Wolfe Earns MOOG ‘Problem Solver’ Honors At Watkins Glen
Defending NASCAR Sprint Cup series champion Brad Keselowski delivered a much-needed top-five finish and his crew chief, Paul Wolfe, won Federal-Mogul’s MOOG Steering and Suspension “Problem Solver of the Race” Award in Sunday’s Cheez-It 355 at the Glen at Watkins Glen (N.Y.) International. It was Wolfe’s second MOOG Problem Solver award of the season, moving him into a three-way tie for second place in the battle for the MOOG brand’s year-end $100,000 Problem Solver honors.
Hotchkis Sport Suspension Opens East Coast Facility
Hotchkis Sport Suspension has announced the opening of its new east coast location, Hotchkis Performance East. Located at the epicenter of motorsports engineering in Mooresville, N.C. – home to dozens of NASCAR and NHRA teams – the new facility offers custom fabrication services, safety equipment design and installation, suspension installation and racecar prep to enthusiasts and professional racers alike.
KYB Americas Announces New Manufacturing Plant
KYB Americas is continuing the expansion of its North American operations with a new manufacturing plant in Silao, Guanajuanto, Mexico. The plant will begin production of manufacturing hydraulic pumps for automobile continuously variable transmissions. In the future, the facility also will manufacture automotive shocks, struts and steering components, the company said.
Uncovering Potential Repair Issues On Mazda3
In this article, we’ll take a look at routine services on a Mazda3 and some of the more common problems that may be uncovered as they are performed. Our shop has always subscribed to 30,000-, 60,000- and 90,000-mile major service intervals with oil changes and inspections at a maximum of 5,000 miles. That may not exactly match the factory recommendations, but it works well for our customers and us, and covers all of the recommended services.
Performing An Alignment On A 2005-2011 Cadillac STS
The STS is one of those vehicles where a scan tool would be handy if you are performing alignment and chassis repairs. Every STS requires a scan tool to reset the steering angle sensor. Also, it maybe necessary to have an enhanced or factory scan tool to read codes, clear codes and look at sensor information.
MOOG Steering And Suspension Coverage Expanded To Millions Of Additional Late-Model Vehicles
The MOOG Steering and Suspension line has been expanded to include nearly 40 innovative new control arm assemblies, stabilizer bar link kits and other components for millions of late-model foreign nameplate and domestic vehicles. Known as the automotive industry’s “Problem Solver” brand, MOOG products are available through leading replacement parts distributors across North America.
Beck/Arnley Adds 629 New Foreign Nameplate Part Numbers In First Half Of 2013
Beck/Arnley announces 629 new part numbers were added to its line of premium quality, genuine foreign nameplate products during the first six months of 2013. Highlights include two new OE Quality Hydraulic Fluids for European applications.
Joey Logano Crew Chief Todd Gordon Is Top MOOG ‘Problem Solver’ At Brickyard, Moves Into Tie For Year-End $100,000 MOOG Honors
After two consecutive disappointing finishes caused by flat tires, Joey Logano and crew chief Todd Gordon were looking for good news in Sunday’s Samuel Deeds 400 NASCAR Sprint Cup race at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. They found it in their No. 22 Shell-Pennzoil Ford Fusion’s ninth top-10 finish of the year as well as the third MOOG “Problem Solver of the Race” Award for Gordon, who is now tied for the lead in the battle for year-end $100,000 MOOG Problem Solver honors.