Tech Tip: VW/Audi Calipers Don’t Retract When Replacing Rear Brake Pads
Vehicle Applications: 2004 A8 Quattro 4.2 2005-’06 A6 Quattro 4.2 2005-’07 A6 Quattro 3.2 2005 A8 Quattro 4.2 and 6.0 2006 Passat 3.6 2006-’07 Passat 2.0 2009 Q5 3.2 Customer Concern: When replacing the rear brake pads, the technician cannot get the calipers to retract. Tests/Procedures: 1. With a factory-compatible scan tool, read and
Brake Job on 2000-2006 Hyundai Elantra
The initial inspection revealed the front rotors were below specifications and had uneven pad wear on the right front inboard pad. The rear drums were also out of specification and a leaking wheel cylinder had contaminated the brake shoes. Hyundai recommends replacement of the wheel cylinders if any brake fluid is found in the dust boots. Runout measurements of the rotors and hubs revealed little or zero runout.
BRAKE JOB: 2004-2009 Mazda3
The 2004-2009 Mazda3 is based on the Ford global C1 platform, shared with the European Ford Focus and Volvo S40. Nothing is really groundbreaking about the brake system. But, not paying attention to the details can end in a post brake job comeback.
7 Brake Myths Busted
There are some myths about brake pads, rotors and hydraulics that need to be busted. These myths can hurt and hinder a technician’s ability to diagnose and solve some brake problems and customer concerns. On the surface, some of these myths make sense. The logic can seem sound and explain a problem, but they do not resolve the real issues with a brake system.
Federal-Mogul Adds New Foreign Nameplate and Domestic SKUs to Wagner ThermoQuiet Brake Pad Line
The Wagner ThermoQuiet line of replacement brake pads now includes ceramic rear disc pad sets for the 2012 Fiat 500 and Ford Focus. Federal-Mogul says the expansion comes as a result of the company’s continued focus on new late-model application coverage.
Performing a Brake Job on a 2002-2009 Chevrolet Trailblazer
The Chevrolet Trailblazer is based on the GMT 360. The brake system on the Trailblazer is not groundbreaking by any means, but there are some intricacies technicians should be aware of on this common platform. The front brakes utilize dual piston calipers with phenolic pistons. The most important thing to remember when replacing the pads on this vehicle is to replace the hardware.
Fras-le Brings Formula Truck to AAPEX 2011
Fras-le North America Inc. will exhibit at AAPEX 2011, Nov. 1-3, at the Sands Expo Center in Las Vegas, NV, with a unique twist. The company has turned part of its booth (#2658) into an interactive foam cast display of a Class 8 truck to show off its sponsorship of Formula Truck.
Tech Feature: Subaru Service Essentials
My stint at being a service advisor for a number of dealer service departments over the years gave me a lot of experience in “bundling” services into a package. Having a service plan or “menu” built value for the customer. It also provided the service department with reliable income. Though there are good and bad points to service menus, the basic idea is a good one, and works well for any kind of automotive service or repair facility.
Brake Job: Dodge Magnum/Challenger/Charger
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.
27 of 28 IZOD IndyCar Teams Chose Performance Friction Brakes for Baltimore Grand Prix
In the inaugural Grand Prix of Baltimore nearly the entire field of IZOD IndyCar teams chose Performance Friction Carbon Metallic race pads in hopes of winning the highly anticipated event.
1-2 Finish for Performance Friction Brakes in Bristol Modified Race
Sprint Cup Series star Ryan Newman and modified tour regular Justin Bonsignore made Wednesday night’s NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour race at Bristol a 1-2 finish for Performance Friction Brakes.
TECH TIP: GM: Park Brake Light Stays On After Park Brake Is Released (Replace Rear Park Brake Cables)
Some customers may comment that after releasing the parking brake, the brake light on the instrument panel (IP) stays on. This condition may be caused by a weak return spring located at the rear of the parking brake cables.