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.
The Profitable Brake Lathe: Can You Make Money by Machining Rotors?
If you think you can stop machining rotors by installing new rotors, you are dead wrong. Selling new rotors may seem like the right thing to do to avoid a comeback for your shop, but it can actually cause a comeback and it is not the right thing to do in the eyes of the customer and some courts.
Honda Tech Feature: Eliminating Brake Comebacks
The advent of ABS, and its integration into traction control and vehicle stability assist, make good work habits when servicing the brake
BRAKE JOB: GM H-Body Brake Job
Pad and rotor replacement is straightforward on this vehicle. But, there are some common errors that can be made if you are not paying attention. First, make sure the front caliper bracket bolts are tightened to 137 ft/lbs. If the bolts work their way loose, the driver may experience a sporadic low pedal condition or worse. Second, replace the hardware if necessary. Most noise complaints can be traced to worn out hardware. Third, this vehicle is sensitive to thickness variation of the rotors. Always make sure thickness variation is below .0005”, or you could have a pulsation comeback.
Tech Tip: Brake Vibration Diagnostics on Subaru Models
Studies confirm that rarely is it necessary to resurface brake rotors and/or drums on all four wheels when a confirmed brake vibration exists. With proper diagnostics, front or rear brake vibrations can be isolated, eliminating the need to resurface all four rotors and/or rear brake drums.
Brake Tech Feature: Rotors and Friction Service
Years ago, a brake replacement would pass muster if it allowed a vehicle to stop in a reasonable distance at highway speeds. Today, a brake replacement must meet consumer-oriented criteria in areas of braking noise, pedal sensitivity, side-to-side pulling, pedal pulsation, frictional qualities, fade resistance, wheel dusting and friction longevity.
Tech Feature: Brake Job on 1995-2004 Toyota Tacoma
The first-generation Toyota Tacoma was introduced in 1995 and continued until 2004. During the 10-year run, the basic brake system configurations did not change. But, Toyota did make changes to the pad shape and hardware to improve performance.
Brake Safety Technology: Mercedes-Benz Brake Assist & Sensotronic Systems
One of the new safety technologies you’ll find in a growing number of European and Asian vehicles is Brake Assist (or BAS for Brake Assist System). The technology actually was invented more than a decade ago, and was first used back in 1996 on Mercedes S-Class and SL-Class cars. In 1998, Mercedes made Brake Assist standard on all of its models.
Brake Tech Feature: 8 Myths that Could Be Holding You Back from Performing the Best Brake Job
It could be how you select friction materials, apply brake lubricants or machine rotors. You could be doing something that does not make sense, but you learned it from another technician and it could be holding you back. Here are eight brake job myths that could be holding you back.
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Rotors, Resurfacing and the Law: How the Glad/Midas Lawsuit Will Change How You Sell Brakes
After a four-year undercover investigation, the California Bureau of Automotive Repair (BAR) has settled the case against Mike Glad, the owner of 22 Midas shops, for charging customers for unnecessary repairs and using deceptive advertising. The $1.8 million settlement also prevents Glad from owning or operating a repair shop in the state.
Tech Feature: 2004-2008 Nissan Maxima Brake Job
Called the four-door sports car by Nissan, the 2004-2008 Maxima brake system is easy to service with very few complaints of brake noise or pulsation. The system used the same brake pads, rotors and calipers on all models. There were some changes in 2007 to the ABS system. The system uses floating piston calipers on the front and rear with the parking brake in the hub of the rotor.