Tomorrow's Technician Magazine

Win $$$Thousands$$$ worth of Tools for your School!

Skove — Tue, 11 Nov 2008 18:38:00 GMT

Do you have what it takes to wear the title, "Tomorrow's Technician/Chicago Pneumatic School of the Year"?

If you do, you have less than 60 days to enter for a chance to win this year's honors!

Tomorrow’s Technician is pleased to partner with Chicago Pneumatic to present the 2008/09 School of the Year Award

We want to honor the best Automotive School in the U.S., and we invite you to enter today! Nominations are also accepted*

To enter, send the required information and answer why "Your school should be named the School of the Year" in 500 words or less. You can send your entry to the address below or e-mail the information to: esunkin@babcox.com. Entries can also be submitted online at www.tomorrowstechnician.com. Click on the Chicago Pneumatic image. Finalists will be contacted by telephone.

In addition to nationwide recognition for a job well done, the 2009 School of the Year will receive a Chicago Pneumatic School of the Year flag and shop banners, plus Chicago Pneumatic tools, wearables and other prizes. Four regional prizes will be awarded, with the Grand Prize winner earning additional prizes and awards.

There are lots of ways to enter!

Send the required information, plus the answer to the qualifying question to: 2008/09 School of the Year, 3550 Embassy Parkway, Akron, OH 44333.
Email your response to esunkin@babcox.com.
Submit your response online by clicking the Chicago Pneumatic/Tomorrow’s Technician School of the Year button at www.tomorrowstechnician.com.

Required Information to provide on Entry Form:

• Nominee’s Name and Position (must be current subscriber)

• School Name

• School Address

• City, State, Zip

• Daytime Phone Number

• E-mail Address

Qualifying Question:

Answer the following question (500 words or less):

Why should your school be named this year’s School of the Year?

Midas Ad: Candian Police Chase

amarkel — Mon, 27 Oct 2008 16:00:00 GMT

Great ad from Midas!

Cheap Drilled and Slotted Rotors

amarkel — Wed, 22 Oct 2008 13:52:00 GMT

I spotted this on YouTube this morning. It show how cracks can start in the holes of a cross-drilled rotor. The rotor probably was junk in the first place, putting holes and slots in it did not help.

Chicago Pnuematic (CP) CP7830Q 3/8" Inch Air Ratchet

amarkel — Mon, 20 Oct 2008 19:17:00 GMT

The Chicago Pnuematic (CP) CP7830Q 3/8" Inch Air Ratchet is called the "Quiet One". But, can the quiet kid in class get the attention over the students raising raising hand and going "Pick Me! Pick Me!"? I think CP has done it with this tool.
On paper, the CP7830Q has a maximum ultimate torque of 90 ft/lbs that is generated by .5hp air motor. CP claims that it is the most powerful ratchet in its class. The rest of the specs like free speed and air consumption are even with the competition from IR and Snap-on. But, it is how CP packages these attributes while throwing in some unique features that sets it apart.
The reason why they call this the "Quiet One" is a noise control system that silences the exhaust. The adjustable noise control is changed by rotating a sleeve around the body of the ratchet. The noise reduction is noticeable and it also points the exhaust in any desired direction. CP claims that there is no reduction in power, and I did not noticed any loss of power with the it fully muffled. CP claims that it can be as quiet as 79 dBA. Why is noise control important? It has be proven that constant exposure can damage your hearing, but it also causes stress.
The rubberized handle survived the aerosol brake clean solvent test after the ratchet was used to remove a greasy cylinder head. I liked the handle, it has a nice feel and I felt I could use more force on it. Also, the oval shape of the handle felt comfortable at any angle. The CP7830Q was dropped it several times from 6 ft. and it did not break.
On cold days the rubber surface felt a lot better to hold than cold cast aluminum.
The trigger works well and had good feel with controllability. It may take a while to adjust if you have used a lever trigger for a long time. Also, it is a nice touch CP includes the protective head boot with the tool instead of trying to sell it to you later on.
Overall, I would recommend the CP7830Q ratchet is you are looking for a 3/8" air ratchet. This is a quality tool that is well worth the purchase price. It speaks softly, while letting you carry a big stick.

Rotors: Some Cheap Rotors Use Less Steel!

amarkel — Mon, 20 Oct 2008 19:02:00 GMT

This will blow your mind!!!

Read more about the Raybestos Brand Brakes rotor study on AutoCareProNews

Wix Filters eLearning:

amarkel — Wed, 27 Aug 2008 13:04:00 GMT

In my mail yesterday I had a welcome surprise, my certificates of completion from the Wix's eLearning online courses and tests. They came in frames and look really nice. They will be going up somewhere in the office. I encourage every technician and counterman to take these courses

It is very “old school” and reminds me of a time when training was an important aspect of selling parts to technicians. I wish more automotive aftermarket manufacturers would do this.
Wix has done a really nice job with the online courses and you will learn something. Most of all, you will never again underestimate the complexity or importance of oil and air filters.
The product sales pitch is there for certain Wix specific features like spiral-wound center tubes and silicone anti-drainback valves, but it is only a small percentage of the total content. Overall, the content of the course was top notch.
These tests are a great prep for the ASE A1 test and can help you answer questions about PCV systems, oil flow and air induction systems.

Click here to go to the Wix eLearning website

Axle Fail

amarkel — Mon, 25 Aug 2008 14:57:00 GMT

Goodyear Closing 92 Stores: What Does it Mean to You?

amarkel — Mon, 25 Aug 2008 14:38:00 GMT

I saw this story and it made cringe, it has implications for students, shops and the supply chain.

Also, as a former employee at a Goodyear store (franchise), it make me a little sad.

Goodyear Exits Underperforming Retail Locations

AKRON, Ohio, August 19, 2008 – In a move to improve the profitability of its U.S. retail operations, The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company today said it plans to exit 92 underperforming locations by the end of the year.

"Following a rigorous review of operating performance and local market dynamics, these
company-owned outlets are not producing acceptable returns," said Scott Vogel, vice president, retail operations, North American Tire.

"Taking this action now will allow us to focus our attention on locations with the best long-term potential," he said. "It will help position Goodyear to be a stronger competitor."

Vogel said the company is not announcing the store locations impacted due to its desire to first communicate with their approximately 500 full-time and 100 part-time associates as well as property owners of leased facilities.

The action will result in after-tax charges of approximately $30 million, of which $15 million will be recorded in the third quarter of 2008. In addition to the strategic benefits associated with it, the action is expected to eliminate losses related to these locations of approximately $9 million annually.

So what does it mean to you?

Students: There will be a lot of ex-Goodyear technicians and tire busters looking for jobs.

Shops: Less competition? Maybe. But, there will be a lot of empty prime retail space looking for buyers or renters. It might be a chance to upgrade your location.

Equipment Manufacturers: Remember when Penske/Kmart closed their locations? There was a glut of used shop equipment on the market. While the number of closing Goodyear stores is not as great, it will still have an impact on the market.

I WANT THIS LIFT!!!!

amarkel — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 18:05:00 GMT

It may only fit one vehicle and lifts it four feet, but it is a work of art.

TPMS: GearWrench Introduces New Kit.

amarkel — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 19:30:00 GMT

This is a cool tool:

From the press release:

GearWrench, a premier hand tool brand from Danaher Tool Group, announced the launch of its new Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) Kit. The new kit will help with TPMS sensor maintenance during tire and rim changes.

"The TPMS kit from GearWrench offers a solution for automotive professionals who had to previously use several different tools to achieve the same result," said Marc Mangus, senior brand manager for GearWrench. "Technicians and DIY enthusiasts can rely solely on the new kit to tighten TPMS sensors to the desired torque."

In April 2005, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration issued a rule requiring automakers to install TPMS sensors in all new passenger cars and trucks beginning in September 2007. "This is an essential tool for technicians who handle maintenance on new cars, specifically cars purchased during the last three years," added Mangus.

The new TPMS Kit features a sliding adjustable torque scale for easy setting and an audible alert that indicates when the predetermined torque value has been reached. The kit also features a flexible drive for a screwdriver or torque wrench. The quarter-inch size can accommodate up to 120 pounds of air pressure. The kit includes a valve stem tool and two commonly used sockets for TPMS sensor maintenance.

The set comes complete in a convenient blow mold case with a suggested retail price of $150. Beginning in August, the GearWrench TPMS Kit will be available through mobile tool distributors.

Snap-on Verus: Snap-on's New Scan Tool

amarkel — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 14:44:00 GMT

I found this through iATN on the Snap-on Verus. Interesting....

If the video does not embed, click here it to watch on YouTube

Dealers are quoting prices between $8-10K.

ASE A5 (Brakes) A4 (Suspension) Test Tips/Study Guide

amarkel — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 13:59:00 GMT

I just passed my ASE exams for the A1, A4 and A5 tests. I used the more expensive Computer-Based-Testing (CBT) that takes place in August and February, it is nice and a little less hectic than classroom testing. I would highly recommend if you are easily distracted (I was the only one in the room!).

Here are my notes about what to study or brush up on. Every CBT and written test is different:

A5 Brakes
• One CAN BUS question relating to brake warning lights. But, if you can follow a wiring diagram you can answer the question.
• One a question about ABS isolation and outlet valves.
• Two questions on hydro boost. They were concerned about pump diagnostics and the supply of hydraulic pressure to the hydro-boost unit.

A4 Suspension and Steering
• Three power steering questions. You must understand the role of return lines, supply lines and valves.
• Five questions about tire wear patterns.
• Three question were asked where the alignment angles (actual and specs±) were given and the tester had to interpret them.
• No "new technology" (electric power steering, air ride, etc...) questions were asked in my version.

Woodward Dream Cruise: Rare Detroit Grand Prix IV Ford/Mercury Capri Cruises

amarkel — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 13:31:00 GMT

I remember this car from my youth. In 1985, I remember going to the Detroit Grand Prix with my father and brother and seeing a fleet of these special edition Mercury Capri pace cars. There were less than 30 made!

Here is link to the Mercury Capri Grand Prix Registry.

Woodward Dream Cruise: Do you think some people take their jobs way too seriously?

amarkel — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 13:06:00 GMT

This past weekend, I attended the Woodward Dream Cruise. It is the largest one day automotive event that has turned into a three-day party celebrating the automobile. Along with the cars cruising a 15-mile stretch of Woodward there are people on all manner of non street legal vehicles (golf carts, riding lawnmowers and bicycles). I spotted a tow truck in Pontiac with the operator carefully loading a 50cc pocket bike away and the owner in the back of a police car. Do you really think he needs a flatbed?

Failure Pattern: ABS Wheel Bearing Hub Unit Wiring Harness Failures After New Unit is Installed.

amarkel — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 13:45:00 GMT

The most vulnerable part of a wheel bearing hub unit with integrated wheel speed sensor is the connector. Regardless of the design, the integrity of the circuit comes down to the seal in the connector. If the seal is not replaced and properly seated, water and corrosion can cause an intermittent problem with the wheel speed sensor signal.
The most common failure is the foam or rubber seal falling out of the female connector during installation.

SKF has released a tech tip on the subject in their August Pole Position e-newsletter.

Preventing ABS sensor failure in pigtail style hub assemblies

“Make sure the weather pack has not fallen out of the harness. Replace if missing. Without the weather pack, water intrusion will occur damaging both the ABS sensor on the hub and the harness side wiring and connector.”

Click Here To See the Full Tech Tip

BMW in has released its own Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) on the topic:

SEAL ON 2- AND 3-PIN PLUG CONNECTORS
When connecting or disconnecting 2- or 3-pin plug connectors on any BMW model, it is possible for the rectangular seal to fall out of the plug housing. If this should occur, the loss of the seal can easily go unnoticed. See Fig. 5.
In addition to preventing moisture from seeping into the plug, the seal also ensures that the two halves of the plug are properly tensioned so that the contacts do not move within the plug. If such movement should occur, the contacts may develop corrosion.
Corroded and/or loose contacts can cause problems with the proper functioning of the vehicle, and may cause difficulty with diagnosis due to the possible intermittent nature of such problems.
Service Procedure:
It is essential that you check that the seal is in place before connecting a 2- or 3-pin plug connector. If the seal is missing, it must be replaced.

Tech Tip: Best Advice Column Ever

amarkel — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 13:15:00 GMT

I saw this on failblog.org.

Do you have the feeling the Miriam is a guy?

ACTRON ABS BRAKE SCAN: Cracking C Codes

amarkel — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 18:34:00 GMT

The Actron ABS BrakeScan CP9449 can be purchased for around $230 at most tool and auto parts retailers. But, should professional technicians buy this tool? Can it increase diagnostic productivity? I say, yes.
The CP9449 can be a great starting point for a diagnostic process when resolving ABS MIL light conditions. Most technicians have a work flow pattern or diagnostic process when it comes to ABS repairs. Unlike engine diagnostics, the ABS systems will disable itself if certain faults codes are present. So, observing the condition on a first test drive is almost impossible. This is why access to the fault codes are so important.
The Actron ABS BrakeScan can read ABS codes and display their definitions. The unit has manufacturer specific codes and definitions loaded on the unit.
The unit is especially helpful for initially diagnosing wheel speed sensors. The CP9449 can point you to the correct wheel for inspection of the sensor, tone ring and harness. Also, it can also pull codes for ABS hydraulic components like pump motors, solenoids and switches.
The CP9449 boots quickly and in under 10 key stroke (depending on make and model menus). Compared to a full-feature scan tool, by the time it has booted, you can have the ABS codes with the ABS BrakeScan.
The unit can not erase or clear codes. Once a repair has been made, the ABS computer on most vehicles, should turn off the ABS MIL light at completion of the next drive cycle or self test.

Case Studies
On a 2002 Ford Explorer, I used the tool to pull a code for an erratic signal from a wheel speed sensor signal on the left front. Then I used my full-feature scan tool to look at the data-stream for that sensor. Next, I probed the circuit with my scope and found the damaged wiring harness. The CP9449 saved me time by focusing the diagnostic process on the left front.
Another great feature about this tool is that it will pull "advisory" or "soft" codes that do not turn on the ABS MIL light. On a 2004 GMC Sonoma, I pulled code C0281. It indicates a problem with the brake lamp circuit. After inspecting the switch and circuit, I looked up the conditions needed to set the code.

Code C0281 is set if computer never sees the brake switch release after speeds above 15 mph during start-up. The guy who owns the truck was 6'8" with size 16 shoes, he said that is common to get his feet lightly stuck on the top of the brake pedal.

Coverage
The vehicle coverage for most domestic vehicles from 1996 to 2005. When I say "most", I mean the ABS systems that can be accessed through the OBD II diagnostic port. If you work on police, cabs or municipal light-vehicle fleets, this is the tools for you. It has almost every police car, van and pick-up truck from the Detroit Three supported.

The unit has a USB port and a "program" mode in the setup menu, this means the tool can be updated via the Internet as new software is written. The back-lit display is great in extremely bright conditions. If you install a 9-volt battery you can save the codes and the vehicle you worked on last.
It is well made, and the plastic case and rubber buttons held up well. The cable is six-feet long and well made.

Recommendation
The vehicle coverage may be the only thing that may hold a technician back from buying this tool. If most of the vehicles you work on are domestic, this is a great tool. The tool does not have all of the bells and whistles of a full-feature scan tool. But, this simplicity gives it an advantage when you want quick answers about ABS MIL lights.
Is it worth the asking price? I think it can be a great tool to work into your initial ABS diagnostic process. I would personally recommend this tool.

Tools: The best thread on the internet

amarkel — Thu, 07 Aug 2008 14:26:00 GMT

On Garage Journal there is a thread on the forum called "Let's See Your Toolbox". Since its start in 2005, the thread has grown to an amazing 70 pages!

If you are a tool junkie or in the business, it is a must read. If you are not a member of Garage Journal, join today.

Let's See Your Toolbox Thread

Centric White Paper: Removal of Uneven Pad Deposits with Aggressive Friction

amarkel — Thu, 07 Aug 2008 14:21:00 GMT

I spotted this white paper on the Centric Prart’s website. It is an interesting approach to removing friction material from rotors. The paper comes from Centric’s Stop Tech Division. On large expensive rotors, the procedure makes sense when compared to machining the rotor. The disc thickness variation (DTV) caused by friction material is a real problem, especially if the vehicle is using a pad that generates high cold torque numbers using transfer layer tribology.

Removal of Uneven Pad Deposits with Aggressive Friction
Uneven pad deposits can often be effectively removed from rotors by using a pad compound that is more
abrasive at lower temperatures. StopTech has found the Hawk 9012 (Hawk Blue) compound to be particularly effective in removing uneven pad deposits from rotors. Other higher temperature performance pads may also effectively “scrub” off uneven pad deposits, however we have found the Hawk 9012 to be the best for this application.

WARNING- Only keep abrasive pads in place long enough to remove the uneven deposits. Leaving pads that are abrasive at low temperatures in service on the street longer than necessary will dramatically wear rotors.

To download the complete paper, go to CENTRIC PARTS

Jay Ohrberg: Automotive Insanity

amarkel — Thu, 07 Aug 2008 13:38:00 GMT

I stumbled onto Jay Ohrberg's website by accident this morning. The man has made some amazing vehicles. Jay has made the movie vehicles like Super Dave Osborne's Boat Car to several versions of the Batmobile. He has also made show cars that boogle the mind, like the Bath Tub Car, Red Barron and Pinocchio. Jay Ohrberg, a unique member of the Hollywood community, is unsurpassed in the fields of automotive design and craftsmanship. Additionally, he has earned the title “The King of Show Cars” for his abilities as an experimental builder and imaginative designer of specialty show cars. Jay is also a preeminent collector of the cars that inspired him in his own career.

Jay’s automotive career spans the course of his life.At an early age he began “…tinkering with cars, trying to find out what made ‘em tick.”Like his classmates, Jay enjoyed the hobby of Hot-Rodding throughout his high school days, but he wasn’t content with simply owning and driving a “rod”; instead, he had to build his own car to be satisfied with the structural integrity, overall appearance and performance.

ASE A4: Steering & Suspension Study Guide

amarkel — Wed, 06 Aug 2008 14:20:00 GMT

Here are three "must read" articles from BRAKE & FRONT END that will help you pass the ASE A4 exam

Ball Joint Service and Inspection

When to Replace Steering Knuckles
and Arms

Solving Alignment Problems with Basic Angles

Wetmore's Garage, Ferndale Michigan

amarkel — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 19:13:00 GMT

Here are a couple of pictures from my photo library of Wetmore's Garage in Ferndale, Mi. Wetmore's is right on Woodward Avenue. It always had a car sticking out of the second floor. The wobbly wheels of the car rotate.

Cool,

ASE A5(BRAKES) Study Buddy: Master Cylinders and Quick Take Up Valves

amarkel — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 18:14:00 GMT

I am currently studying for the ASE tests. One weakness I identified through the mock tests was my understanding of brake system hydraulics.

But, I found this article from my magazine and it has really helped me!

Follow a Diagnostic Process When Curing a Low Brake Pedal, Bill Williams, Brake & Front End, June 2001

There are certain constants in this world and dealing with low brake pedals is one of them. Incorrect diagnosis of low brake pedals accounts for a great deal of wasted manpower and replacement of unnecessary parts. The list of possible causes of a low brake pedal differs from one vehicle to another. Unfortunately, one of the common mistakes made by technicians when diagnosing this condition is treating all vehicles the same. This is a big mistake. It would be like a doctor performing the same physical on a male and female patient. I think you get the idea.

In this article, we are going to take a close look at one group of vehicles that tends to experience low brake pedals more than most others. The vehicles in question are General Motors trucks built from 1980 to 1999. This includes the C-, K-, M-, R-, V-, G-, S- and T-series platforms. I think you recognize by this list the chances of you being impacted by these vehicles on a regular basis are pretty high. The better the handle you have on what can cause a low brake pedal on these vehicles, the more effective you will be in diagnosing the problem. For the sake of space we are not going to cover all aspects of diagnosing a low brake pedal condition. I would suggest you dig out your October 1999 issue of Brake and Front End and do a quick review. (The article can also be found on www.brakeandfrontend.com.) This article goes into specifics about the group of vehicles listed above.

More

ADVICE FROM THE ANSWERMAN: PROPERLY FUNCTIONING CALIPER CAN HELP PREVENT BRAKE DUST GENERATIO

amarkel — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 18:00:00 GMT

This Tech Tip came from Bendix Brakes about Brake Dust, the logic is sound, but I wish there was a test to determine the health of the caliper seal besides observing the symptoms...

Caliper Retraction Critical Component
Troy, Mich., July 23, 2008 – As technicians service brake systems on more vehicles with alloy wheels, the Bendix® Brakes Answerman team recommends paying special attention to the brake calipers.

“More and more vehicles leave the factory with alloy wheels and while they greatly enhance the appearance of a vehicle, they also generate more complaints from consumers due to brake dust,” said Jay Buckley, Honeywell CPG technical training manager and Bendix® Brakes Answerman. “A number of factors go into reducing the amount of brake dust that ends up on a vehicle’s wheels – like the use of ceramic brake pads, for instance – but a properly functioning caliper also plays a key role in preventing the unsightly grime on today’s wheels.”

So beyond removing all rust and corrosion from a caliper’s sliding area, inspecting the caliper for proper retraction is important, especially on old calipers that haven’t been changed. Even though the piston gets pushed in and everything seems to be working normally, on older calipers, retraction can take longer than it should.

“The square cut seal inside the caliper does more than keep fluid inside. It actually winds up like a rubber band when the brakes are applied so it acts as a spring, retracting the caliper pistons and getting the pads back off the rotor,” said Buckley. “Like any spring that expands and retracts thousands of times, it will eventually become fatigued.”

It may then do a poor job of retracting the pads back off the rotor. This slow retraction allows the pads to remain in contact with the rotor longer than needed, resulting in more brake dust generation and premature brake wear.
“If you are servicing a high mileage vehicle that has chronic ‘brake dust’ and it has not had regular brake fluid flushes, it may be time for a pair of fresh calipers.”
The Bendix® brand has two caliper options for technicians to choose from, all of which include the necessary hardware and components for quick installation, as well as pre-lubed and pre-assembled bushings and guide bolts if the OE design calls for it.
• Bendix® Loaded Calipers are assembled using genuine Bendix® premium disc brake pads to provide quality and performance that professional technicians have come to expect.
• Bendix® Select Loaded Calipers allow technicians to select which Bendix brand friction they want included. All calipers are individually wrapped in vapor corrosion inhibitor paper for maximum shelf life.

For more information and tips from the Bendix team, log on to www.bendixbrakes.com or e-mail bendixmarketing.com.

Found On Ebay: There is more than one way to lathe a cat!

amarkel — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 14:39:00 GMT

I saw this on eBay, it makes me wonder if the cat has turned the chip tray into a litter box.