Brake & Front End Blog

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?