Andrew Markel, Author at Tomorrows Technician - Page 103 of 105
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GM Late-Model Brake Job

GM currently has about eight active vehicle platforms in North America, and many of these platforms share foundation brake ­technology and ­systems, like ABS and parking brakes. Compared to the previous generation of GM vehicles, these brake systems are more robust, yet more precise, and focused on reducing brake noise problems. Nearly every GM passenger

Tech Tip: BMW TPMS Systems

BMW has offered Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems (TPMS) on most of its vehicles since 2002. Some 2002 and 2003 models have an indirect system called Flat Tire Monitor (FTM) that compares the inputs of the wheel speed sensors to detect a flat tire. These early indirect and direct systems were implemented not to meet the

Do’s & Don’ts of Carrier Gaskets

Don’t: Add sealants to carrier gaskets. Most carrier gaskets are designed to be installed dry. They do not need extra help to create a seal. Silicone can get in the ridges and change the bead. Do: Replace a plastic intake manifold if there are any signs of cracking or distortion. An intake manifold is cheaper

Under Cover: Measure Three Times, Shim and Cut Once

Stop pulsation comebacks before they start.

A Clean Fuel Tank Improves A Fuel Pump’s Diet

Fuel pump replacement comebacks can be costly and can hurt your reputation. One of the leading causes of failure is the tank. If a vehicle gets 20 miles to the gallon, then more than 5,000 gallons of gas (from many stations) will go through the tank in 100,000 miles. And during this time, sediment, rust

Brake Service on 7th Gen Honda Accords

The seventh-generation Honda Accord (2003-’08) and Acura TL are some of the top-selling vehicles in the U.S. They have a very simple brake system to service, but it can be prone to brake-noise issues if it’s not properly serviced. The system uses single-piston floating calipers in the front. In the rear, some models use single-piston

Brake Job: 2000-’06

The third-generation Hyundai Elantra is the vehicle that put the Korean automaker on the map. With a roomy interior and a reliable drivetrain, the Elantra sold well to a wide ­demographic of import and domestic buyers. The brake system, for the most part, is generic and not difficult to service. In this article, we’ll be

What’s in Your Tank?

Although cases involving ­contaminated gasoline are relatively rare nowadays, they still occur. In many cases, technicians have replaced the fuel pump or mass air flow (MAF) sensor to address a P0171/P0174 “lean-condition” DTC with no result. In all likelihood, the ­technician didn’t consider the possibility that the ­vehicle’s fuel might be ­contaminated with E85 gasoline,

Undercover: Shimology 101 — Breaking Down Brake Noise

High-quality brake shims are frequency and temperature engineered multi-layered products using varying grades of metal, viscoelastic polymers/bonding materials, elastomeric rubbers and fiberglass to reduce vibrations.

Recognizing Runout And Disc Thickness Variation – Tips To Decrease Comebacks

Replacing rotors on every brake job is not a cost-effective or efficient way to perform brake service.

Bearing Straights – Diagnosing Brinelling And Non-Noise Bearing Failures

In the good old days, most serviceable wheel bearings were maintained at least every 25,000 to 30,000 miles during a brake job. During this process, the races, stub axles and cages could be inspected for damage and replaced, if necessary.

Undercover: Solutions to Stopping Brake-Related Comebacks

The following are 10 tips that can help you more efficiently and effectively solve a brake comeback due to noise.