Tie Rod Inspection: Discovering The Danger Zone
Excessive tie rod play is difficult to ignore for any driver. It may start with tire wear on the inner edge of the front tires. Next, there could be a slight knocking during braking or acceleration. Last, tie rod play could manifest itself in a knocking noise while turning.
Active Ride Control Diagnostics
In the 1990s, adjustable valve shocks and struts were all the rage. These systems had two or three comfort and sport settings that could be changed with buttons on the dash. These systems played the role of firming up the suspension if the driver wanted a sporty feel while driving. These systems have evolved to the point where they can actively change dampening characteristics in milliseconds.
Do’s And Don’ts Of Head Gaskets
Do: Clean the Holes To ensure accurate torque values and to avoid cracking the cylinder block, clean any dust, dirt, oil and fluid from the cylinder block head bolt holes before installing the new head gasket and head bolts. Never lubricate the head bolts with a friction-modified oil. Unless otherwise specified, lightly lubricate the bolt
Component Connection: Gasket Q & A
Question: When replacing gaskets on an engine, do I just scrape or peel off the old gaskets, or do I have to do something else? Answer: Removing gaskets used to be a fairly simple procedure. Most engines used to have cast iron blocks and heads, with iron manifolds and stamped steel covers. Iron castings could
Torque And Runout: Measure Twice, Install Once
There are two critical measurements when installing a modern hub unit or cartridge bearing: torque and runout in the flange. Ignoring these critical numbers to save time will only lead to more comebacks and angry customers.
2007-2014 Ford Edge Brake Service
Protect the caliper piston and boots when pushing the caliper piston into the bores. Make sure that the caliper guide pin boots are fully seated, or damage to the caliper guide could occur.
13 Alternator And Battery Testing And Diagnostic Tips
If only battery voltage is present at the battery on a running engine, does this mean the alternator is “bad?” No, it does not. That only means that the alternator is not charging, but does not reveal why. Therefore, it does not prove a faulty alternator.
How To Repair And Replace Brake Lines, Tubing And Fittings
Now more than ever, people are keeping their cars longer, new road de-icers are eating lines like never before, and brake line pressures are higher due to ABS and stability control systems. In short, today’s automotive landscape is a perfect storm for brake line replacement.
Catch A System Failure Before It Interrupts Travel Plans
The typical family vacation might start with a trip to a repair shop to get the oil changed and the vehicle inspected. Taking the extra time to inspect the belts and hoses can make for a trouble-free vacation for your customer and extra revenue for your shop, while a broken belt or burst hose can bring any vacation to an immediate halt at the side of the road.
Stocking TPMS Service Kits And Sensors
Every time a TPMS sensor is removed from a rim, it must be serviced – no ifs, ands or buts – and you must not reuse the seals or stems.
Mini Cooper Alignment Specs
First- and second-generation Mini Coopers are not a difficult car to align. 2002-2006 models are designated R50 models, and 2007-2013 models are R56 models. The convertible is called a R52, the Clubman is a R55, and the first-generation S-Models are R53s.
Failing O2 Sensors Result In Increased Emissions And Fuel Consumption
The engine computer needs to know what the fuel mixture is with a high degree of precision so it can optimize fuel economy as well as emissions. If the information received by the powertrain control module (PCM) from its sensors is not accurate, it may command too much fuel or not enough.
