Ford F-150 EcoBoost 3.5L Pattern Failures
With almost 400,000 3.5L EcoBoost engines on the road today, these engines have proven to be a solid power unit. Many of these engines are out of warranty and heading to your shop. Here are the top failures and what to look for.
Understanding Wheel Bearing Seals
A seal must always be installed so that the sealing lip is facing the fluid to be sealed. This is because the lip is made so that pressure applied to it from the “wet” side of the seal will tend to increase the pressure the lip applies to the shaft. If the seal is installed backwards, pressure acting on the “wrong” side of the lip will cause it to lift from the shaft, resulting in leakage. On most seals, the correct side is obvious; however, on others it is not.
Understanding Friction And Formulations
Friction is the force resisting the relative motion of elements sliding against each other. In the case of cars and trucks, it is the brake pads pushing against a rotor that changes kinetic energy into heat.
Why Oil Filters Matter To Extended Oil Change Intervals
Neglected oil change intervals can ruin the best engine oils and filters. As engine oil and the filter accumulate miles, they become contaminated with carbon, water and various acids, all of which are a byproduct of internal combustion that will form a film of black, gooey sludge on the interior parts of the engine.
Diagnosing Belt Wear
The original equipment belts on late-model vehicles are made of synthetic materials and are far more heat-resistant and wear-resistant than older materials. These innovations mean serpentine belts may last up to 100,000 miles before they need to be replaced. If a belt fails sooner, you need to be a detective and investigate why it failed.
The Story Behind The Bundle Of Snakes Exhaust System
When the phrase “bundle of snakes” is uttered about an exhaust system, two cars come to mind: the Ford GT40 and Lotus 38. These were not the first vehicles to use this type of exhaust configuration, but they were the first to be called a “bundle of snakes” and make exhaust systems look more like art than science.
New Or Old, Rotors Must Be Measured
Installing new rotors without ever measuring and documenting the condition of the old rotor is like playing chicken with a comeback. Sooner rather than later, you will find a vehicle that will not be magically fixed by a new set of rotors. In fact, the new rotors may cause even more problems and lead to an unsatisfied customer.
2007-2011 Ford Expedition And Navigator Air Suspension
The Ford Expedition air suspension does more than just lift and raise the vehicle. The system levels the vehicle under loads and when a trailer is attached. The system uses only two air bags on the rear axle unlike previous models with air bags on all four corners.
Stretch Belts: Inspection And Installation
Why stretch belts? For the more than two decades, automakers have consolidated accessory drive components onto one belt. It worked for most engines, but for some it presented issues with noise and vibration as the A/C compressor engaged.
Troubleshooting ABS Modulator Mechanical Problems
Mechanical issues with the ABS modulator, or hydraulic control units (HCU), are rare, but they can happen. With more and more vehicles on the roads with older ABS systems that have not seen proper brake fluid maintenance, mechanical issues are becoming more common.
Coolants Can Lose Their Ability To Protect The Engine
Coolant at 100,000 miles may look the same as coolant with zero miles. The real difference between good and bad coolant can’t be seen with the naked eye; it is in the chemistry.
The Key To Stopping Brake Noise
Noisy brakes are not squeaking door hinges waiting to be lubed. You cannot simply apply a magic substance to make them quiet.
