Steering Angle Sensor Calibration
We all know that the evolution of technology in our ever-changing automotive industry translates to many gray areas when it comes to servicing new vehicle systems using updated service procedures and tools. Steering angle sensor calibration is one of those gray areas.
Honda Civic Alignment Specs: 2006-’11
Built on a high-rigidity unit-body platform, the 2006-2011 Civic has a MacPherson strut front Âsuspension and a multi-link rear suspension. The eighth generation switched from a high mounted to a low mounted steering rack and significantly increased caster.
TPMS Sensor Battery: Dead Sensors Cause Other Problems, Too
The initial expectation was that the sensor’s batteries should last 5 to 6 years, and some did fail within that window – some failed even sooner. But for the most part, the batteries have exceeded expectations.
Checking Catalytic Converter Efficiency
The converter has an efficiency rating that is computed by the vehicle. This number rates the amount of reduction that is occurring in the converter and its ability to store oxygen.
Volkswagen Automatic Transmission Fluid Requirements
In response to multiple inquires about aftermarket universal (one fluid fits all) automatic transmission fluids and transmission flushing, Volkswagen Group of America and Volkswagen Canada have prepared the following statement.
Car Diagnostics And Testing: Proper Shop Procedures
Sometimes accuracy isn’t all that important, such as in a game of horseshoes or when tossing a hand grenade. But the same can’t be said for diagnosing today’s cars.
Developing Eco-Friendly Tires
There aren’t many products with a worse environmental image than tires. Too many people have seen huge piles of scrap tires, or worse still, burning tires that defy attempts to extinguish them. It’s a problem that’s hard to ignore, and, not surprisingly, tire manufacturers today seem to be very sensitive to the issue.
Brake Shims: How To Control Brake Noise
Brake shims are not designed for adjusting spacing and distance between friction material and the rotor. Shims provide multifunction noise control as a component attached to the friction pad backing plate.
Valves & Seats: There’s More Than Meets The Eye
The valves and seats in an internal combustion engine play a central role in engine breathing, compression, performance and longevity. It doesn’t matter if an engine has two, three, four or even five valves per cylinder or if the engine is gas or diesel because the valves all do the same thing: they open and close to allow air into the cylinders and exhaust to exit the cylinders.
Brake Assist: Diagnosing Low And Hard Brake Pedals
Brake pedal assist complaints are often subjective in nature and, for that reason, can be difficult to solve. Grandma, with her arthritic feet, might be highly sensitive to a slight loss of pedal assist, but her lead-footed grandson not so much. But on-going technology is bringing a certain degree of objectivity into brake-assist diagnosis.
Accessory Belts, Tensioners And Misfires: A Balancing Act
On an engineering level, the design of the accessory belt drive is a balancing act of efficiency, force and vibration. The more contact or wrap a belt has with a pulley, the more force or energy can be transmitted without slipping and the less tension the belt will need. But, this is not great for efficiency because it creates more friction and drag.
Ball Joint Engineering: Greasable And Sealed
One of the most frequent questions from my undercar customers is in regards to the availability of “greasable” chassis parts. Sealed-for-life components are very common at the OEM level, but many technicians have a definite preference for aftermarket greasable components. This poses the question: If greasable suspension joints are so popular, why don’t many modern suspensions have grease fittings anymore?
