Service Advisor: Giving the Sway Bar a Tune Up
Unless the chassis anti-roll bar — also called the sway bar or stabilizer — is making noise, it tends to be missed when the suspension is serviced. Here’s how to provide a proper undercar inspection to the Sway Bar components.
Undercover: Double Down — The Advantages of Twin-Tube Shocks
Twin-tube shocks and struts have been used as original equipment on most vehicles for many years.
Undercover: Getting a Charge out of Monotube Gas Shocks
From the outside, most shock absorbers and struts look pretty much alike: a round steel tube that telescopes up and down with bushings or fittings on both ends. But inside there can be significant design differences that affect not only the ride control characteristics and performance of the damper, but also its cost.
Performance Primer: Tuner and Hooch
Any engine builder worth his or her salt knows that when you design a race engine to run on alcohol, you always have to take into account the requirement of the extra fuel required. This may be as simple as changing out carburetor jets, upping the size of fuel injectors, or even redesigning the fuel delivery system to larger lines, multiple pumps, etc. These rules aren’t folklore created by fuel salesmen and the aftermarket; these rules all have a scientific reason behind them.
Undercover: Sensing Dangers: Safety System Diagnostics
How Wheel Speed Sensors Play a Vital Role in Safety System Activation.
Undercover: Herding Cats Can be ‘Exhaust’ing
Real life has proven that the life span of a catalytic converter varies as greatly as the life span of the vehicle itself. One catalytic converter may not fail in 200,000+ miles, while another won’t even make it out of the vehicle’s base warranty. One thing is for sure, they aren’t going away as long as vehicles are powered by fossil fuels. So let’s talk some about how they work, then move on to spotting one that is misbehaving.
Performance Primer: Antiques Roadshow
Journeying Into the Restoration Market
Web Exclusive: Gearing Up for Timing Belt and Chain Work
The best time for a timing belt or chain to be replaced is before it fails. Technical Editor Larry Carley discusses items to consider when timing belt or chain work arrives in your shop or school in this Web Exclusive article.
Undercover Take II: Becoming Unbalanced
Tricks and Tips to Help You Handle Common Ride Complaints
Undercover: Suspension Upgrades for the Sport Compacts
Unfortunately, too many hot-rod sport compacts don’t have enough suspension upgrades to handle their muscle-car horsepower. Import specialist shops may be asked, on an increasing basis, to align, modify or fine-tune increasingly elaborate suspension systems.
Service Advisor: Impacting Consumer Oil Change Habits
Is it a good idea for you to try and save your future customers 50% or more on their oil change services?
Undercover: Check It Out – Making Drum Brake System Inspections
Though it isn’t required, many brake experts recommend replacing the drum hardware when the brakes are relined to restore the brakes to like-new condition. But often the hardware isn’t replaced because it doesn’t seem necessary.