Undercover: Getting Adjusted — Servicing Brake Self-Adjuster Systems on Classic Vehicles
While the combination of using front disc brakes with rear drum brakes on vehicles had its origins beginning in the 1970s, there are still quite a few of these old braking systems on the road that you might service, especially if you have customers who are classic car buffs. In this article, we’ll take a look at why this brake design was developed, and what to look for when servicing vehicle models from the 20th century.
Undercover: The 10 Commandments of Shocks and Struts
Many things affect vehicles in motion, including its speed, road conditions, wind and weight distribution. Therefore, the vehicle suspension system — shocks, struts and springs — must be in good condition to handle these variables. Here are 10 tips to help you better service these components.
Performance Primer: The DRIVING FORCES Behind Valvetrain Technology
The latest developments in lifters, pushrods, rocker arms, valve springs, retainers and valves are pushing the performance envelope to new highs. See why parts are getting lighter, stronger and capable of producing more horsepower than ever before.
Component Connection: Finding Failing Bearings
There can be literally dozens of reasons for premature wear or failure of an engine bearing.
Component Connection: Eliminating the Low Oil Pressure Gremlin
Whether you’re working as a production engine remanufacturer or a custom engine rebuilder, the low oil pressure issue for years has shown up in warranty or complaint arenas like the nasty gremlin that it is.
Service Advisor: Hard Start For Ford Due to Glow Plug
Without supplemental heat to get the fire going, a diesel engine may not start.
Gomer, Goober & Grease…
Professional Advice for Students Starting Out in Their Careers
Undercover: Putting the STOP to Pedal Pulsation
If a customer complains of pedal pulsation or steering wheel shimmy when the brakes are applied, the most common assumption is that heat, wear, corrosion or mechanical stress is causing a variation in braking torque to occur that’s directly proportionate to wheel speed.
Service Advisor: On-Car Rotor Resurfacing: Are You Doing it Right?
One of my favorite pieces of shop equipment is the on-the-car brake lathe. Not only do they resurface the rotors to the center line of the wheel bearings, they speed the job up in some cases – making it a win/win situation.
Service Advisor: Wiper Blade Q & A
Changing a set of wiper blades is fairly simple on most vehicles — once you’ve had some experience with the various blade mounting systems
Service Advisor: Avoiding Overfilling Ford Oil Levels
The best time for determining oil level is after the oil has had sufficient drain-back time to the sump.
Service Advisor: Read Any Good Tires Lately?
As a rule, all tires should wear evenly across the full face of the tread as long as wheel alignment is correct, the tires are maintained at the recommended inflation pressure, and the vehicle is driven sensibly.