Undercover: Bearing the Load
When engineers came up with the idea of putting the wheel speed sensor (WSS) and tone ring inside a sealed wheel bearing hub assembly, it seemed like a great idea. The sealed environment would help protect the sensor and make it less vulnerable to damage or contamination from the outside world.
Report Card: From Student to Teacher
Following her graduation from high school last year, Rachel Fonseca has continued down the automotive service road.
The Real World: Testing Your Coolant Knowledge
All types of antifreeze contain corrosion-inhibiting chemicals to protect bare metal surfaces from electrolytic attack. Though automakers disagree on which chemical additives work best in their vehicles, essentially any kind of antifreeze will work in any vehicle. But, how well will it protect the cooling system? And, for how long? And will it void the OEM warranty? These are important questions that need to be answered before choosing an antifreeze for a particular vehicle application.
TT September Pop Quiz: Chassis
This month’s pop quiz addresses the chassis system. Choose the answer that best completes the following statements or questions.
(Note – Answer key provided following the Pop Quiz – answers in bold.)
Crossword Puzzle: September 2009
Across 1. Technician’s diagnostic drive (4,4) 5. Spindle synonym, ____ axle 9. Timing-belt alternative 10. Combination-wrench section (4,3) 11. Piston’s TDC to BDC travel 12. Fuel reservoirs 14. Adjective for auto-electric current 16. Negative battery cable 19. Item in power-window system 21. Intake-system item 24. Roadster accessory, ____ cover 25. Right-angle hydraulic or fuel fitting
Real World: Future Auto Rising Stars Shine in Dearborn
Aspiring auto technicians and rising seniors, Justin Dwyer and Matthew Ludwig from Faribault High School in Faribault, MN, recorded the best score in the 2009 Ford/AAA Student Auto Skills National Finals.
Undercover: Joining the ‘Brake Booster’ Club
In school, I took physics and wondered if I would ever use any of the scientific stuff. All of that stuff is kind of important if you want to know how altitude can affect the performance of a vacuum brake booster, engine, your body and a whole lot of other devices.
Tool Rules: How Well Do You Know Your Hand Protection?
— Sure, you may wear them in the auto lab, but are your disposable gloves the right ones for the job?
Under the Hood: Diesel Dialog- Talking ‘Bout Performance Diesel Pistons
The interest in diesel performance has been growing. Bolt-on performance packages for diesel-powered pickup trucks can easily add 75-150 horsepower or more for everyday driving and towing. While pulling has been the traditional use for diesel-powered tractors and trucks, diesel-powered vehicles are now winning races and setting records in venues that have long been the exclusive realm of gasoline-powered engines.
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.
YAWA: Wiper Blades
You Asked, We Answered (YAWA) — This month we address your Wiper Blade questions.