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.
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: 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.
Crossword Puzzle: August 2008
Across 1. Crankshaft-runout measuring tool (4,9) 8. Unexpected engine stoppage 9. Shifter selection 10. Car-tunes source 11. Alignment-shop measurement (3,2) 13. Interstate-access path 15. Sylvester Stallone’s ’01 racing movie 18. Substance injected into windshield stone chip 20. Carmaker’s
Uncovering Hyundai Repairs With Undercar Inspections
The brake and suspension systems on Hyundai’s popular line of cars and SUVs are both undercar systems where problems can be detected during routine maintenance.
Cooling System Cures: Performing Water Pump Check-Ups
The water pump, used to keep coolant circulating between the engine and radiator to get rid of the heat, is such an important component that should be checked along with the cooling system on regular intervals.
Component Connection: A Little Homework Goes a Long Way
A Study in Starter Failures – In the early days of the automobile, starting an engine consisted of first retarding the spark and adjusting the hand choke to optimum fuel mixture. The next step was to pull a cylinder onto compression stroke and “snap” the piston past top dead center with the hand crank. Modern starters, of course, use an electric solenoid to close the circuit between the battery and starter motor and to keep the drive pinion engaged with the flywheel until the engine achieves idle speed.
Engine Series: Restoring a Vehicle to Like-New Performance
Power to the People: An independent repair shop has a handful of engine replacement options available: a used engine, a quality rebuilt, a remanufactured or new OE engine.
Undercover: Steering Comebacks Away From You
Understanding the Mysteries of the Thrust Angle
15 Ride Control Tips
Tips That Will Help You Sell a Ride Control Job – and Do it Right