Undercover: A ‘Switch’ in the Balance of Power
Electronic Brake Distribution Showing Up in More Vehicles
Under the Hood: Spark Plug and Ignition Wire Replacement
Minimizing Engine Misfires — Misfires are a huge no-no in vehicles that have to meet today’s low emissions requirements
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.)
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: Sensing Dangers: Safety System Diagnostics
How Wheel Speed Sensors Play a Vital Role in Safety System Activation.
Under the Hood: Short on Time – Compact Engine Timing Belt Service
As a rule, General Motors uses timing chains rather than timing belts on most of its engines. Timing chains are long-lived and reliable, and do not have a recommended replacement interval. But, not so with timing belts. One GM engine that does use a rubber timing belt is the 1.6L E-TECH II engine in the 2004 and up Chevrolet Aveo. We take a look at timing belt procedures for this and similar compact engines.
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.
The Rotary Engine Turns 40
On May 30, 1967, Mazda launched the world’s first twin-rotor rotary-engined car, the Mazda Cosmo Sport. The company now celebrates that engine’s 40th anniversary. In these past 40 years Mazda has produced nearly 2 million vehicles powered by the rotary engine. It was not until 1970, however, that Mazda sold rotary-engine-equipped cars in the United States. That was the 1970 R100; it was followed by the RX-2, RX-3,
RX-4 and RX-5 Cosmo. Incidentally, the 1970s even saw Mazda install the rotary engine in its Rotary Pickup truck.
Hot Heads For Cool Cars: Powerful Secrets Revealed
Adapted from Larry Carley’s article in ImportCar