Understanding Friction And Formulations
Friction is the force resisting the relative motion of elements sliding against each other. In the case of cars and trucks, it is the brake pads pushing against a rotor that changes kinetic energy into heat.
New Or Old, Rotors Must Be Measured
Installing new rotors without ever measuring and documenting the condition of the old rotor is like playing chicken with a comeback. Sooner rather than later, you will find a vehicle that will not be magically fixed by a new set of rotors. In fact, the new rotors may cause even more problems and lead to an unsatisfied customer.
Troubleshooting ABS Modulator Mechanical Problems
Mechanical issues with the ABS modulator, or hydraulic control units (HCU), are rare, but they can happen. With more and more vehicles on the roads with older ABS systems that have not seen proper brake fluid maintenance, mechanical issues are becoming more common.
The Key To Stopping Brake Noise
Noisy brakes are not squeaking door hinges waiting to be lubed. You cannot simply apply a magic substance to make them quiet.
Regenerative Brakes: Basic Operation And Behavior
A hybrid vehicle is a different animal than many of us are used to seeing. After all, if the engine of a typical vehicle stalled out at a traffic light, the driver of that vehicle would know something was wrong with it. If that same vehicle still drove with the engine off, then that would mean they were probably going down hill. But in the hybrid world, that is all normal.
The Mathematics Of Selling Brake Services
In this feature, I’ll explore how brake services can be packaged to Âincrease profit, reduce comebacks and reduce labor costs.
Brake Edge Code Updates Explained
Notice anything different about those edge codes on that set of brake pads you just ordered? If you haven’t yet, you will.
Brake Hose Inspection And Replacement
Brake hoses are the most government-regulated components on a vehicle. Anyone making brake assemblies must be registered with the Department of Transportation (DOT). All aftermarket hose, fittings and complete hoses must conform to FMVSS 106 and SAE J1401. These tests are demanding and often exceed what a vehicle will see in the real world.
Performing A Brake Job On A 2007-2013 Toyota Tundra
For 2007, the Toyota Tundra was redesigned. The body changed, and the foundation brake system was also updated with larger front brake calipers and rear disc brakes. The control system and hydraulics changed with a new vehicle stability system that included yaw, steering angle and brake pedal load sensors.
Thorough Brake Inspections Are Comeback Preventers & Profit Builders
How many times have you seen a hand-painted sign in a shop window that advertised a menu-priced brake pad replacement for “$XX.95 per axle.” Of course, a menu-priced brake replacement would be good if a simple brake pad replacement would cure all of the root causes of a brake performance complaint. Unfortunately, menu-priced brake pad replacements are a customer comeback in the making because the customer often leaves with the same squeaking, grinding, pulsation, grabbing or pulling complaints that brought him to the shop in the first place.
Electronic Parking Brake Diagnostics
A growing number of vehicles are equipped with electronic parking brakes (EPB) that automatically engage the parking brake when the transmission is shifted into park or it detects that the vehicle is on a hill. If you are doing a brake job on a vehicle with EPB, you will need a scan tool with the proper software for the EPB system to retract pistons calipers, adjust cables and perform diagnostics.
Honda Element Brake Job
It may look like a car that was never removed from the box it came in, but the Honda Element isn’t boxy when it comes to the brakes. Based on the CR-V platform, there is also nothing tricky when it comes to service. But, its brake system is hardware intensive with floating shims, abutment clips and pad separator springs in the front.
