suspension Archives - Page 6 of 8 - Tomorrows Technician
VIDEO: Recommending Shocks And Struts

Andrew Markel offers four tips to ensure that you choose the correct shocks and struts for your customer’s vehicle.

VIDEO: Spring Design And Technology

Andrew Markel explores the design of progressive springs and how they distribute shifts in weight and promote ride comfort.

Pothole Season: Tires And More Are At Risk

Drivers in the U.S. will spend at least $3 billion every year because of car damage caused by crumbling roadways, depending on the severity of the winter season, according to a recent AAA survey. And the cost of replacing flat tires and bent wheel rims is only part of the mix.

AIRMATIC Suspension Solutions: Diagnostic Tips To Aid Your Repair Efforts

The Mercedes-Benz AIRMATIC suspension system was introduced in 1999 on the S-Class and has subsequently been used on the E-Class and most of the automaker’s SUVs. Keep reading for some key tips for common ailments to help you effectively get the system on these popular models in top-running condition.

Shocks, Struts And Tires: What Is The Wear Connection?

The role of ride control and tires becomes even more critical on vehicles equipped with ABS, traction control and stability control systems. As in an emergency lane-change situation, the driver can now steer under panic braking. This means that weight transfer and vehicle pitch can be even more extreme.

VIDEO: Selling Loaded Struts In Sets

Andrew Markel explains how selling loaded struts in sets can prevent air ride problems and damage in the future.

Air Ride Diagnostics Q&A

Air ride diagnostics can be just as complex as any ABS or fuel injection problem. The diagnostic process should start with questions about the system rather than the parts. Failing to find the root cause of a warning light DTC or intermittent problem will typically cause the problem to come back as soon as the customer pulls away from your shop.

Piecing Together The Air Ride Diagnostic Puzzle

Air ride diagnostics can be just as complex as any ABS or fuel injection problem. The diagnostic process should start with questions about the system rather than the parts.

Springs: The Foundation Of Stability

When a wheel reacts to a bump or body motion, the spring is compressed and then releases the energy. During this cycle, the steel of the spring will compress, and just a little bit of life is taken out of it. It’s not the amount of travel that matters, but the frequency of the cycles.

MEYLE Introduces New Video To Help Identify Defective Shocks And Prevent Hazards

In the video, the “MEYLE Mechanics” explain how repair professionals can easily make shock absorber testing a routine task during vehicle inspection.

2004 Toyota 4Runner Suspension Maintenance Opportunities

This case study involving a chassis repair on a 2004 Toyota 4Runner underscores the value of customer education and using quality parts during the repair process. It was a unique situation we ran across where we advised the owner that one of the rear shocks on his vehicle was leaking, and we recommended replacement of both units.

Ride Control: 15 Tips To Sell The Job And Do It Right

The customer will not be happy if he brought the car in for a knocking noise, was sold a couple hundred dollars worth of struts and/or ball joints, etc., and the noise is still there. If he then takes the car elsewhere and the knocking noise is fixed with a couple of $20 sway bar bushings, that guy is going to think he got beat. This underscores the importance of addressing the customer’s complaint before that vehicle leaves your shop.