Brake And Bearing Basics
By Larry Carley
May 10, 2012
Today's vehicles don't require much maintenance. Spark plugs last 100,000 miles, long-life coolants can go five years or 150,000 miles, and some filters have no recommended replacement interval. But sooner or later, one thing all vehicles eventually require is brake work.
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Performing Cylinder Head Gasket Repairs
By Gary Goms
May 10, 2012
Cylinder head gasket failures are one of the most common mechanical issues facing today's modern technician. One reason head gasket failures are common is because the cylinder head gasket itself can become a wearing part.
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Changing Dynamics of Hybrids and Plug-ins, Plus Service How-Tos
By Gene Markel
May 7, 2012
When the term "hybrid vehicle" is used, it most often refers to a hybrid electric vehicle. As you will see, when discussing hybrids, it's important to remember that hybrid technology is a work in progress and that there's no such thing as a "generic" hybrid design.
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Product Spotlight: TPMS Tools
May 7, 2012
Tire pressure monitoring systems play a vital role in maintaining proper vehicle tire pressure. Drivers of an estimated 50 million vehicles in the U.S. and Canada rely on these devices to track inflation pressure, ultimately leading to less flats, be...
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Refrigerant Change from R-134a to HFO-1234yf is Underway
By Ed Sunkin
April 9, 2012
Beginning in 2011, HFO-1234yf was expected to come out on top as the new refrigerant of choice in Europe. While this issue may not affect repair shops and tire dealers in the U.S. for a while, some techs may already have seen HFO-1234yf systems, as European models begin the R-134a phase-out and make...
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Product Spotlight: Brake Lathes
April 9, 2012
As an essential piece of equipment for tire dealerships and vehicle repair shops, brake lathes perform the important function of machining vehicle brake drums and resurfacing brake rotors. With today's latest brake lathe technology, technicians can experience quicker production, superior surface fin...
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Loaded Brake Calipers Help Restore Brakes to Like-New Condition
By Andrew Markel
April 9, 2012
loaded caliper assemblies get new friction, as well as properly matched hardware, significantly reducing the risk of future leaks developing, and uneven braking or pad wear caused by calipers hanging up or dragging.
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Selling Brake Friction Replacements
By Gary Goms
April 9, 2012
When it comes to making a profit on brake replacements, which are even used as "loss leaders" by some repair shops, it all boils down to math. Perhaps it's time for your shop to re-evaluate how brake friction replacements are packaged and priced.
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Subaru Service Essentials
By Larry Bailly
April 9, 2012
In this age of extended service intervals and exaggerated claims of longevity with little maintenance, selling service at a fair price is becoming more difficult. To help boost service sales, consider building a planned process for servicing your customers' vehicles.
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Diagnostic Solutions: Exhaust Restriction Diagnosis
By Gary Goms
March 19, 2012
Shops have been dealing with loss-of-power complaints caused by exhaust restriction since catalytic converters were popularly introduced in 1974.
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Make Sure Your Used Equipment is Safe
March 19, 2012
When buying used equipment, look for required stickers from the manufacturer and the third-party certification. Find the manufacturers' information, so you can call with the serial number and find out how old the unit is, if it's under warranty and whether there are any recalls.
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The Advantages of Twin-Tube Shocks
By Larry Carley
March 19, 2012
Twin-tube shocks and struts have been used as OE on most vehicles for many years, but in recent years we've seen more monotube shocks and struts being used as OE dampers on sports and performance vehicles. We Take a closer look at twin-tube shocks and struts to better understand how these ride contr...
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Solving Brake Pulsation Complaints Before They Happen
By Andrew Markel
March 19, 2012
A shop performs a brake job on a vehicle. The front pads and rotors are replaced. On the test drive, the vehicle had zero signs of pulsation, even after an aggressive break-in procedure. Six months and 6,000 miles later, the customer is back complaining of a pulsation in the pedal. What caused the p...
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When to Replace Sensors and Why
By Larry Carley
March 15, 2012
Sensors are the nerve endings of the engine management system. They provide the inputs the Powertrain Control Module needs to make critical control decisions. Sensors are designed to last the life of the vehicle or until they wear out, become contaminated or fail.
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Diagnosing Chassis Noises
By Gary Goms
March 13, 2012
Diagnosing chassis noises can be one of the most frustrating problems a technician can be called upon to deal with. Although modern quality-control measures on the production line have vastly reduced the number of chassis noise complaints, they still exist. In the aftermarket, repair oversights, wor...
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The Power of Assessing Power Steering Complaints
By Gary Goms
March 12, 2012
Steering complaints can be among the most difficult to diagnose, so let's take a look at how we can leverage better diagnostics to become more efficient and effective.
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Product Spotlight: Vehicle Lifts
March 12, 2012
With many options to choose from - two-post, four-post, scissor, in-ground, above ground - selecting the right vehicle lift for your dealership can require a bit of research. Luckily, the features and benefits of lifts keep improving. Focus on f...
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Sharpen Your Belts and Hoses Knowledge
By Larry Carley
February 22, 2012
When it comes to belts and hoses, installing the wrong product can have serious consequences. You must to be familiar with these products so you can help recommend your customers get the replacement belts and hoses that correctly match their needs.
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Performing a Brake Job on a 2002-09 Chevrolet Trailblazer
By Andrew Markel
February 21, 2012
The brake system on the Trailblazer is not groundbreaking by any means, but there are some intricacies technicians should be aware of on this common platform.
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To Service ESC, Consider All Involved Components
By Andrew Markel
February 15, 2012
For 2012, every vehicle under 10,000 pounds sold is equipped with electronic stability control (ESC) as mandated by NHTSA.
In 2007, 45% of vehicles sold were equipped with ESC, meaning more than half of the late-model vehicles showing ...
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Entries are now being accepted for the
2012 Top Shop Award Program.
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