Brake Pad Mumbo Jumbo: How to Sort Out the Bull from the Brake Pad
By Andrew Markel
May 3, 2013
It can be confusing when you look at an advertisement or the side of a brake pad box. Taken at face value, you would think that there would be ...
read more
Brake Lubricants
By Larry Carley
May 2, 2013
Ever hear the saying, “The squeaky wheel gets the grease?” The saying actually refers to persistence and never giving ...
read more
The Brake Job: Stick To Recommendations
By Gary Goms
April 23, 2013
Attempting to cut costs by installing brake friction that doesn't meet original equipment requirements generally produces less-than-desired results.
read more
Brake And Bearing Basics
By Larry Carley
March 29, 2013
Bearings are the forgotten brake service item.
Today’s cars and light trucks don’t require much maintena...
read more
Brake System Scan Tools: The New Essential Tool
By Andrew Markel
March 22, 2013
While there are many times where you will be able to repair a vehicle’s brakes without a scan tool, you only have to run into one car that needs this to make it worth having. The reality is that if your customer’s vehicle is 10 yea...
read more
Service Tech 2013
January 16, 2013
Nearly every tire dealer offers vehicle service, whether basic maintenance or complete repairs. We've compiled an extensive collection of key questions often asked by service technicians of all skill levels, and responses from our cadre of auto service experts.
read more
Selling Brake Friction Replacements
By Gary Goms
December 17, 2012
A decade ago, a shop's profitability depended heavily on the routine replacement of spark plugs, timing belts, mufflers, shock absorbers, clutches and brake friction. Due to advancing vehicle technology, many of these profit centers have declined or altogether disappeared, but one of the remaining e...
read more
Solving Brake Pulsation Complaints Before They Occur
By Andrew Markel
October 29, 2012
A shop performs a brake job on a vehicle. 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 happened?
read more
10 Brake Comeback Solutions
By Andrew Markel
October 19, 2012
Nothing is worse than a customer returning to your shop after a brake job complaining of a noise or performance issue. These comebacks can be frustrating because they cost your shop’s productivity and reputation.
read more
Stability control and Brake Jobs
By Larry Bailly
October 19, 2012
Automotive technology continues to evolve in several directions. While many manufacturers are concentrating on electric and hybrid technology, higher mileage, and smaller and lighter vehicles, others are focused on performance, horsepower and ever-higher top speeds.
read more
A Look Back at the History of Power-Assisted Brakes
By Scott "Gonzo" Weaver
July 16, 2012
Since we are talking brakes this month, let's do a little comparison of the most popular brake systems that brought us from the days of dragging a flat plate against the wagon wheel or mashing your foot down on a mechanical linkage arm that eventuall...
read more
Carbon Ceramic Rotors Boast Many Advantages - and a High Price Tag
By Andrew Markel
July 16, 2012
Would you spend $8,000 to $12,000 for an optional brake package on your next vehicle?
What if I told you they would never fade, would improve gas mileage and maybe need a change every 180,000 miles? ...
read more
Seven Brake Myths Busted
By Andrew Markel
June 12, 2012
There are some myths about brake pads, rotors and hydraulics that need to be busted. These myths can hurt and hinder a technician’s ability to diagnose and solve some brake problems and customer concerns.
read more
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.
read more
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.
read more
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.
read more
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...
read more
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.
read more
Complete Brake Job Protects Driver, Other Vehicle Components
By Gary Goms
January 16, 2012
The problem with routines is that we tend to - you guessed it - fall into them. Because the braking systems on many modern vehicles are integrated into other systems like vehicle stability control (VSC) and traction control, modern braking syste...
read more
Brake Hardware: Economizing Fuel, Comebacks and Parts
By Andrew Markel
January 10, 2012
Replacing disc brake hardware is critical to returning the system back to its original condition. This goes beyond shims, anti-rattle clips or dust shields and includes caliper brackets, slides and all the soft parts. No amount of lubricant can make up for weak, missing or rusted brake hardware.
read more
|
|
Entries are now being accepted for the
2013 Top Shop Award Program.
Get your job opening listed here by contacting Karen Kaim
We're adding new jobs all the time! See over a dozen more aftermarket job openings at Aftermarketjobs.com
|