Chassis Tech: Rear Suspension Dynamics
By Andrew Markel
May 8, 2013
Independent rear suspensions are starting to become the norm on not only cars, but SUVs of all sizes. The first advantage of an independent rear suspension is ride; the second is handling.
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Back2Basics 5: Step-by-Step vehicle alignment
March 12, 2013
Even with today's high-tech cars, SUVs and light trucks, alignment remains an important service option for drivers and dealers alike. This installment in our Back2Basics series reviews the basics of performing a standard two- and four-wheel alignment.
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Chassis Parts Overview
By Larry Carley
February 26, 2013
The demand for replacement chassis parts has remained fairly steady in recent years. The demand for replacement parts is a function of vehicle age and miles driven. In a soft economy, people are keeping their vehicles longer than ever before. Th...
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Suspension and Steering System Maintenance
By Gary Goms
February 12, 2013
The most noticeable symptom of spring wear is a sagging suspension system or uneven vehicle ride height. Less common are springs that break due to metal fatigue or to a stress riser caused by corrosion or physical damage on the spring's surface.
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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.
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Replacing Hubs Equipped With Wheel Speed Sensors
By Larry Carley
December 12, 2012
When engineers came up with the idea of putting the wheel speed sensor (WSS) and tone ring inside a sealed wheel bearing hub assembly, it sounded like a great idea. The sealed environment would help protect the sensor and make it less vulnerable to d...
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Alignment Specs: Thrust Angle and Setback
By Andrew Markel
November 26, 2012
The thrust angle is an imaginary line drawn perpendicular to the rear axle’s centerline. It compares the direction that the rear axle is aimed with the centerline of the vehicle. It also confirms if the rear axle is parallel to its front axle ...
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Torque-To-Yield Suspension Components
By Andrew Markel
November 19, 2012
What do some ball joints, tie rods and suspension components have in common with engines? The answer is Torque-to-Yield fasteners. These bolts and studs that stretch are becoming more common on vehicles not just under the hood, but also under the car.
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Wheel Bearing Basics
By Larry Carley
November 19, 2012
Wheel bearings can be of either ball or tapered roller type. Those used for front wheel bearing applications are an angular type, which will accept greater thrust loads than a Conrad-type bearing, which will accept a 100% load in the radial or thrust position and any combination of a 100% load. A ta...
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Bushing Testing: How to Tell When a Bushing is Bad
By Glen Beanard
November 11, 2012
There is no real maintenance schedule for a bushing beyond periodic inspection. While tie rod ends and ball joints might occasionally receive a little "thanks" for all their hard work in the form of a greasy treat, the bushing gets no such thanks. In fact, such a "treat" can mean death to a rubber b...
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Solving Ford Memory Steer Problems
October 19, 2012
According to Affinia Global Brake and Chassis, memory steer may occur when replacing upper and lower ball joints on a Ford F250, 350 and 450 with a Dana 60 axle. Fortunately, memory steer can be easily corrected.
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10 Alignment Service Tips
By Andrew Markel
October 19, 2012
From the importance of pre-alignment inspections to performing a test drive before a vehicle is returned to the customer, here are 10 things to keep in mind when performing an alignment.
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Complete Strut Assemblies Offer Many Advantages
By Larry Carley
October 15, 2012
Quick and easy to install, complete strut assemblies have become a popular item with professional technicians.
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Cool vibes
By Rick Cogbill
July 16, 2012
Faulty Reading Puts Repair Tech in Hot Water
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Spring Training: Creating Optimal Suspension and Steering Performance
By Gary Goms
June 12, 2012
Springs are replaced to enhance the load-carrying or handling characteristics of a vehicle. A good understanding of how springs are rated and how they operate is indispensable for achieving the anticipated outcomes in spring modifications.
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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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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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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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Inspecting Shocks and Struts
By Andrew Markel
January 12, 2012
Shocks and struts are simple devices. Their function is to dampen the movement of the springs, suspension and vehicle pitch. This means that as the spring is compressed, the movement is not sudden and when the energy or movement is released, it ...
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