Bad Advice for Lug Nuts
I am a sucker for helping stranded motorists, and this pothole season is no exception. So far I have seen two lower ball joint failures, one u-joint pole vault and a separated tie rod. I think people are at their best when others are at their worst. I recently stopped to help a Subaru at
Step by Step: How a Brake Pad is Made
Even with zero moving parts, the common replacement brake pad is one of the most difficult components on a vehicle to engineer and manufacture. From the initial design to the final packaging, here’s a look at what it takes to make a brake pad. 1. The birth of a brake pad starts here in the
Live-Axle Wheel Bearings
Replacing wheel bearings on a vehicle with a live rear axle may not be one of the most frequent jobs performed, but it can be one of the most profitable. While the basics have not changed in more than 60 years, new seal materials and differential designs have added new challenges. Bearings Replacing rear wheel
Inside Replacement Sensors
To understand any replacement sensor, you have to understand this: Sensors only transmit – they do not receive – when they are on a vehicle. No vehicle asks a sensor, “How’s it going?” The sensor just transmits. The vehicle is looking for a sensor ID number that corresponds with the one programmed into the module,
Wheel Bearings
Replacing wheel bearings on both sides of a vehicle used to be standard procedure as it was economical insurance against a comeback. In those days, a set of bearings and races could be purchased for under $5 a side, including the seal. A technician worth his salt could install and adjust a set of bearings
Why Selling Four is Better Than Settling for Just Two
We have all been in a situation where the customer comes in with a damaged or leaking shock/strut that needs immediate attention, while the rest of the shocks/struts have more than 80,000 miles on them and are due for replacement. Recommending replacement of all four units is the right thing to do, but after you
10 Alignment Tips to Help You See Past The Angles
1 Talk to the driver. Always ask questions at the time the vehicle is written up. Find out why customers think they need an alignment. 2 Take notes. Nothing is worse than a repair order that just says “perform alignment” or “needs alignment.” Notes on the repair order can prevent comebacks that stem from a
TPMS Update: FORD Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems
Ford embraced Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems (TPMS) as early as the 2002 model year on the Explorer and Windstar. These systems can be direct or indirect, and all 2007 models have TPMS standard. From 2006-2009, Ford used banded sensors that are mounted in the center of the rim. In 2010, Ford reverted to the valve
Cheap Brake Pads
Ever since the first issue of Brake & Front End came off the presses, the magazine has warned of the costs of using inferior friction materials. In the 1930s, the magazine fought the fight against inferior materials coming from “mail-order houses.” In the 1940s, inferior materials were blamed for costing the war effort in terms
Test Drive Techniques
Test drives on the surface can seem like one of the most unprofitable tasks a technician can perform. But, it can be one of the most profitable processes a shop can do to help sell more service. You just have to have procedures and training in place so a test drive is more than just
Rules of Alignment
Are you communicating effectively with techs and customers? An alignment bay, lift and the sensors/computer are a considerable investment that can set you apart from other shops, but this equipment is only as effective as the people communicating the information. This means both engaging the customer about an alignment and communicating with the person performing
Pulsation Comebacks
Let’s say a vehicle had 0.003” of lateral runout when measured at the outside face of the rotor. If this vehicle is riding on 205/55R16 tires, in just one mile, the high-spot with 0.003” of runout goes past the caliper approximately 836 times. Over the course of 6,000 miles, that spot on the rotor will