Andrew Markel - Editor, Brake & Front End Magazine
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Servicing Old and New Brake Rotors

It’s critical to measure thickness and runout in a brake rotor and wheel flange even if new rotors are going to be installed.

Rotor-runout
3 Reasons To Push New Shocks & Struts for Vehicles

One ride control manufacturer estimated that 80% of vehicles in junkyards still have their original shocks or struts. Part of the reason is that selling shocks and struts is difficult – even on a good day. It is an item that when it wears, it doesn’t cause the vehicle to stop running, and the driver

Servicing Variable-Assist Power Steering Systems

Variable-assist, variable-rate or variable-effort power steering is used on a growing number of vehicles. Variable assist is a way of providing the best of both worlds: finger-tip parking maneuverability at low speed, and reduced assist at higher speeds for greater stability and road feel. As a vehicle’s speed increases, less effort and assist are needed

Shiny Wheels and TPMS

Custom wheels can deliver some profitable business, but how can you best deal with TPMS sensors and legal requirements? According to NHTSA, it is against the law to intentionally disable a tire pressure monitoring system, even when switching a customer to custom wheels. In 2011, TIA reached out to NHTSA regarding scenarios that tire dealers

Changing Your Mind, Not Rotors

How do you handle a brake pulsation complaint or comeback? Blame the pads? The driver? Defective rotor? As they say, when you point your finger at any of these items, there are three fingers pointing back at you. Myth 1: Machining rotors is unprofitable. Labor in your dealership does not take up inventory and does

7 Brake Hardware Items Not to Be Neglected

Abutment Clips Abutment clips reside on the caliper bracket lands on most vehicles. They create a uniform surface for the pads to make contact with. Some abutment clips include fingers that hold the pad in place. These are consumable components in a brake system, not only because of rust and wear, but because the anti-rattle

Press-in Bearings With Fewer Comebacks

Servicing the increasing number of vehicles equipped with pressed-in wheel bearings requires a little bit more finesse and tools when compared to hub units or tapered roller bearings. However, with the right tools and information, these jobs can be money-­makers. For example, the driver of a 2002 Jaguar was complaining about noise. The vehicle’s ABS

GM Recalls: The Death Of The TSB As We Know It?

The recent onslaught of recalls and investigations will have repercussions for years and they will impact your shop. After looking at recent Technical Service Bulletins (TSB), I think these recalls may have scared some OEMs from issuing TSBs, or any corrective action, because they could be the start of a ¬lawsuit, bad PR and maybe

Why Do Ball Joints, Tie Rods and Control Arms Wear Out?

Humans and animals have had the ball and socket joints for millennia. This simple design has been used on vehicles since the turn of the century because, well, it works. But, just as our hip joints grow feeble with use and age, the ball joints, tie rods and sway bar links on a car wear

Air Ride: Compressor Diagnostic

Improve on compressor diagnostics with some of these tips.

Wheel Bearing Failure Diagnostics

Babcox Media research shows that half bad wheel bearing are identified and replaced when customers complain about noise. Overall, most people miss the opportunity to replace their wheel bearings as they are infrequently replaced.

Relearn Procedures Require TPMS Tool

TPMS Tool to ‘Wake Up’ Sensors.