Alternator Pulley Diagnostics
Are you replacing alternators unnecessarily?
A World of Hard Knocks
The main reason why shocks and struts wear out is because they have a very hard life.
What Really Wears Out Inside Shocks & Struts
When shocks and struts wear out there are almost no visual clues. When a unit is leaking, it is a sign of failure and not wear. Next to performing an autopsy or throwing the unit on a dynamometer, there is no conclusive way to determine if the internal components are worn to a point where
10 Cordless Tool Myths
1. Cordless Tools Are Not As Powerful As Air ToolsThis is false for the majority of cordless tool categories. Most cordless tools are just as powerful as air or corded tools. Compare the specs; you might be surprised! Take impact wrenches for example, apples-to-apples, some professional cordless tools can match and exceed maximum or break
Torque-To-Yield Suspension Components (Ball Joints, Tie Rods And Control Arms)
Some ball joints and almost all tie-rod ends use a tapered stud and hole with a nut on top to secure the stud to the knuckle. The 7-10º angled taper, along with a threaded stud and nut, lock the components together by tensioning the nut and stud. Torque-to-yield (TTY) ball joint and tie-rod studs have two
7 Brake Myths Busted
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. On the surface, some of these myths make sense. The logic can seem sound and explain a problem, but they do
Solutions to Stopping Brake-Related Comebacks
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 negatively impact your shop’s productivity and reputation. The following are 10 tips that can help you more efficiently and effectively solve a brake comeback due to noise.
Wheel Bearings: Pressing Bearings In Less Time With Fewer Comebacks
More and more vehicles are being equipped with pressed-in wheel bearings. Servicing these bearings requires a little bit more finesse and tools when compared to hub units or tapered roller bearings. With the right tools and information, these jobs can be moneymakers. The driver of this 2002 Jaguar was complaining of noise, ABS MIL light
Brake Pulsation Returns
Don’t blame the pads or rotor – runout causes thickness variation that leads to pulsation problems
Brake Myths Revisited
The overall response to our Eight Brake Myths Busted article was huge… Some readers felt compelled to write in explaining their own experiences.
Inspecting Shocks and Struts
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 is not overpowering. For the most part, the suspension handles the best when
Servicing GM Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems
GM TPMS systems on Buick, Pontiac, Chevrolet, GMC Cadillac and Hummer models are some of the easiest to service if you have the right tools and knowledge. Starting in 2007, most vehicles use Schrader- or VDO-manufactured systems that shares the same relearn procedures and behaviors. There are exceptions, like the Pontiac Vibe. The initial “low