Andrew Markel - Editor, Brake & Front End Magazine
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Skipping The Torque Wrench: Sticks Creates Comebacks

It’s not difficult totorque wheel fasteners properly, but it’s not difficult to foul up the job,either. We’re not using double talk here; we’re shootin’ straight from the hip.The easy part of proper wheel fastener torquing is knowing the vehiclemanufacturer torque specifications for a particular passenger car, light truckor medium truck, and following those instructions to

TPMS Update: Sensor Replacement

More than 68 million vehicles on the road today have direct TPMS systems. With the average age of a vehicle on the road lasting more than 10 years, a vehicle with four TPMS sensors will have all of its TPMS sensor replaced during the life of the vehicle. Why Sensors FailThe number one reason sensors

Performing Custom Exhaust Work

Custom exhaust work is one of the first modifications an owner may perform. It can help the car or truck breath better and make more power. But, often some vehicles do not have a performance system available because the vehicle is too new, rare or the owner wants something special.

Fuel Pump Diagnostics Using Scan Tools

The most common diagnostic procedures for fuel pumps in the past were analog and hands on. Most fuel pump-related problems could be solved with a pressure gauge and voltmeter. Today, the scan tool is the most important tool when diagnosing a fuel supply problem.

2012 TPMS TSBs in Review

A quick review of the top technical service bulletins on TPMS service issues from all the automakers.

Alignment Specs: Thrust Angle and Setback

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 and that the wheelbase on both sides of the vehicle is the

Torque-To-Yield Suspension Components

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.

TPMS Sensor Swapping

Addressing the main causes of sensor failure and reviewing tips for their replacement

Solving Brake Pulsation Complaints Before They Occur

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?

10 Brake Comeback Solutions

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.

10 Alignment Service Tips

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.

The 11 Commandments of Proper TPMS Service

Cut comebacks and boost profits by following the 11 Commandments of proper TPMS service.