Brake Hardware: Economizing Fuel, Comebacks and Parts
Replacing disc brake hardware is critical to returning the system back to its original condition. This goes beyond shims, anti-rattle clips or dust shields and includes caliper brackets, slides and all the soft parts. No amount of lubricant can make up for weak, missing or rusted brake hardware.
Servicing Loaded Brake Calipers
Loaded caliper assemblies help restore the brakes to a like-new condition, with new friction, a professionally remanufactured caliper and properly matched hardware. This significantly reduces the risk of future leaks developing and uneven braking or pad wear caused by calipers hanging up or dragging.
Brake Rotors: When To Resurface And When To Replace
Like brake pads, brake rotors don’t last forever. The rotors wear every time the brakes are applied. Find out what you need to know about rotor wear to minimize customer comebacks.
Learning the Terminology is Key to Selecting the Correct Chassis Part
The best method of selecting the correct chassis part is to use the correct chassis terminology. In many cases, parts professionals and automotive technicians should consult illustrations that are included with most cataloging to ensure the part will perform the desired function.
How to Avoid Brake Pad Installation Errors
Brake pads are most often returned because they lack pedal sensitivity, stopping power, resistance to dusting, excessive noise or vibration, or resistance to wear. It’s important to determine if the complaint is caused by incorrect installation or an incorrect application of the friction material itself.
Worn Chassis Parts Compromise Safety and Ride Performance
Many motorists don’t appreciate the importance of ride control and how it affects driving, handling and braking safety. Not replacing a worn set of shocks or struts may seriously compromise the ability of the vehicle to handle bumps, dips, crosswinds or extra weight. Worn shocks and struts also will increase wear and tear on other
Understand Brake Noise in Order to Silence the Screech
One of the most controversial topics involving brake repair is where noise comes from and what can be done to prevent it. All brake noise starts at the point where the pad and rotor make contact. Every squeak, chirp and groan has its origins at the interface between these two components and how it is
Understanding and Diagnosing Electronic Brake Distribution
Say goodbye to mechanical brake proportioning valves, and say hello to electronic brake distribution (EBD), yet another electronic enhancement that’s being added to many late-model vehicles. With conventional hydraulic brakes, a mechanical proportioning valve is used to reduce pressure to the rear wheels when the brakes are applied. Inside the proportioning valve is a spring-loaded
Buick Lucerne Brake Service How-To
The 2006-current Buick Lucerne is the largest sedan that General Motors offers. It is built on the same line as the Cadillac DTS at the Hamtramck, Mich., GM plant. The two vehicles share many brake components and the same Regular Production Option (RPO) codes for the brake system. The brake system of the Lucerne is
What Really Wears Out Inside Shocks and 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.
Tech Tip: Clicking Noise Coming from Rear Suspension on Mini Cooper Clubman
On 2008-10 Mini Cooper Clubman models built between December 31, 2007 and December 30, 2009, there is a possibility that a clicking noise can be heard from the rear suspension when the vehicle is driven over uneven roads. If this is the case, remove both rear shock absorbers and look for excessive weld spatter on
Fixing a Rear Suspension Clicking Noise on Mini Cooper Clubman
On 2008-10 Mini Cooper Clubman models built between Dec. 31, 2007 and Dec. 30, 2009, there is a possibility that a clicking noise can be heard from the rear suspension when the vehicle is driven over uneven roads. If this is the case, remove both rear shock absorbers and look for excessive weld spatter on