Understanding Performance Brake Components
Consumers’ passion for an upgraded appearance of the brake system can be a way to actually elevate the importance of brake system performance, while giving you a new sales opportunity and a way to differentiate your brake service offerings from other shops.
Air Ride Leak Detection
To the untrained technician, a winter air ride problem might lead you down the path that there is a leak in the system. However, chances are there are no detectable leaks. So, what do you do next?
Air Ride Diagnostics Q&A: What You Don’t Know Might Be the Missing Piece of the Diagnostic Puzzle
Both four-corner and two-corner air ride systems have sensors that measure ride height, pressure and other information to control the suspension. Why is this important? Knowing the basic architecture will help you find components quicker and carry out leak checks faster.
Active Wheel Speed Sensor Logic
From the heat-treated wheel bearing races to the microcircuit inside the ABS module that processes the signal, it’s imperative to understand the mechanical and electrical operation of this foundation technology that is critical to ABS, stability control and ADAS.
Live Axle Bearing Replacement
Replacing wheel bearings on a vehicle with a live rear axle may not be one of the most frequent jobs you do, 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 wrinkles to the process.
Understanding Fuel Trim Theory and Operation
The modern engine measures two things extremely well, the amount of air going into the combustion chamber with the MAF sensor, and the byproducts that are generated by the combustion event with the oxygen sensor. These measurements allow the engine’s computer to put the right amount of fuel and spark into the cylinder to give the most efficient and cleanest combustion event.
Top EVAP Tips When Replacing Fuel Pumps
Nothing is worse that an EVAP code after a fuel pump has been replaced. Discovering that the tank needs to be dropped again to address a problem can kill productivity and profitability. The following tips can help you avoid comebacks and having to drop the fuel tank for a second time.
Test, Bleed, Flush: How Can You Protect Your Customer’s Brake System?
Visual inspection of the fluid can be extremely misleading. The color of brake fluid can vary from clear to shades of blue. Even if the brake fluid is discolored, it might still meet the system’s performance requirements.
Measuring Pedals and Pads
On a mechanical level, it’s easy to understand how brakes work. We all understand that brake fluid transfers force from one hydraulic component to another. But, how does this apply to how a brake pedal feels?
Direct Fuel Injection Diagnostics
Direct injection is becoming standard on more and more late-model vehicles, and while these systems can be a diagnostic challenge, with the right foundation, problems can be solved profitably.
Inspecting Modern Drive Belts — Look, Listen and Feel
A serpentine belt can look good to the naked eye. But, to the ear, odometer and measuring tools, it could be another story. When you are looking at the belt and the pulleys on which it rides, it is critical to use all of your senses.
Advanced Import Ride Control Diagnostics and Replacement
With more and more air-ride-equipped vehicles accumulating miles, you can expect to see a steady stream of these air-ride systems in your bays. You also have more options than ever before when it comes to replacement parts and conversion kits.
