TPMS Tire Service: Why, Where And When
To understand any TPMS relearn procedure, you have to understand this: sensors only transmit, they do not receive. No vehicle asks a sensor for information on how it is doing. I know you’re thinking a sensor does receive signals when the vehicle is in relearn mode and the technician holds a TPMS tool to the sidewall of a tire. The tool excites the transmitting antenna with either a magnet or a radio signal at a preset frequency. This is more like a “poke” or “nudge” that triggers the device.
Alignment Specs For 2010 Camaro
The 2010 Camaro was GM’s re-entry into the pony-car wars with Ford and Chrysler. Like the Dodge Challenger, the Camaro borrows its platform from an existing rear-wheel-drive platform. The Camaro is based on the Zeta platform that includes the Chevrolet Police Patrol Vehicle and Pontiac G8. The front suspension uses strut and dual lower control arms. Always check the front lower control arm’s inboard bushing for damage in the form of rubber separating from the metal components. When this bushing goes bad, it will change the SIA and caster.
Brake Job On 2000-2006 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Van
The 2000-2006 Sprinter cargo van may seem unique for its small displacement diesel engine and large hauling capacity. But, at the wheels, the brakes are very conventional. There are two brake systems on the Sprinter that came with the 2500 and 3500 models.
Air Ride: Compressor Diagnostics
On most modern vehicles, the compressor and air ride control unit are very intelligent components. Most communicate with the Body Control Module (BCM) on a high-speed serial data bus. These systems have malfunction indicator lights on the dash and require the use of a scan tool to diagnose the system.
Viewpoint: Service Opportunities Point To Bright Future
I recently reviewed an article from a writer that called replacement TPMS sensors a “$150 mechanical monstrosity.” I’m as cheap as the next guy, but a $150 problem for a consumer is a $150 opportunity for a shop. Furthermore, if you have checked replacement sensor prices, it’s not $150 for most popular applications. It really got my blood boiling. Even if a sensor costs $150, it could prevent a slow leak from turning into a new tire and even save a life!
Viewpoint: Selling By The Numbers What Is The Minimum Wear Spec?
Everybody loves a number, especially when it comes to selling something. We often see it in the grocery store when something has 50 percent less sodium or is 25 percent larger. When it comes to brake pads, it can get you in trouble.
Performing A Brake Job On A Chevy Volt
There is nothing special about pad and rotor replacement on the Volt. The only precaution is to make sure the High Pressure Accumulator (HPA) is depleted.
Judging Brake Pads: Do You Trust Your Pads?
Buying a quality brake pad is like buying medicine. When you are buying a legal drug, you are not just paying the cost to manufacture, package and market the pill. The bulk of what you are paying for is research and development. The same is true for brake pads.
10 Alignment Tips To Increase Productivity And Profit
Tires are not perfect! Like every part on the car, tires and wheels are made within tolerances. These tolerances include runout and radial force variation. The changes in uniformity and stacked tolerances in the tire and wheel can cause a steering pull. You can try rotating the tires to cancel out the pull or at least move the worst tire to a non-steering axle. But, during the next rotation, the pull could return.
Tips To Follow When Servicing Toyota Brakes
If you are replacing a caliper that has locked up and created a great deal of heat, you should also replace the brake hose. This is a good practice anytime, but particularly important with the Toyota line as there have been some instances of the hose failing at the caliper fitting after being subjected to the extreme heat.
Performing A Brake Job On A 2000-2007 Ford Focus
The majority of Ford Focuses come with rear drum brakes. The only way to remove the drum without disturbing the wheel bearings is to remove the four mounting bolts on the bolts back of the trailing arm. The axle nut can be removed to pull the drum, but you will be disturbing the preload on the bearing. Also, the wheel hub retaining nut can be re-used only four times and requires a torque setting of 174 ft/lbs.
Performing An Alignment On A 2005-2011 Cadillac STS
The STS is one of those vehicles where a scan tool would be handy if you are performing alignment and chassis repairs. Every STS requires a scan tool to reset the steering angle sensor. Also, it maybe necessary to have an enhanced or factory scan tool to read codes, clear codes and look at sensor information.