Andrew Markel
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VIEWPOINT: Brake Reflashing takes Centerstage

How a moose and a Cherokee could change your brake business.

Performing a Brake Job on a 2005-2010 Toyota Scion TC

The replacement of the pads and rotors on a Toyota Scion TC is straightforward, but there are some things that you should know before you start. This car is designed for ceramic friction material formulations. If everything is operating correctly, it is not uncommon for a set of rotors to last three sets of ceramic pads. Toyota even recommends not machining the rotors if the rotors are within specifications for thickness, thickness variation and runout.

Alignment Specs: 1999-2006 Honda Insight Hybrid

You may not see many Honda Insights in your alignment bay, but don’t let the strange styling and hybrid badge scare you away from doing any chassis repairs.

Custom Exhaust Fabrication: Bends, Bungs and Mufflers

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 to new, rare or the owner wants something special.

Tool Tip: Maximizing Tools: Diagnosing ABS/ESC Hydraulic Control Units

Brake & Front End Editor Andrew Markel finds the root cause of a brake pull using Innovative Products of America’s Brake System Analyzer.

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.

Steering Angle Sensor Diagnostics

Measuring the steering wheel position angle and rate of turn, which are critical for Electronic Stability Control (ESC) systems, is the job of the Steering Angle Sensor (SAS). The scan tool will typically display the information in degrees.

Filters for Brakes: Hawaii Proves There is a Sucker Born Every Minute

New laws regulating the amount of copper present in brake pads are becoming reality. Most brake manufacturers are ready or getting ready for the California and Washington state mandates to kick in over the next 10 to 15 years. Other states, like New York, Rhode Island and Oregon, are working on their own proposals. Most of these regulations are written in a way so the public is not at risk and so they do not become an economic burden to the state, aftermarket manufacturers or the public. But, Hawaii has gone off the deep end with the help of an inventor.

Brake Job: 2011-Newer Buick Regal

There are two brake packages for the Buick Regal. Base models have a single-piston caliper in the front. High-performance models (GS) use the J64 brake package that uses a twin-piston caliper in the front and a different pad. The ABS/ESC system also has a different calibration.

FMVSS 126 NHTSA takes on ESC

By September 1, 2012, every car manufactured or imported in the U.S. must be equipped with Electronic Stability Control (ESC) to comply with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS 126). While I am opposed to new legislation that makes anything more expensive or complicated, this is one law that I support because it could put

Alignment Specs: 2002-2005 Ford Explorer

The 4-door Explorer and companion Mercury Mountaineer were redesigned entirely in 2002, losing all design similarity with the Ranger. The suspension on this Explorer has more in common with a car than a truck. Beginning with the 2002 model year, Ford installed a fully independent rear suspension in the Explorer and Mercury Mountaineer (but not in the 2-door Explorer Sport). This replaced the non-independent (“live-axle”) rear suspension used in previous model year Explorers.

Bearing Diagnostics: Brinelling and Non-Noise Failures

In the good old days, most serviceable wheel bearings were maintained at least every 25,000 to 30,000 miles during a brake job. During this process, races, stub-axles and cages could be inspected for damage and replaced if necessary. Today, the average life of a sealed wheel bearing or hub assembly is about 85,000 to 100,000 miles. But they can fail sooner than expected without a whisper.