Andrew Markel
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Alignment & Suspension Specs: 2007-2011 Jeep Patriot

The Jeep Patriot is a crossover vehicle produced by Jeep and Chrysler. The same basic platform is used for the Sebring, Avenger, Dodge Caliber and Mitsubishi Lancer. This is a “Net Build” vehicle with only toe adjustments built into the vehicle. Some adjustments for caster and camber can be made by moving the subframes.

Brake System Scan Tools: The New Essential Tool

While there are many times where you will be able to repair a vehicle’s brakes without a scan tool, you only have to run into one car that needs this to make it worth having. The reality is that if your customer’s vehicle is 10 years old or newer, there’s nearly a 100% chance that you could need a scan tool to perform some sort of test/repair on the brake system.

Alignment Specs: 2010-2012 Buick LaCrosse

The second-generation Buick LaCrosse is built upon the mid-size Epsilon II platform. The Epsilon II platform will be the bread-and-butter of GM’s mid-size product strategy with revamped Malibu, Impala and Cadillac XTS models being launched soon. The chassis of the LaCrosse sets the bar high in terms of alignment service.

Brake Job on 2000-2006 Hyundai Elantra

The initial inspection revealed the front rotors were below specifications and had uneven pad wear on the right front inboard pad. The rear drums were also out of specification and a leaking wheel cylinder had contaminated the brake shoes. Hyundai recommends replacement of the wheel cylinders if any brake fluid is found in the dust boots. Runout measurements of the rotors and hubs revealed little or zero runout.

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. This is the business opportunity of the decade and you should not let it pass you by.

VIEWPOINT: GM Creates New Recipe for Brake Rotors

Over the past three months, there has been a buzz about a new type of rotor from GM. GM’s team of brake experts and suppliers put a batch of rotors on a lot of Buick and Cadillac models in 2008 to test out if they had truly changed how rotors perform. They succeeded.

Ride Control and Electronic Stability Control (ESC)

For all 2012 model year vehicles, stability control is standard. For model year 2008, the majority of vehicles sold were sold with ABS and optional stability control. Most of these systems have something in common, sensors that measure the dynamics of the vehicle and the intentions of the driver.

Alignment & Suspension Specs: 2007-2011 Toyota Camry

In 2007, Toyota introduced a new Camry that was larger. But, under the new sheet metal was the same suspension design that was on the previous model. The suspension on the Camry is nothing special and has no real quirks. The only shocker is that the front caster is non-adjustable and there are no special kits or tools to alter the caster angle.

BRAKE JOB: 2004-2009 Mazda3

The 2004-2009 Mazda3 is based on the Ford global C1 platform, shared with the European Ford Focus and Volvo S40. Nothing is really groundbreaking about the brake system. But, not paying attention to the details can end in a post brake job comeback.

7 Brake Myths Busted

There are some myths about brake pads, rotors and hydraulics that need to be busted. These myths can hurt and hinder a technician’s ability to diagnose and solve some brake problems and customer concerns. On the surface, some of these myths make sense. The logic can seem sound and explain a problem, but they do not resolve the real issues with a brake system.

TPMS Signal Science: Why You Should Go Outside

As TPMS is becoming more common on vehicles, more misinformation is starting to develop as consumers and shops try to come to terms with the systems. One of the most misunderstood areas of TPMS is sensor signals. A sensor is a transmitter of information. It sends pressure and temperature information to the vehicle. Also, some signals include information identifying the sensor and the health of the battery.

BRAKELIGHTS: Merrill Axle & Wheel

Merrill Axle and Wheel has been in business since 1928 in the Denver, CO, area. In 1945, Marcellus “Celly” Merrill developed and was manufacturing an innovative wheel balancer for automobiles.