Preemptive Diagnostics: Solving Pulsation Complaints Before They Happen
Here is a scenario: A shop performs a brake job on a vehicle. The front pads and rotors are replaced. On the test drive, the vehicle had zero signs of pulsation, even after an aggressive break-in procedure. Six months and 6,000 miles later, the customer is back complaining of a pulsation in the pedal. So what has happened in 6,000 miles?
Brake Job: Dodge Magnum/Challenger/Charger
The 2005-current Chrysler rear-wheel-drive LX-Platform. The LX platform includes the 300, Magnum and Charger. In 2008, the platform was shortened for use in the LC-platform that was used in the Challenger platform. All have rear disc brakes with the parking/emergency brake mounted in the hat of the rear rotor.
Tech Feature: Inspecting Shocks and Struts
Shocks and struts are simple devices. Their function is to dampen the movement of the springs, suspension and vehicle pitch. This means that as the spring is compressed, the movement is not sudden and when the energy or movement is released, it is not overpowering.
BRAKELIGHTS: April 1958
Brake & Front End, April 1958— In the 1950s, the focus of many friction material companies’ marketing was safety with a side of gore. In this ad from Bendix, it does not water down the message trying to leave the reader with a “feel good” message.
Viewpoint: Are Vehicle Service Contracts Worth the Trouble?
I would cringe when a customer would pull out a vehicle service contract or extended warranty contract when I was at the service counter. I could just feel a pain in my right ear flare up as I knew I would be on the phone for a long time getting approvals and dealing with representatives that did not know a dipstick from a donut.
Alignment & Suspension Specs: Ford Escape 2001-2010
The Ford Escape is one of the longest running Ford platforms with models that remained unchanged mechanically from 2000 to 2010. While it is not the most complicated alignment, it does have some quirks that have emerged during its past 10 years of service.
Alignment & Suspension Specs: 2007-2011 Ford Edge/Lincoln MKX
In 2007, Ford introduced the Ford Edge and Lincoln MKX crossover vehicles. The vehicles are based on the CD3 platform that is used for the Fusion and other Ford vehicles. FWD and AWD models are on the streets, but the alignment procedures are the same.
BRAKE HARDWARE: Economizing Fuel, Comebacks and Parts
Brake hardware for disc brakes is not a dealer-only item. Your local jobber might carry three lines of hardware. This product category is more than shims, anti-rattle clips or dust shields.
Viewpoint: Dealership Stickers Steering Drivers to Dealers
I have been seeing a lot more of these stickers on new cars. It just drives home the point that the new car dealer is becoming your competition. This “propaganda” affixed under the hoods of every new car sold reinforces the false belief among some consumers that independent shops can’t service late-model vehicles because they are too complicated.
Alignment & Suspension Specs: 2005-2010 Chevy Cobalt and Pontiac G5
If you were to look at the underside of a 2005-2010 Chevy Cobalt or Pontiac G5, the recipe doesn’t look that much different that a 1995-2004 Chevrolet Cavalier or Pontiac Sunfire. The basic ingredients of a strut front suspension and loaded beam axle rear suspension are still there. But, GM introduced several new ingredients that can change how this vehicle is aligned.
Tech Feature: Loaded Brake Calipers
Loaded calipers provide a variety of benefits when doing brake jobs on customers’ vehicles. Most brake suppliers have a loaded caliper program today so availability is seldom an issue. If price becomes a hurdle, that’s when it’s time to inform your customers of the features and benefits of loaded calipers.
80 YEARS YOUNG: 960 issues without missing a beat!
How does a magazine stay in business for 80 years? People may say flashy covers, good leadership or deep pockets to survive the rough times. It does take all of these things, but above all it takes successful readers that are valued or potential customers of our advertisers.