The Electronic Parking Brake:
A recent variation is the electric parking brake. First installed in the 2001 electric brakes have since appeared in a number of vehicles.
Ford Recall: The Problem is the Brake Fluid in the Switch – The Solution is a Fuse
Ford is performing the largest ever recall for a brake light switch on the side of the master cylinder. The recall will cover 9.6 million Ford vehicles made between 1992 and 2004.
VIEWPOINT: The Carpocalypse: What does it mean to shops?
Last month, I had a chance to attend a panel discussion at Northwood University in Midland, MI, titled “Reinventing the Wheel.” The panel featured the usual analysts and industry experts, but it also had a new car dealer and an executive vice president of a major aftermarket parts program group. The event was held in conjunction with the Northwood University International Auto Show.
POST YOUR COMMENTS: Dealing with Consumers Online Can Be Frustrating
When we redesigned the brakeandfrontend.com website, we permitted people to make comments on articles. Anybody can ask a question or share their opinion and it gets posted immediately.
I manage the comments and respond to readers on a regular basis. Some of the comments and dialog between repair shop professionals is great, sometimes better than the article or news item itself. It has also been a great way for some aftermarket companies to address customers’ questions and concerns.
BRAKE JOB: Seventh Generation Accord (2003-’08)
The seventh-generation Honda Accord (2003-’08) and Acura TL are some of the top-selling vehicles in the U.S. They have a very simple brake system to service, but it can be prone to brake noise if not serviced properly.
10 Ways to Prevent & Resolve Tire & Rim Slippage Problems
Wheel slippage has long been a point of concern in the tire industry, usually with high-output engines and high-torque applications, primarily on farm equipment and commercial trucks.
Tech Tip: Brake Pedal Sinks When First Pulling Away (2001-’05 Impala and Monte Carlo)
Customers may complain of a very slight loss of speed and sinking of the brake pedal when first pulling out of a driveway or parking lot.
Brake Safety Awareness Week: August 23-29
For the third consecutive year, the Motorist Assurance Program (MAP) is sponsoring Brake Safety Awareness Week. The event is annually held the final full week in August, with this year’s dates being August 23-29.
Brake Job: Ford Fusion
In the short time the Fusion and its cousins have been on the road, there have not been any recalls or TSBs issued for the brake system. Customer and field reports are positive and there are very few reports for brake noise.
Guess the Brake: Win free tools!
If you can identify year, make and model for the rear brakes pictured below you can win a set of quick disconnect tools for transmission, fuel and AC lines. This one is easy.
Why do Automotive Ball Joints, Tie Rods and Suspension Links Wear Out?
The ball and socket joint has been around on animals and humans for millennia. This simple design has been used on vehicles since the turn of the century because it works. But, just like our hip joints, ball and socket joints like ball joints, tie-rods and sway bar links wear out.
Brake Job: Chrysler 300 + 300c, Dodge Magnum/Challenger/Charger Brakes
What do you get when you mix the front suspension from an Mercedes S-Class, the rear suspension from a E-Class and the transmission from a C-Class? 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.