Brakes: Science Friction
For the brakes to function, the rotors and pads have to wear. Even a brake rotor’s metallurgy can determine how a pad wears. For import nameplate vehicles, the chemistry of the pads is part of the equation that determines how the brakes feel and perform.
Selling TPMS At The Front Counter
Customers have a lot of questions when it comes to TPMS. Keep reading for some solid answers to help you help them at the front counter.
Active Ride Control: Comfort, Control And Wheel Travel All In One Sway Bar
Imagine a car without sway bars. The car would experience body roll around corners, but off road and in a straight line, the tires would maintain better contact with rougher roads at lower speed for better traction. However, at higher speeds, the body movement around corners would negate this effect. If you increased the spring rate, it would reduce body roll but would impact ride comfort.
TPMS And Radio Waves: What You Can’t See Can Hold Up A Relearn
TPMS and keyless entry can be difficult to understand because these systems rely on transmitting, receiving and decoding radio waves. You can see wires connecting modules and components, but seeing radio signals takes a little faith in science.
Brake Corrosion Science: Why Rust On Brake Lines And Pads Is Not Normal
You know what rust and corrosion look like, but what is it? Why does it cause holes in some metal parts while causing others to seize? It is not a simple answer. Understanding the mechanics of rust and corrosion is critical in repairing the vehicles and preventing corrosion from happening.
Rotors Don’t Warp & The Earth Is Not Flat
By declaring a customer’s brake pedal pulsation complaint is caused by warped rotors is like saying the earth is flat. Both are cases where the observation of the person is based on a tiny piece of evidence that is false in nature and application.
The Complete Strut Job
Loaded or complete struts are typically twice the price of a strut and upper mount. Before you say to yourself that there is no way you could sell something that expensive or be competitive locally, put yourself in the shoes of your customer. If you were offered an option that would return your vehicle to almost-new condition, wouldn’t you take it, even if the price were higher?
TPMS: 2011 Toyota RAV4
The RAV4 doesn’t have a reset button underneath the dash or within the glove box, meaning technicians don’t have to worry about getting a TPMS relearn malfunction due to the vehicle’s ECU closed loop. This also means that in order to successfully service the RAV4’s TPMS, a shop needs a dedicated TPMS scan tool.
Why European Import Brake Surfaces Need Extra Attention
Brake rotor finish is an important topic when it comes to European vehicles because they are more sensitive to poor (rough) surface finishes and irregularities in the casting process.
Ex’Splining’ New Wheel Bearing Designs
Better designs are needed to accommodate large diameter wheels, which apply a heavier bending movement on the hub’s flange. Also, many of today’s vehicles have twice the power compared to new models of just a decade ago. This extra power can cause stress on the splines and stub axle.
Active Ride Control: Diagnostics And Replacement Options
For a shock or strut to be active, it must be able to react to three critical streams of information. First, it must act on information from the ABS and stability control system. Second, it must measure body movement. Third, it must detect the extent and rate of suspension movement.
Test, Bleed, Flush: How Can You Protect Your Customer’s Brake System?
Replacing brake fluid or “flushing” it can extend the life of hydraulic brake components, but when should brake fluid be replaced? For the past 30 years, OEMs, shops and tool manufacturers have struggled with that question.
