Tech Tip: Motor Mounts – An Opportunity for an Add-On
Often-overlooked engine components that may need to be replaced when installing a remanufactured engine are motor mounts. These rubber mounts can deteriorate, collapse and/or separate with age. Fluid-filled "hydraulic" type mounts can often leak, allowing annoying engine vibrations to be transmitted to the chassis.
Tech Tip: Volkswagen Coolant Pump Leakage
Coolant pump seals are designed to use coolant as a lubricant. This design intentionally uses a small amount of coolant to coat the seals during pump operation. Any excess coolant that accumulates will exit the weep hole when the engine cools down.
Tech Tip: Curing Honda Rear Suspension Noise and ABS Pump Maladies
Certain 1988-2000 Civics may exhibit a clunk or squeak from the rear suspension when driven over rough or bumpy roads. The probable cause is a broken rear trailing arm bushing(s).
Tech Tip: Thermostat Technology
Although the humble thermostat isn’t generally considered to be a "high-tech" component, it continues to serve a number of very critical functions in the modern, computer-controlled import vehicle. To better understand these functions, let’s first consider that carbon and water are two major by-products of internal combustion that accumulate in an engine’s motor oil.
Tech Tip: Causes and Cures for Disc Brake Problems
There are as many causes as there are cures for disc brake problems. Brake pedal pulsation heads the list, while disc brake noise and brake pedal sensitivity follow as second and third place contenders. Most of these problems can be avoided if technicians have the right parts and follow the correct procedures.
Tech Tip: Ford Engine Oil Levels – How to Avoid Overfilling
Incorrect oil levels are being found in many 2002-2003 Ford, Lincoln and Mercury vehicles. In most cases, the level is being misinterpreted because the oil level on the dipstick is not touching the top hash mark at the upper limit (or MAX mark), or it is partway down the crosshatch area.
Tech Tip: Volvo Piston Cooling Valve Replacement
Use the following procedure to replace the piston cooling valve on model-year 2000 S70, V70 and C70 Volvos.
Tech Tip: Fuel Pump Diagnostics
Electric fuel pumps are a vital part of any electronic fuel injection system because achieving an accurate air/fuel mixture ratio depends upon the fuel injector receiving adequate fuel pressure and volume. Because electric fuel pumps have moving parts that wear out, they also have a relatively predictable service life and, therefore, become a predictable profit center for the independent service specialist.
Tech Tip: Car Battery Maintenance – To Water or Not to Water?
In millions of vehicles, lead-acid batteries start people on billions of journeys every day. Yet as car engines become more complex and the technology of automotive batteries advances, motorists seem to be confused about the proper maintenance of the batteries under their hoods. The article, "Auto Batteries: Some Go the Distance" in the November 2005 issue of Consumer Reports, clouds the issue further.
Tech Tip: Can Loaded Brake Calipers Boost Productivity?
Some technicians like loaded calipers because everything they need comes in one box. They don’t have to worry about mismatched parts from different suppliers and the complete assemblies are quick and easy to install. Most importantly, they see fewer comebacks because of brake noise or other problems.
Tech Tip: Uncovering Tire Noise
By now you’ve probably become an expert at explaining the noise differences between a “mud” performance tire and one designed for "all-terrain" use. Tire lugs are dead giveaways. Even someone with trifocals can see the difference.
Tech Tip: Honda Suspension System Diagnosis and Service
Like most vehicles, the suspension system on a Honda or Acura will give its owner many miles of trouble-free service. But with the amount of miles these cars deliver, it’s only a matter of time before they will need some type of repair. And unlike some of the other systems on the car, the suspension may not provide a clear indication to the driver that a problem exists. It’s really up to the technician to identify problems while routine or related service is being performed.