Undercar Service Guide: Toyota Tacoma, Tundra And Sequoia
Toyota has used the same basic chassis and brake ingredients for its full- and medium-sized trucks and SUVs for almost 20 years. Whether it is a Tundra, Tacoma or Sequoia, they use a double-wishbone front suspension with a coil-over shock. The upper and lower control arms are made of stamped steel. The knuckle is tall for improved scrub radius, SAI and steering feel. The brakes will typically use an opposed four-piston caliper in the front, and either drum or disc brakes in the rear. A live axle with leaf springs resides in the rear. The Sequoia also received a multi-link suspension mounted to a subframe.
CES Technology: The Big, The Bold And The Survivors
Do you remember the internet “bubble” in 1999 that caused financial ruin for many due to business plans that never had a plan to make money? Right now investors in autonomous vehicle technology are many; the money involved is breathtaking; and the risk is enormous for all but the few who will survive.
Today’s Vehicles Are Akin To Horses: Coming Age of Autonomous Vehicles Won’t Make Cars Obsolete
Once it’s widely adopted, self-driving technology will save lives, make commutes more productive and ease congestion in cities, but that doesn’t mean people will lose interest in driving vehicles themselves, or that their affinity for personal vehicles will diminish, says Mary DellaValle, editor of ImportCar magazine.
ACEA Oil Guide: Understanding European Motor Oils
ACEA standards are based on testing developed by the European Engine Lubricants Quality Management System (EELQMS). Think of ACEA as the SAE of Europe and EELQMS as the API/ILSAC in the U.S.
Rethinking Fuel Pump Diagnostics And Sensors
The technician diagnosed the 2011 Rogue as a bad fuel pump by squirting propane into the air intake. With propane, the engine runs, without propane, it stalls. But, after the fuel pump was replaced, the Rogue exhibited the same problem, which was a very slow, unsteady idle followed by an engine stall.
Tech Tip: MINI PCV System Diagnostics And Measurement Of Pressure
All current MINI engines incorporate a pressure–controlled crankcase ventilation system that uses various crankcase ventilation valves, depending on the engine type. Although the valves all look different, they function similarly using a spring and diaphragm assembly to control the crankcase pressure.
Turning The Page… What We Know Isn’t What We Need To Know
Looking into 2018, it doesn’t take any leap of logic to see that the average import vehicle is becoming more reliable. The net effect is that the average import shop probably won’t see as many electronics-related pattern failures during the vehicle’s first 100,000 miles as it did a decade ago.
Where’s That Machine? That Thing That Tells You What’s Wrong With The Vehicle
Scan tools and meters are machines that provide information, so they can do only so much in the way of formulating a diagnosis. They provide strategic direction for the repair, allowing a trained mechanic to know which path to take. These folks are the “real” machines who have the skills to pinpoint what is wrong with a car. But, most of the public likes to believe that a “magical mystery machine” does all the work.
Honda Brake Job Tips To Ease Your Repair Procedures
All Honda brake systems may look the same after awhile, but it is what’s unseen that can hurt you in the form of a comeback. It might be as simple as a torque specification for a caliper bracket, or as complex as a parking brake adjustment.
Catalyst Efficiency Monitors: What Are The O2 Sensors Telling The PCM?
The catalyst efficiency monitor verifies that the catalytic converter is operating at a high enough efficiency rating to keep exhaust emissions within the predetermined values. The PCM compares the signals from the upstream and downstream oxygen sensors to determine the state of the converter. These “tests” are called readiness monitors.
Mercedes-Benz AIRMATIC Suspension: Diagnostic Tips for Repairs
The Mercedes-Benz AIRMATIC suspension system was introduced in 1999 on the S-Class and has subsequently been used on the E-Class and most of the automaker’s SUVs. Keep reading for some key tips for common ailments to help you effectively get the system on these popular models in top-running condition.
Silencing Brake Noise After Service
There are no shortcuts to performing a noise-free brake job. It is a difficult job that requires combining the correct parts, knowledge and preparation to make sure that the brakes do not make a noise for more than 20,000 miles or more.
