Suspension Bushing Logic
Suspensions have gone softer with larger-diameter bushings, compared to 20 years ago. During this time, both ride quality and handling have gotten better. Most modern bushings augment the geometry of the suspension. As the vehicle loads the suspension, movement in the bushings can change the toe, camber and caster so that the vehicle is more stable under braking, cornering and acceleration.
On The Brink Of Vehicle Breakdown Season: You Play A Key Role In Keeping Customers Safe And Happy
Just knowing that the average age of vehicles on the road is 11.6 years should be music to your ears. After all, older vehicles rack up more miles, and with that comes more wear and tear. Add to that new AAA roadside research that reveals vehicles that are 10-plus years old are twice as likely to end up stranded on the side of the road compared to newer vehicles, and you’ve got the perfect storm brewing for service opportunities with the upcoming summer road-trip season, says Mary DellaValle, editor of ImportCar magazine.
Volkswagen, Audi Direct Fuel Injection System
For the past decade, almost every vehicle that Volkswagen and Audi has sold in the U.S. has been equipped with direct fuel injection. These FSI, TSI and GDI systems allow for better fuel economy and power. The switch to direct injection has also allowed Volkswagen to downsize its engines from 2.0L to 1.4L on base models without losing any power, while still improving fuel efficiency.
Toyota Brake Repair Tips
If you are replacing a caliper that has locked up and created a great deal of heat, you should also replace the brake hose. This is a good practice anytime, but particularly important with the Toyota line, as the hose can fail at the caliper fitting after being subjected to the extreme heat.
TPMS Service Kits: The Key To TPMS Maintenance
Anytime a tire is removed from the rim of a vehicle, a new TPMS kit must be installed. The existing sensor kit could be brand new or years old, but every tire removal should include the replacement of the TPMS sensor kit. Not replacing the kits could cause big problems with tire pressure and the vehicle’s TPMS if not properly serviced.
Ride Control Dynamics Play Critical Role In Vehicles Equipped With ABS, And Traction & Stability Control
As a vehicle brakes, accelerates and corners, transferred weight impacts vehicle attitude. If this is done in a controlled manner, braking can transfer weight effectively to the tire that needs it the most. For the most part, the suspension and tires handle the best when weight transfer is not sudden and the suspension is not compressed on the bump stops.
Audi Tech Tip: Key Can’t Be Removed From The Ignition
The customer will complain that the key can’t be removed from the ignition when the vehicle is in park. In some cases, the driver will not be able to move the shift lever from the park position. On vehicles with the Advance Key System, the car can not be locked after the engine has been shut off.
Mercedes-Benz Tech Tip: Refrigerant Compressor Noise Complaints
If you receive customer reports of noises at the refrigerant compressor with the A/C either activated or deactivated, the cause could be a defective belt pulley or belt pulley bearing. The pulley and pulley bearing can be diagnosed and replaced with the compressor still installed in the vehicle by following the procedures in this article.
Volkswagen Tech Tip: DTC P0401, Followed By P2463, Due To High Soot Loads Before Regeneration Cycle
The car owner may complain that the MIL light is on. When the codes are scanned, code P0401 Exhaust Gas Recirculation Flow Insufficient and P2463 DPF Soot Accumulation will be stored in the ECM.
Brake Shop Economics: It’s About Dollars Per Hour, Not Hours Per Dollar
Shop profitability is always a hot topic in the automotive service business. As a point of comparison for most shops, brakes, steering and suspension services usually top the list in profitability, while engine repairs rank somewhere near the bottom. The key to profitability is to establish a benchmark on how many dollars can be earned per hour.
MLS Gasket Update: Touting Their Advantages
The days of getting away with composition gaskets in extreme combustion situations were back when the deck surfaces on blocks and heads were thick and strong, and the heads were clamped with 5-6 head bolts per cylinder. However, all that changed when carmakers became extremely weight conscious for MPG reasons and they started removing material out of blocks and heads.
Diagnosing Acura RDX Turbo System Problems
The 2007-2012 Acura RDX was Honda’s first production vehicle in North America with a turbocharger. The company took the proven K-series engine and lowered the compression ratio from 10:1 to 8:1, and added a turbocharger with the associated plumbing. But, it is a lot more complicated when it comes to managing the boost.
