What Techs Will Have To Worry About With GF-6 Oils
Technicians and shops that perform oil changes in the future will need to pay extra close attention to what they’re putting in the vehicle. While we’re waiting for API’s newest GF-6 oil standard to be approved, we are discovering just what future oil service may look like for shops.
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.
Technology Update: Artificial Intelligence
What is Artificial Intelligence? Simply put, it is the development of computer systems able to perform tasks that normally require human intelligence, such as visual perception, speech recognition and decision-making.
Hyundai/Kia Theta Engine Maintenance Essentials
The Hyundai Theta engine appeared in 2006 Sonata models and is going strong to this day in naturally aspirated and turbocharged forms in various Hyundai and Kia applications. The one area of the engine that has been the source of more TSBs and tech tips has been the bottom end of the engine and lubrication system.
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.
Toyota D-4S: Port Fuel Or Direct Fuel Injection? Why Not Both?
You may soon see a Toyota vehicle that has both direct fuel injection and port fuel injection. You will see port fuel injectors in the intake manifold and a direct injection fuel pump. Toyota calls this system the D-4S or Dynamic Force Engine and the earliest application was on the Lexus GS SUV with the V8. The D-4S system is not a “cold start” or “dousing” injector system, like that on V6 engines from the early to late 2000s.
What Is The Value Of Routine Vehicle Maintenance?
The first step in keeping your customers’ vehicles in top-running condition is getting them in the mindset about the value of preventive maintenance, so that they take a proactive role in having you regularly maintain their vehicles, says Mary DellaValle, editor of ImportCar magazine.
Tech Tip: Removing A Rear Rotor Stuck On The Parking Brake
If you are having trouble removing a drum-in-hat rotor, don’t just take a hammer to it. You may have to adjust the parking brake and back it off the rotor in order to remove the rear rotor.
TPMS Service Opportunities: The 656-Million Sensor Market
September 2018 marked the 11-year anniversary of mandatory tire pressure monitoring systems (TPMS) for all light vehicles sold in the U.S. During these past 11 years, more than 164 million vehicles have been equipped with TPMS. If you multiply that number by four, it means that there are more than 656 million tire pressure sensors that will need replacement at some point.
Fiat Wheel Bearing Failure Analysis
This 2014 Fiat Abarth was brought in with the customer being concerned about a noise coming from the left rear. He was convinced that it was a tire. The noise was cyclical and it increased with speed. During inspection, the bearing had no detectable play, the tires were evenly worn, and no ABS wheel speed sensor codes were present. On the lift, the left bearing was significantly noisier than the right bearing when turned by hand. But, no extra play could be detected.
Dodging The Silver Bullet: How The 21st Century Is Changing Vehicle Diagnostics
While understanding the symptoms of a failure are key to diagnosing the failure itself, replacing an expensive component based upon a symptom rather than a set of factual data is a very risky and expensive proposition. So, in the world of advanced diagnostics, it’s important to begin dodging the Silver Bullet solution as a diagnostic tool.
