August 2018 Archives - Import Car
Nissan Maxima Brake Job: Seventh Generation, 2009-2014 Models

These brake systems are known to make noise if the proper procedures are not followed and brake materials are not installed properly. The OE pads use a Non-Asbestos Organic (NAO) compound. The NAO material provides increased resistance to brake squeal. Some customers have complained about noisy brakes on these vehicles, so it is a good idea to explain the different pad compounds and varying degrees of noise resistance to let them decide which best suits their needs.

Land Rover Tech Tip: 2013-’17 Range Rover With Dynamic Response Suspension

A squeak, creak and/or a knocking noise from the front of the vehicle may be evident when driving over rough terrain. This may be caused by debris that’s contaminating the contact face between the Dynamic Response front stabilizer bar and bushings.

BMW M-Series Tech Tip: Crack Noise From Front Axle At Low Speeds

Customers may complain of cracking noises heard from the area of the front axle when rotating the steering while stationary or at low speed. The cause could be a loose connection securing the front axle and front end components. To correct the problem, tighten the loose components or lubricate the bearing surfaces.

Toyota Tech Tip: 3.5L V6 May Exhibit Oil Leaks For Cam Sensor Bolts

Toyota vehicles equipped with the 2GR-FKS 3.5L, 24-valve DOHC V6 may exhibit oil leaks from the cam sensor bolt holes. The sensors are in the valley of the engine. Toyota recommends replacing the camshaft housings head gaskets and valve cover gaskets with updated parts.

Kia/Hyundai Engine Timing System Guide

In the past 20 years, Hyundai and Kia have adopted the Greek alphabet letters to name their engines. To date, they have covered 11 letters of the alphabet. These engines range from 1.4L four cylinders to 5.0L V8s. Some of these engines overlap model years on a single model with multiple options for customers.

Wideband Oxygen Sensors Vs. Narrowband: Understanding The Differences

Wideband air/fuel oxygen sensors may appear similar to conventional narrowband oxygen sensors, but there are quite a few differences that you need to be aware of to service vehicles with this new style sensor.

Servicing R1234yf: Are You Ready?

R1234yf, tabbed the replacement for R134a, has been in service now for a few years on certain models from FCA and GM as well as several European models. R1234yf is estimated to be fitted on 35 million vehicles worldwide. The EU has already banned R134a as of Jan. 2017, and the U.S. will follow suit by 2020. While most independent shops haven’t had to deal with it yet, you will start seeing them soon, so you should be prepared to service them by getting the right tools.

Lexus Air Ride Review

Lexus models, including the LS sedan, RX crossover and GX SUV, are some of the least problematic air ride vehicles on the road. In fact, most Lexus customers do not realize that their vehicle is equipped with an air suspension until something breaks. Like all air ride systems, if you are not familiar with the system operation, you can throw a lot of parts at it without achieving any results. Taking some time to look at the theory and operation sections of the service information can save you a lot of lost time speculating on the source of the problem.

Sensing Brake Pad Wear

Modern brake pad wear sensors can do more than just warn the driver of a worn brake pad. These new wear sensors work with the rest of the brake system and can estimate the mileage until the brake pads wear out.

North, South, East & West: Finding The Right Direction In Modern Wheel Alignment Technology

For the past 100 years, wheel alignment has been about adjusting camber, caster and toe angles. During the past 20 years, four-wheel alignments have done their share to change the wheel alignment landscape. But, with the introduction of the 2018 and 2019 imports, Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) are once again revolutionizing the wheel alignment market because the alignment technician must not only align all four wheels with the vehicle centerline, he must now align one or more ADAS sensors with the lane of travel.

MINI Tech Tip: False ‘Brake Service’ Due Message

The yellow “Service Due” warning message lights up in the instrument cluster, even though the brake pad thickness is more than 4.2 mm (above the thickness at which the pad sensor intervenes). The calculated remaining service life for the brake pads (front and/or rear axle) from the CBS data does not match the actual brake pad thickness.

Consumer In-Vehicle Internet Connectivity On The Rise

If you think that your customers aren’t literally tied to the web, think again. Recent survey results from Metova, a global provider of mobile, connected car, connected home and IoT solutions, revealed that more than half of respondents own a car that connects to the internet – either directly or via their phone, says Mary DellaValle, editor of ImportCar magazine.