Volkswagen Brake, Suspension and Exhaust Repairs
The original Volkswagen Beetle changed a number of things for the maintenance technician. The muffler was part of the engine, the suspension consisted of front and rear torsion bars, and the brakes, though actually large for a car of the Bug’s weight, needed adjustment on a regular basis to make them safe. Things have changed
The Future of Cool
Ed Sunkin, Editor, also contributed to this report Nobody knows exactly how refrigeration systems will change in the future, but it appears likely that R-134a’s days are numbered. The Europeans are seriously considering phasing it out starting in 2009. If that happens, the North American OEMs may follow suit. Though R-134a poses no danger to
Aftermarket Update
Trade Press Gets First-Hand Look During Tour of Bosch’s State-of-the-Art South Carolina O2 Sensor Plant Oxygen sensors are one of the key sensors in every engine’s fuel management feedback control system. Consequently, O2 sensors play a vital role in maintaining low emissions, good fuel economy and peak performance. Developed by the Robert Bosch Corporation, O2
Handling Damage & Warranty Issues
Mrs. Jones’ car is being backed out of the bay after an oil change and Joe, the driver and tech, hits the wall with the car. The wall is fine, but the same can’t be said for Mrs. Jones’ car. I would never suggest that my way is the only way, but here is how
Transmissions & Clutches
The Ins and Outs of Manual Gear Box Repair
Rev Up Volvo Performance
When any engine swap is done using a larger displacement engine, you have to look at the big picture. Everything around it must be addressed to handle the added horsepower. This includes the braking system, front and rear suspension, and the structure of the frame. When I did my first Volvo V8 engine swap, it
Salem on Service: Handling the Damage in the Shop
Mrs. Smith’s car is being backed out of the bay after an oil change and Joe, the driver and tech, hits the wall with the car. The wall is fine, but the same cannot be said for Mrs. Smith’s car. I would never suggest that my way is the only way, but here is how
Understanding Today’s Multi-Coil Ignition Systems
Distributorless Ignition Systems (DIS) have been around for more than two decades, but in recent years the trend has been to multi-coil systems such as Coil On Plug (COP) or Coil Per Cylinder (CPC) ignition systems, and Coil Near Plug (CNP) ignition systems. COP systems have become the hot setup for a number of packaging,
Honda Timing Belt Replacement
Paying Attention to Detail Makes the Job Go Smoother
Flash Reprogramming
Would you believe flash reprogrammable PCMs have been in vehicles for more than a decade? The first such application was the 1990 Geo Storm. Why a humdrum car like the Storm would be the first to receive a flash reprogrammable computer system is unknown. You’d think GM would have chosen a more high profile vehicle