GM Drivetrain Tech Tip: Transfer Case Leaking Fluid
Fluid Leak at Left Hand Transfer Case Weep Hole or Between Transfer Case and Transmission (Replace Left Transfer Case Input Shaft Seal or Transfer Case O-Ring Seal). Models equipped with 6T45/70/75 Transmission RPO Codes MHC/MH4/MH6 for GM or AF33-5 AWD/PTU Automatic Transmission (RPO M45) for 2007-2008 Suzuki and Getrag 760 or 790 Power Takeoff Unit (Transfer Case).
Diagnostic Solutions: Building Off-Road Suspension Systems
Judging from weekend traffic, desert off-road and mountain trail driving is becoming a major past-time for many import vehicle enthusiasts. Most of the off-road import vehicles I see in Colorado are the late ’80s and early ’90s Toyota and Nissan pickups and SUVs that feature mechanical simplicity along with the structural ruggedness needed to navigate miles from any service facility.
Tech Tip: All Wheel Drive Synergies for Brakes, Transmission and Transfer Case
There are very few all-mechanical controls left on late-model vehicles. Almost all powertrain controls are electromechanical using a computer as the controller. These include powertrain control of the accelerator pedal with the latest being All Wheel Drive (AWD). The brakes and damping are also electromechanical under electronic control. There are peripheral systems that are all computer controlled such as Electronic Stability Control (ESC) and Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC).
Newspaper Columnist Tackles Book Rate vs. Actual Time Complaint
A reader of The Record newspaper, which serves Bergen County, NJ, wrote in complaining that he was charged for 4.5 hours of labor instead of the 2 hours he was expecting to be charged when he recently had his brakes serviced. How would you have handled this angry customer?
Ford Tech Tip: Drivetrain – Rear Axle Seal(s) Leaking
Some Ford, Lincoln and Mercury vehicles may exhibit oil separation from the internal lube found in the unitized cartridge seal. This oil separation appears to be, and is often misdiagnosed, as an axle lube leak.
Tech Feature: Eliminating the Con-‘Fusion’ of Servicing Ford’s Mid-Size Vehicles
Nestled into the marketing space between the Focus and the Taurus/Five Hundred is the Ford Fusion. The Fusion came with a choice of four-cylinder and six-cylinder Duratec powerplants. The inline four-cylinder Duratec 23 is a 2.3L 16-valve DOHC engine.
Suspension & Alignment Specs: 2007-2010 Dodge Caliber
The Dodge Caliber is a compact car produced by the Dodge division of Chrysler. The same basic platform is used for the Sebring, Avenger, Jeep Patriot/Compass and Mitsubishi Lancer. This is a “Net Build” vehicle with only toe adjustments built into the vehicle. Some adjustments for caster and camber can be made by moving the sub-frames.
Z Sport, Part 2: Powering Subaru WRX Engine & Chassis Upgrades
A few months back, I highlighted a project car being built by Z Sport. The car is now back together and running. Charles Damewood, the car’s owner and a principle at Z Sport, has been driving the car to break in the engine, and get an idea of what needs to be sorted out as far as engine management before doing a full on dynamometer test. As soon as fuel mapping and software issues are resolved, we will get full performance testing data and publish a follow up.
Alignment and Suspension Specs: Ford Fusion 2006-2010
In 2006 when Ford introduced the Fusion, many could not help but to compare it to the third- and fourth-generation Taurus models. The previous generation had a reputation for broken springs and tire shredding bushing problems. The 2006-2010 Fusion is a different story.
Tech Feature: 2004-2008 Ford F-150 Brake Job Top 10 Tips
Starting with the 2004 model year, Ford launched a new body style for the F150. The new body style truck is a new vehicle inside and out. However, not all of the 2004 F150s that you see will be the new body style. The 2004 F150 was also made available in the older body style pickup that came on the scene in 1996. The older body style F150 is called a “Heritage” edition.