Diagnostic Solutions: Hubs/Bearings, CV Shafts & U-Joints
Thanks to advanced technology, modern vehicles operate with fewer noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) complaints than ever before. Consequently, when a noise, vibration or harshness issue arises, it’s most likely to be caused by worn drivetrain components like universal joints, constant velocity (CV) joints or wheel bearing hub assemblies. In any case, NVH complaints can often be the most challenging to diagnose when a tech or service writer can’t duplicate the exact driving conditions under which they occur.
Diagnostic Solutions: Ride Control System Protocol – Matching The Components To The Application
Import Specialist Contributor Gary Goms recalls his days of working as a technician for an off-road desert racing team and notes this lesson learned that holds true to this day: matching a shock absorber to its application.
Diagnostic Solutions: Starter & Battery Diagnostics
Import Specialist Contributor Gary Goms says that early 1900s inventor Charles F. Kettering’s electric self-starter transformed the automobile from a temperamental novelty item into a practical means of transportation.
Diagnostic Solutions: No-Code Sensor Failures
Import Specialist Contributor Gary Goms takes a look at how to utilize one or more scan tool features to detect an intermittent, no-code sensor failure.
Diagnostic Solutions: MAF Sensor Testing Methods
Troubleshooting MAF sensor problems can become a major headache for diagnostic technicians because the failure is usually one that involves a calibration error, rather than an outright electrical or mechanical failure.
Diagnostic Solutions: Oxygen Sensor Inspection And Service
Oxygen sensors have been a part of the automotive maintenance scene since 1976, when feedback fuel controls were popularly introduced. By 1980, nearly every car and light truck was equipped with an oxygen sensor that allowed their computer-controlled fuel systems to operate in a “closed-loop,” “feedback” or “fuel control” mode.
Diagnostic Solutions: Fluid Maintenance Issues
Several factors are driving modern fluid maintenance services. First, a modern vehicle’s service life often extends to well over 200,000 miles and good fluid maintenance practices are, in part, responsible for that remarkable achievement. Second, car counts in many shops are declining because late-model vehicles require less scheduled maintenance and less frequent repairs. Consequently, many shops are looking at add-on services, such as fluid maintenance, to boost shop revenues.
Diagnostic Solutions: Testing Automotive Batteries and Starters
In the real world, battery and starter testing data can vary widely and for no apparent
Diagnostic Solutions: Steering Geometry Diagnostics
Bent steering knuckle assemblies are easy to
Diagnostic Solutions: Engine Lubrication System Problems
Auto manufacturers are continuing to reduce vehicle maintenance requirements by extending oil change intervals, but many vehicle owners are forgetting to check their engine’s oil level between oil changes, warns Gary Goms, import specialist contributor. As such, extended oil change intervals are changing how we should recommend and perform scheduled vehicle maintenance.