Nissan Tech Tip: Pleasant Surprise – Plugging Head Leak
Any technician who has worked extensively with Asian-made vehicles has more than a casual acquaintance with head gasket replacements. It comes as no surprise that when you put an aluminum head on a cast iron block, the different expansion rates of the two metals will eventually weaken the head gasket.
Escalade Tech Tip: Fixing Front End Squeaks
Your shop just installed a new set of tires on a 2002 Cadillac Escalade. The very next day, the customer returns complaining about a squeak and a rattle coming from the front end that wasn’t there before you replaced the tires. What happened?
Tech Tip: Stopping Front Brake Rattle with GM Caliper Kits
Owners of several General Motors vehicles may experience a rattling noise coming from the front of their vehicles. This annoying rattle usually occurs at vehicle speeds under 30 mph (48 km/h) and while driving over bumps. A light application of the brake pedal usually eliminates the noise.
Tech Tip: Chrysler Engine Mount Noise
I know the majority of you auto techs are extremely proficient at finding and repairing sources of strange and unusual noises. Although chasing these audible emissions can be time consuming and without a doubt aggravating, the customer’s concerns are usually valid and can often be of monumental importance to them.
Jaguar Tech Tip: Engine Noise? Don’t Worry About It
Rattling, knocking, thumping and squealing sounds are fine, as long as they’re coming from a haunted English castle. But nobody likes to hear any of those noises coming from under their "bonnet." With more foreign manufacturers building power plants using tighter tolerances, hydraulic valve lash adjusters and serpentine belts, noisy engines are becoming a thing of the past – or are they?
Tech Tip: Voyager Basics – Loss of Speed Control
A simple malfunctioning vacuum valve on some 1996 to 2000 Plymouth Voyagers can result in a loss of more than 5 mph while climbing a grade with the speed control engaged. The actual cause of the problem could be a leaking check valve in the battery tray/vacuum reservoir assembly.
Toyota Tech Tip: Cold Camry Steering Noise
In cold weather, your customers may complain of squeaking or moaning noise emanating from their 1997 – 1998 Camry steering racks while turning at very low speeds (2-3 mph). The repair involves replacing the steering rack housing bushing with an updated part.
Tech Tip: This Camaro Shreds … Belts?
It happens to us all sooner or later – a vehicle we have repaired comes back to the shop with either the same problem or a related problem that the owner is certain we’ve caused. It doesn’t occur very often, but when it does, it’s extremely disheartening and embarrassing – not to mention detrimental to our paychecks because we have to fix it on our own time.
Tech Tip: Pleasant Surprise – Plugging Nissan Head Leak
Any technician who has worked extensively with Asian-made vehicles has more than a casual acquaintance with head gasket replacements. It comes as no surprise that when you put an aluminum head on a cast iron block, the different expansion rates of the two metals will eventually weaken the head gasket.
Subaru Brake System Service
Over the last 25 years or so, Subaru has been the top- selling all-wheel-drive car here in the Pacific Northwest. For beachcombers and skiers alike, as well as rock hounds and hikers, having all-wheel drive is a big plus. Stop-and-go commuting, and difficult mountain driving take their toll on both drivers and vehicles. Of all