Tech Feature: The Truth About Valve Springs
Valve springs are one of the most critical and most overlooked components in your engine. Proper selection of the valve spring begins with identifying the application and selecting all of the valve train components to achieve the engine builders’ goals. The spring is selected to complement the system and must be matched with the entire valve train in order for the engine to reach its full potential.
Tech Feature: What’s Rockin’ In Performance Rocker Arms and Valve Springs
Horsepower is in the heads. But for a cylinder head to breathe efficiently, the valvetrain must be rigid and strong to minimize flex, but also lightweight. For most performance applications, that means replacing the stock rocker arms, valve springs and pushrods with some type of aftermarket roller rocker arms, stiffer valve springs and stronger pushrods. The way in which rocker arms are designed has changed in recent years. Many companies now use sophisticated computer software to develop new rocker arm designs. An engineer sits down in front of a ….
Tech Feature: Air Springs and Suspensions
Passenger car air helper springs have been around since the early fifties. Fifty years ago (1958 model year), GM introduced air suspension as an option for all of its passenger cars. It featured a single cylinder belt driven compressor from Bendix Westinghouse. Goodyear supplied its rolling lobe and sleeve type Super-Cushion air springs. The option lasted for two model years. In the late 1960s, Mercedes Benz applied air suspension to their SL sedans and limousines. Air springs returned in ….
Air Springs and Suspensions
ed air suspension to their SL sedans and limousines. Air springs returned in 1974 for the rear suspension of the new GMC Motor Home RV26. This time the springs came from Firestone and the compressor was driven by an electric motor. The mid 1980s saw a revival of air suspension at all four corners for
Tech Tip: Debris Caught Between Leaf Springs May Result in Noise
During normal operation, certain vehicles may exhibit a squeaking noise that can be traced to the rear leaf springs. While this noise is an operating characteristic of leaf springs, the frequency and severity of this noise will be affected by the roads on which the vehicle is driven. The noise may be due to debris getting between the leaf springs. To correct this condition, lubricate the ….
Ride Control Upgrades: Struts, Springs and Sway Bars
Some magazines write about suspension modifications on some of the most mundane vehicles, BRAKE & FRONT END never takes the easy way out. When most people think about lowering springs and other modifications, they think of Asian imports shaking the fillings out of a young driver. You almost never think of a BMW 7 Series.
Tech Tip: Diagnosing Squeaking Leaf Springs on Silverados
During normal operation, certain vehicles may exhibit a squeaking noise that can be traced to the rear leaf springs. While this noise is an operating characteristic of leaf springs, the frequency and severity of this noise will be affected by the roads on which the vehicle is driven. The noise may be due to debris getting between the leaf springs.
Tech Tip: Helpful Pointers for Inspecting, Diagnosing and Servicing Clock Springs
A clock spring isn’t related to the clock and it doesn’t have spring in it. However, it is found on every single vehicle, both import and domestic, produced since 1994. Dorman Products offers the following instructional pointers for technicians servicing clock springs.
Diagnostic Solutions: Springs and Things
Maximizing Ride Control…Steering Response & Handling
Dorman Offers Helpful Pointers for Inspecting, Diagnosing and Servicing Clock Springs
A clock spring isn’t related to the clock and it doesn’t have spring in it. However, it is found on every single vehicle, both import and domestic, produced since 1994. Dorman Products offers the following instructional pointers for technicians servicing clock springs.