Tech Tip: In-Line Power Steering Filter
Particles not removed during the flushing process or particles
from everyday wear of components and hoses cause valves to stick and block fluid flow. When replacing any power steering component, always flush the entire system and then install an in-line filter.
Florida Repair Shop Strives to Meet Customers’ Specific Needs
Delaine Andrews, co-owner of Andrews Transmission & Car Care in Pace, FL, tells each technician that is hired: “We are not in the automotive repair industry. We are in the transportation industry.” She understands that each customer has different needs and the shop does its best to meet those needs in a professional and honest manner.
FREE Trade Show for Collision Vo-Tech Instructors and Students
Attention all vo-tech instructors and students! Want to attend a FREE trade show showcasing the latest tools, equipment and refinish products in the collision repair marketplace? Then you need to attend the 2011 BodyShop Business Conference & Trade Show May 5 at the Pheasant Run Resort in Chicago.
Pulling Codes: Status Really Does Matter
Many modern-day fuel systems offer a new look into system status definitions. It’s become very important to extend our understanding well beyond the concepts of simple “open loop” and “closed loop” status. This month, we will explore the new fuel system definitions that are present on many of today’s vehicles. We’ll begin our discussion by looking at each one on an individual basis.
Tech Feature: Making the Transition to Non-Lead Wheel Weights
The days of lead wheel weights are numbered. While the federal Environmental Protection Agency has been slow to act, a number of state governments – California, Illinois, Washington, Maine, Vermont and New York – have banned the use of lead wheel weights. In addition, similar legislation is pending in Iowa, Wisconsin, Maryland and Rhode Island, with more states likely to follow.
Faulty Tire Repair Brings $22.8 Million Court Award
A bad tire repair and a lack of proper repair training led to a record $22.8 million award to the estates of a couple killed when a tire repair failure caused a rollover accident.
Tech Feature: Solving Steering Wander
As frustrating as diagnosing steering wander complaints might be, most can be solved by thoroughly inspecting the physical condition of the vehicle. In the following text, I’ll cover some of the most common causes of steering wander and how to detect them during an undercar inspection.
Tech Feature: Performing the Complete Brake Job
The problem with routines is that we tend to – you guessed it – fall into a routine. Because the braking system on many modern imports is integrated into other systems like vehicle stability control (VSC) and traction control, modern braking systems must meet minimum levels of performance. For that reason alone, short-cutting a brake repair with substandard procedures and materials is a recipe for future comebacks.
Tech Feature: BMW Diagnosing Electronic Accessories
BMW has some of the most technologically
Tech Feature: Courage Under Misfire
Generally, when a customer brings a vehicle into a shop that has a misfire concern, they will describe it as bucking, jerking or loss of power. They also may describe it, depending on the cause, as a jerking when they take off from a start, but smoothes out once the vehicle gets moving. They may tell you the check engine light has been flashing.