Brochure Alerts Motorists to Importance of Diagnostics in Vehicle Operation and Performance
Bosch has released an informative brochure intended to help the motorist understand automotive diagnostics and vehicle flash reprogramming, how they work and why they are very important when servicing most vehicles. The brochure, “Vehicle Diagnosis” (#F00E380793), explains that “Today’s vehicles are like computers on wheels,” and increased complexity of today’s vehicles means that more and more vehicle systems will be managed by on-board computers called Electronic Control Modules (ECUs).
Are Fewer Independent Shops Able to Service Today’s Vehicles?
Independent repair shop owners in the Bradenton, FL, area are concerned that vehicle owners will soon be forced to take their vehicles back to the dealerships because independent shops will no longer being able to service today’s high-tech vehicles. One shop owner estimates that he already sends 10 percent of his customers back to dealerships.
Closing the Gap on Intake Manifold Gaskets
Back in the days when most engines had cast iron blocks, heads and manifolds, the intake manifold could be easily sealed with simple and relatively inexpensive die cut fiber faced metal gaskets (solid or perforated core). Sealer was usually required to ensure a leak-free installation.
Tech Tip: Fix for a Leaky GM Rear Axle
Drivers of certain General Motors vehicles may complain of fluid seeping or leaking from the rear axle. To correct this, install a rear differential hose, clamps and a new metal differential vent following the procedures in this Tech Tip.
Bolt-on Horsepower: Choosing an Induction System
Like a houseful of teenagers, today’s high performance engines are hungry and thirsty. Whether running on the street or the strip, our ravenous appetite for speed means their ravenous appetites must continue to be fed.
Alignment & Suspension Specs: 2006-Current Chevrolet Impala
The 2006-current Chevrolet Impala represents the evolution of the GM mid/full-sized front-wheel-drive car. This generation of the Impala is solid and easy to work on. Gone are the quirks of previous generations. We will be concentrating on the civilian V6-equipped version that represents about 85 percent of the Impalas on the road. The V8 and Police versions have different alignment/ride height specifications and components.
Technicians Set Own Hourly Rate at Milwaukee Repair Shop
At Hands-on Garage in Milwaukee, WI, technicians sign on as independent contractors and set their own hourly rates. Each technician is required to incorporate as a business and purchase insurance. The shop is equipped with diagnostic equipment and tools.
Engine Tech Feature: Aftermarket Blocks are More Versatile than Ever
Many of today’s new parts offer benefits not found on the old pieces. And in many cases, those old pieces just cannot offer what the new ones can in the way of performance possibilities.
Alignment & Suspension Specs: 2006-2010 Honda Civic
Built on a high-rigidity unit-body platform, the 2006-current Civic has a MacPherson strut front suspension and multi-link rear suspension. The 8th-generation Civic switched from a high mounted steering rack to a low mounted one and significantly increased caster. In the alignment bay, the 8th-generation Civic does not hold any surprises. But, it does require a sharp eye to spot potential problems.
BRAKE JOB: GM H-Body Brake Job
Pad and rotor replacement is straightforward on this vehicle. But, there are some common errors that can be made if you are not paying attention. First, make sure the front caliper bracket bolts are tightened to 137 ft/lbs. If the bolts work their way loose, the driver may experience a sporadic low pedal condition or worse. Second, replace the hardware if necessary. Most noise complaints can be traced to worn out hardware. Third, this vehicle is sensitive to thickness variation of the rotors. Always make sure thickness variation is below .0005”, or you could have a pulsation comeback.