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Solving Brake Noise Complaints

Most brake complaints will be squeak-related, with the common metal-on-metal grinding taking a close second. Both of these noises relate to the pad. The grinding noise is almost always the result of worn pads and the backing plate contacting the rotor, and we all know how to deal with that. To a lesser extent, you’ll also get some knocking complaints.

Tech Feature: Kia Driveability Diagnostics

We’ll be taking a look at the Kia line of cars and SUVs this month with an eye toward driveability issues and check engine light concerns. My first point is that there should be no trepidation when a Kia finds its way to your bay. Kias enjoy a solid dealer network, good parts availability and a no-charge website for repair information so there is no reason that you shouldn’t welcome them into your shop.

Tech Feature: Quieting Hyundai Brake and Chassis Noises

It seems I’ve been writing a lot of these brake and undercar articles lately. While they’re similar in content, I hope you find them to be resourceful, and it never hurts to go over the basics. This month, we’ll be concentrating on the Hyundai line of vehicles. Over the years, these cars have seen improvements in performance and reliability. The latest models have certainly touched a chord with the buyers, and with smart styling, affordability and a strong dealer network, there is no reason to think you won’t be seeing these cars in your bays for many years to come.

Tech Feature: Nissan Undercar Noise and Vibration Repairs

When it comes to Nissan undercar work, Import Specialist Bob Dowie discusses the first challenge you face and that is selling the work. While he uses the word “selling,” what you are actually doing is making the customer aware of issues that need to be addressed to maintain the reliability and, more importantly, the safety of their vehicle.

Solving Common Honda Driveability Problems

One of the common check engine light problems you’ll encounter on Hondas is a misfire code with no apparent misfire. Many times, this problem will be traced back to tight valve lash. Obviously, a tight valve will pass the audible test every time. But, it’s the tight valves that will set the check engine light in the best case, and if it’s ignored long enough you’ll be looking at a low-compression situation caused by a burnt valve.

Tech Feature: Mazda6 and Mazda3 Driveability Diagnostics and Electronic Throttle Control

Drive-by-wire throttle control systems are pretty much trouble-free but have to be taken into consideration as you perform routine service and diagnose problems, and it changes the way you service these cars when it comes to cleaning the throttle plates, advises Bob Dowie, import specialist contributor, who also covers electronic throttle control’s tie in with ABS and VSC systems.

Mazda Performance Upgrades

Mazda enjoys the enviable position of being known as a company that builds good, solid, cost-effective cars, while at the same time having a reputation of building affordable sports cars that offer great performance and potential. The folks who are attracted to a high-performance car like the Miata, RX-7 and RX-8, not to mention the

Tech Feature: Mazda Brake and Chassis Repair Essentials

Every job should start with the customer interview. When the appointment is made, it’s important that some questions that will help ensure a successful job get answered. The first question to ask is why the customer thinks the brakes need service. What is obvious to us is a mystery to the customer so it’s important that we establish what it is that has the customer concerned. There is nothing more disappointing to a customer than to spend money on a repair and not have their concerns addressed.

BRAKE JOB: Bob on Brakes

Bob Dowie knows brakes. Dowie has been in the automotive service business for more than 30 years, and his shop, Village Auto Works in Chester, NY, specializes in Honda, Toyota, Mazda and Nissan repair. Dowie owns and runs a Honda Civic and Nissan Sentra SER in SCCA GT5 racing, and gets his technicians involved in various aspects of the sport. In this installment of BRAKE JOB, Bob shares some of his best tips for doing as complete brake job.

Finding Check Engine Light Culprits on Nissan Models

This month, we’ll be taking a look at the Nissan line and some of the common causes for the check engine light to be lit, as well as some of the driveability problems that may result.