Test, Bleed, Flush: How Can You Protect Your Customer’s Brake System?
Replacing brake fluid or “flushing” it can extend the life of hydraulic brake components, but when should brake fluid be replaced? For the past 30 years, OEMs, shops and tool manufacturers have struggled with that question.
Brake Pad & Rotor Matching
Many techs believe that installing new pads and rotors is the solution to brake noise and vibration, and that installing new parts makes everything perfectly aligned so that no other steps are needed to bring the system back to service. Well, this is true and false.
MINI Tech Tip: False ‘Brake Service’ Due Message
The yellow “Service Due” warning message lights up in the instrument cluster, even though the brake pad thickness is more than 4.2 mm (above the thickness at which the pad sensor intervenes). The calculated remaining service life for the brake pads (front and/or rear axle) from the CBS data does not match the actual brake pad thickness.
Tech Tip: Four Ways To Make Brakes Last Longer
No one looks forward to coming in for a brake job. But, explaining to customers how to extend the life of their brakes and save money is a no-brainer. It builds trust and loyalty. From a pure safety issue, remind customers that brake pads and hardware last an average of 35,000 to 45,000 miles and should always be checked at that point.
Eliminating Brake Noise: A Product Of The Entire Brake System
The process by which your ears work is amazing. Moving air hits a diaphragm in your ear and tiny bones activate nerves that transmit signals to the brain. How the air, diaphragm and nerves interact can mean the difference between conversation or annoying brake noise.
Properly Dealing With New Rotors
New rotors, either OE or aftermarket, are supposed to be finished to specifications and ready to install out of the box. There should be no reason to give them a “clean up” cut. If there is one, you need to find a different rotor supplier.
Electronic Brake Pad Wear Sensors Diagnostics
Electronic brake pad wear sensors can be found on a variety of vehicles, including domestic, European and Asian cars and trucks. These give a more accurate reading on brake pad depth compared to squealer metal tabs that make noise that most drivers manage to ignore assuming it will go away over time.
VW Brake Job: 2009-2014 Routan Applications
The customers who drive the Routan and the Chrysler minivan are two different customers judging by the TSBs. The Routan has five different TSBs about addressing customers who complain about brake noise, while the Chrysler minivan has zero. The two vans have almost identical brake systems and are assembled in the same plant. But don’t treat the Routan driver like a Chrysler minivan driver as far as their vehicle service needs are concerned.
Toyota Tundra Brake Job
For 2007, the Toyota Tundra was redesigned. The body changed, and the foundation brake system was also updated with larger front brake calipers and rear disc brakes. The control system and hydraulics changed with a new vehicle stability system that included yaw, steering angle and brake pedal load sensors.
What DOT Really Means: Brake Hose Inspection And Replacement
Brake hoses are the most government-regulated components on a vehicle. Anyone making brake assemblies must be registered with the Department of Transportation (DOT). All aftermarket hose, fittings and complete hoses must conform to FMVSS 106 and SAE J1401. These tests are demanding and often exceed what a vehicle will see in the real world.
Tech Tip: Mitsubishi Front Brake Ringing Noise
Customers may complain of a high-pitch noise from the front brakes during a low-speed light brake application.
Brake Service Case Study: Nissan Frontier
Bob Dowie looks at some of the undercar issues he has faced with Nissan vehicles over the years and discusses how to deal with some common issues you may see with them.
