Kia Preventive Maintenance: Chassis, Engine & Brake Repairs
More Kias on the road means more repair and maintenance opportunities for the import car specialist, so don’t let them pass you by. In this article, Bob Dowie focuses on the most common problems and maintenance items that have them finding their way into your bays – like check engine light, brake and chassis repairs.
Tech Feature: 2004-2008 Nissan Maxima Brake Job
Called the four-door sports car by Nissan, the 2004-2008 Maxima brake system is easy to service with very few complaints of brake noise or pulsation. The system used the same brake pads, rotors and calipers on all models. There were some changes in 2007 to the ABS system. The system uses floating piston calipers on the front and rear with the parking brake in the hub of the rotor.
Tech Feature: Disc Brake Caliper Service
In order to appreciate some of the fine points of disc brake repair, it’s important to review the basic elements of disc brake caliper service. Gary Goms uses a typical caliper service to illustrate some of the issues involved in disc brake service.
Servicing Hybrids: 10 Must Read Articles for Servicing Hybrid Vehicles from Ford, GM, Toyota, Honda and Nissan
Currently, there are about 1.2 million hybrid vehicles on the road. Within five years, hybrids are expected to account for 20 to 25% of all new car and light-truck sales. So sooner or later, you’ll be working on these vehicles at your shop. These vehicles have the same service opportunities like brake pads, filters and suspension parts that need replacement. Also, battery packs, electric motors and computers will need service soon. Below are the top ten hybrid articles so you can cash in.
Impressive Year-End Numbers Announced by Raybestos Brand
2009 was an extremely busy manufacturing year for Raybestos brand products. The Raybestos brand, a member of the Affinia family of brands, produced 1,400 new brake numbers and 539 new chassis numbers over the past year.
Tech Feature: 2010 Buick LaCrosse Brake Service
The 2010 Buick LaCrosse is built on the Epsilon II platform that is shared with the Saab 9-5 and other soon-to-be-named vehicles. While you may not see this vehicle in your bays for a while, it is a great example of how the common brake job will stay the same and how it will change in the future.
Z Sport, Part 1: Subaru WRX Performance Brake, Suspension & Engine Mods that Pack a Punch
A project car in the form of a WRX/STI shows that Z Sport in Everett, WA, is all about
BRAKE JOB: GM Acadia / Buick / Outlook / Enclave
The Lambda Platform is shared with the Chevrolet Traverse, Saturn Outlook, GMC Acadia and Buick Enclave. It is largely derived from the GM Epsilon platform, the same platform that makes the Chevrolet Malibu and Pontiac G6. These vehicles can be front- or all-wheel drive. All models have the same rear disc brake setup with the parking brake in the hat of the rotor. All Lambda platform vehicles incorporate Tire Pressure Monitoring (TPMS) ABS and Stabilitrak electronic stability control.
Tech Tip: Solving Common Brake Symptoms With Unique Solutions
Some vehicles have a history of brake-related problems, but there are some unique solutions to resolve those frustrating customer complaints.
‘Brake’ the Audi Squeal Habit
Audi owners may complain of squealing brakes. This Tech Tip describes a procedure for reducing squeal and may be used for both front and rear disc brake systems.
Brake & Wheel Bearing Service
Although wheel and drivetrain bearings generally last the life of the vehicle, they occasionally fail due to extreme loading, lack of lubrication, dirt and moisture contamination, and, of course, ordinary wear and tear. When discussing bearing wear, it’s important to understand that the function of the modern bearing is to maintain a perfect alignment and near-zero clearance between rotating parts.
Tech Tip: GM Malibu, Alero and Grand Am Brake Creak When Brakes Applied
Some GM vehicle owners may comment on a creak-type noise when applying the brakes. It is usually heard only during slow speed braking.