The 3rd (or 4th) Pedal
When was the last time you used your park brake? During a training seminar recently filled with brake people I got a lot of blank stares. Ok, rule number one don’t ask open ended questions right after lunch. Rephrasing, how many of you used your park brake when you parked the car today, one hand
Truck Brake Update: Service Procedure Boosts Performance while Eliminating Steps that Add Time and Expense
Toyota trucks have been the standard bearer for small trucks for more than 40 years. The Hilux (now known as the Tacoma) line has been the small truck class leader, and over the last 15 years the T100 and Tundra models have moved into the medium- and full-size classes to set new standards there. With
Brake Friction Materials: Good, Better or Best?
One thing you can always count on with brakes: sooner or later the brake linings will wear out and have to be replaced. Every time the brakes are applied, the pads rub against the rotors and wear just a bit. After 40,000 to 60,000 miles, the front pads are usually worn down to minimum thickness
Diagnostic Solutions: Servicing Brake Rotors
Providing A Remedy For Pedal Pulsation Through A Methodical Diagnostic Approach For most import repair shops, brake pedal pulsation or brake vibration is one of the most frequent brake performance complaints coming through the door. If a customer complains of pedal pulsation or steering wheel shimmy when the brakes are applied, the most common assumption
Subaru: The ‘Complete Service’ Value Proposition
Begins With Determining How Customers Use Their Vehicles
Brake Caliper Diagnostics
The owner of a 2004 Malibu says that there is a squeaking noise coming from the right front wheel. A quick inspection shows that the master cylinder is low on fluid and the pads are down to the sensor. You tell the owner that she needs to have the brake pads replaced. She responds that
Complete Brake Jobs
Restore Brake System Integrity For Better Performance And Safer Driving The rate at which the brake linings wear out depends on the frequency of use, how hard the brakes are being applied, the temperature of the linings and the wear characteristics of the friction material itself. Consequently, a set of brake linings on one vehicle
Diagnostic Solutions: Noise, Vibration & Harshness Diagnosis
Since the earliest days of the automotive service business, “squeak and rattle” diagnostics has become a euphemism for low-profit, nuisance repair work. Unfortunately for those of us in the auto repair business, even our best customers have the occasional need for noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) diagnostics. On the plus side, if NVH diagnostics are
Brake Tech: What is a Complete Brake Job?
Most motorists know brake linings don’t last forever. Brake pads and shoes use friction to stop a vehicle, so every time the brakes are applied the linings experience wear. After so many stops, the linings wear out. The rate at which the linings wear out depends on the frequency of use, how hard the brakes
Diagnostic Solutions: Disc Brake Caliper, Inspection and Installation Procedures
The repair or replacement of disc brake calipers has always been a controversial topic for most import shop owners and brake technicians. Some recommend replacing the brake calipers along with the brake pads, while others won’t replace the calipers unless they’re found to be defective. For many, routine caliper replacement is a cost issue and
Suspension & Brake Repairs: Ensure Customer Service and Safe Vehicle Operation
This month, we find ourselves in a familiar environment — under a car or in the wheel well. The good news is you’re under a Mazda car or truck that will present few surprises in terms of service procedures, while providing the additional service opportunities we’ve come to expect from undercar repairs. A vehicle can
Brake Pad Wear
Brake pads are one of the few remaining accepted wear items in a modern vehicle. As a result, it represents a significant revenue opportunity for the service community. Drivers would surely love to have brake pads last for life. Service shop owners may have a different opinion. I’m sure that shop owners must deal daily