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.
Brake Tech Feature: Buick Lucerne Service
The 2006-current Buick Lucerne is the largest sedan that General Motors offers. It is built on the same line as the Cadillac DTS at the Hamtramck, MI, GM plant. The two vehicles share many brake components and the same Regular Production Option (RPO) codes for the brake system.
Boosted Brakes: A look at the history of power-assisted brakes.
Since we are talking brakes, let’s do a little comparison of the most popular brake systems that brought us away from dragging a flat plate against the wagon wheel or mashing your foot down on a mechanical linkage arm that eventually either slowed the car down or gave you one really strong leg. What I’m talking about is the power-assisted brake systems we find on modern cars and trucks.
Tech Feature: Electric/Electronic Parking Brakes
The current emergency/parking brake is the most unused device on a vehicle equipped with an automatic transmission. But, the electrically actuated parking brake is changing the parking brake into a multi-purpose mechanism on modern vehicles. Using an electric motor to apply the parking brake results in the mechanical linkage being eliminated from the vehicle passenger compartment.
Tech Feature: Performing the Complete Brake Job
The problem with routines is that we tend to – you guessed it – fall into a routine. Because the braking system on many modern imports is integrated into other systems like vehicle stability control (VSC) and traction control, modern braking systems must meet minimum levels of performance. For that reason alone, short-cutting a brake repair with substandard procedures and materials is a recipe for future comebacks.
Tech Tip: Mercedes-Benz ESP Warning Lamp On/Multiple DTCs Set
Models affected: 163.113/128/154/157/175 VIN range as of 371935 up to 442083 with ESP control unit MK25 If you receive customer reports in the above models of the Electronic Stability Control (ESP) warning lamp being illuminated with the following stored fault codes (listed below), perform the following repair procedure. • C1140 – B34 ESP Brake Pressure
Tech Tip: Erratic Fluid Level Readings/Filler Tube Leaks in Ford Vehicles
Vehicles affected: Ford: 2000-’07 Taurus and Windstar; 2004-’07 Freestar; Mercury: 2000-’05 Sable; 2004-’07 Monterey
Tech Tip: Toyota Corolla and Matrix Front Brake Rattling Noises
Some customers may experience a front brake rattling noise when their Corolla or Matrix traveling over bumps. Updated front disc brake cylinder (caliper) mountings and disc brake pad support plates are available to eliminate this condition.
Tech Tip: Honda CR-V Rear Brake Grinding, Thumping or Groaning Noises
A customer may complain of a grinding, thumping or groaning noise coming from the rear brakes. This occurs during the first several stops after the vehicle has been parked overnight. Under normal braking, corrosion from the disc surface is not quickly removed, allowing for a temporary grinding or thumping noise. A new brake pad is now available, which has improved corrosion-removal characteristics.
ASE-Certified Technician in Oklahoma Reports Seeing More Vehicles with Rusted Brake Lines
A news story on KJRH-TV Channel 2 in Tulsa, OK, profiled a local driver who experienced a loss of brakes that was attributed to a rusted brake line that snapped. A local ASE-certified technician told the reporter that he is seeing more and more vehicles with rusted brake lines. Are you seeing this same trend at your shop? Let us know.
Latest Toyota Recall Due to Replacement Brake Fluid and OE Seals
Toyota Motor Sales announced it will conduct a voluntary Safety Recall for a brake problem that occurs once the vehicle has been serviced with non-factory fill/genuine brake fluid. Drivers may experience a small amount of the brake fluid leaking from the brake master cylinder, resulting in illumination of the brake warning lamp.
Tech Tip: BMW Brake Pad Warning Light On After Brake Pad Replacement
You may get a customer complaint that the brake pad warning light comes on after the rear brake pads have been replaced. After replacing the pads and wear sensor, turn the ignition on and wait for at least 30 seconds, then start the engine. If the pad wear circuit is good, the light should go out with no further procedures.