Brake Safety Technology: Mercedes-Benz Brake Assist & Sensotronic Systems
One of the new safety technologies you’ll find in a growing number of European and Asian vehicles is Brake Assist (or BAS for Brake Assist System). The technology actually was invented more than a decade ago, and was first used back in 1996 on Mercedes S-Class and SL-Class cars. In 1998, Mercedes made Brake Assist standard on all of its models.
Chrysler Recall: 24,177 Rams, Sebrings, Avengers, Nitros, Commanders, Grand Cherokees and Liberties recalled for brake booster input rod retaining clip
Chrysler will recall 24,177 vehicles due to a potential problem with the retaining clip that holds brake booster input rod in place. The clip from A WT Metal Specialties was improperly manufactured and could not provide enough tension to keep the rod in place.
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: 2004-2008 Ford F-150 Brake Job Top 10 Tips
Starting with the 2004 model year, Ford launched a new body style for the F150. The new body style truck is a new vehicle inside and out. However, not all of the 2004 F150s that you see will be the new body style. The 2004 F150 was also made available in the older body style pickup that came on the scene in 1996. The older body style F150 is called a “Heritage” edition.
Tech Feature: Troubleshooting BMW’s Condition Based Service System
BMW’s “Condition Based Service” (CBS) system monitors various maintenance items on the vehicle, and alerts the motorist when service is needed. But even this maintenance alert system can require maintenance itself.
The Electronic Parking Brake:
A recent variation is the electric parking brake. First installed in the 2001 electric brakes have since appeared in a number of vehicles.
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.
Tech Feature: Ford Hybrid Braking
A hybrid vehicle is a different animal than many of us are used to seeing. After all, if the engine of a typical vehicle were to stall out at a traffic light, the driver of that vehicle would know something was wrong with it. If that same vehicle still drove with the engine off, then that would mean they were probably going down hill. But in the hybrid world, that is all normal. Several systems around the vehicle are impacted by two key elements.
Bleeding ABS Brake System: Why Brake Fluid and Lines Degrade
According to R. L. Polk, the average age of the vehicles on U.S. roads was 9.2 years in 2007 with 41 percent of the vehicles 11 years or older. This high median age is a good reason to consider the condition of the brake fluid and bleeding procedures when performing maintenance or repairs. Maintenance or repair of an Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) system can require the opening of the hydraulic system. Any time the hydraulic system is opened, air can be introduced into the lines and components.
Performance Brake Upgrades: Boosting Brake System Performance and Appearance
What type of customer is a likely prospect for brake upgrades? Those who tend to go through brakes rather quickly because of their driving habits, those who own sporty or performance import makes, and especially those who have already replaced their stock wheels with larger diameter aftermarket alloy wheels and low-profile tires.
Tech Tip: Priming a New Master Cylinder
Priming in less time.
Master Cylinders: Reliable, Hard-Working Components Still Need Periodic Inspections
If nothing else, modern master cylinders are notable for their long and relatively trouble-free service lives. The modern master cylinder evolved from the single-piston types popularly introduced in the 1930s to the modern dual-piston, dual braking system cylinders in use today. Master cylinders intended for drum brake use contain one or more residual pressure check valves that maintain a slight pressure in the system.