The Complete Strut Job
Loaded or complete struts are typically twice the price of a strut and upper mount. Before you say to yourself that there is no way you could sell something that expensive or be competitive locally, put yourself in the shoes of your customer. If you were offered an option that would return your vehicle to almost-new condition, wouldn’t you take it, even if the price were higher?
Active Ride Control: Diagnostics And Replacement Options
For a shock or strut to be active, it must be able to react to three critical streams of information. First, it must act on information from the ABS and stability control system. Second, it must measure body movement. Third, it must detect the extent and rate of suspension movement.
VIDEO: Ball Joint Stud Specifications
Andrew Markel discusses the evolution of ball joints, and how their attachment to aluminum components has called for more stringent torque specifications. Sponsored by Auto Value and Bumper to Bumper.
Advanced Import Ride Control Diagnostics And Replacement
Inside any active, hydraulic or air ride shock or strut, there is a piston that travels up and down a tube. Wear can occur between the piston and tube, and, over a period of time, oil will pass between the piston and tube. If the suspension bottoms out, contact between the piston and the bottom of the tube could occur, damaging the piston and the valving.
Finding Hidden Suspension Damage
If a vehicle has been in a collision, diagnosing a bent part may require only a visual inspection to see that a component is broken or in need of repair. But what about when it’s not so obvious? A visual inspection is not always enough. A bent, broken or misaligned steering or suspension can cause a vehicle to handle poorly, as well as create excessive tire wear and poor fuel economy.
Land Rover Air Ride Diagnostics
The air ride suspension on Land Rover Range Rover and Discovery models is what helps set these vehicles apart from a normal SUV. The system lifts the suspension up over obstacles, and lowers the suspension to make it easier for the occupants to get in and out. But with functionality, comes complexity.
VIDEO: Keep ADAS In Mind During A Suspension Repair
Jason Stahl discusses the role of ADAS in suspension repair and why shops should remain conscious of advanced safety systems during routine maintenance. Sponsored by Intermotor.
Land Rover Tech Tip: 2013-’17 Range Rover With Dynamic Response Suspension
A squeak, creak and/or a knocking noise from the front of the vehicle may be evident when driving over rough terrain. This may be caused by debris that’s contaminating the contact face between the Dynamic Response front stabilizer bar and bushings.
Air Ride Diagnostic FAQs Point You In The Right Direction
Does air ride scare you? Would you prefer to sell a conversion kit rather than diagnose an air ride code or light? You are not alone. On the surface, these systems can seem complex when compared to metal springs. But, once you understand how the system senses the vehicle’s state and how the air pressure is managed, air ride diagnostics and service won’t seem so overwhelming.
Suspension Bushing Logic
Suspensions have gone softer with larger-diameter bushings, compared to 20 years ago. During this time, both ride quality and handling have gotten better. Most modern bushings augment the geometry of the suspension. As the vehicle loads the suspension, movement in the bushings can change the toe, camber and caster so that the vehicle is more stable under braking, cornering and acceleration.
Ride Control Dynamics Play Critical Role In Vehicles Equipped With ABS, And Traction & Stability Control
As a vehicle brakes, accelerates and corners, transferred weight impacts vehicle attitude. If this is done in a controlled manner, braking can transfer weight effectively to the tire that needs it the most. For the most part, the suspension and tires handle the best when weight transfer is not sudden and the suspension is not compressed on the bump stops.
Selling Shocks And Struts
The first step in selling ride control is the inspection process. A visual inspection of the shocks and struts can tell you a lot about the state of the ride control units. If possible, visual inspections should be performed before the test drive. This is a chance to make sure the vehicle is road worthy before you put your own life at risk.
