Tech Tip: Reverse Bleeding Basics Many vehicles can develop release problems after a clutch change or replacement of the hydraulic release system components; usually consisting of a clutch master cylinder, slave cylinder and line. Conventional bleeding is usually done by opening the slave cylinder bleeder valve and either gravity bleeding or pumping the clutch pedal while opening and closing the slave bleeder valve. More

Brake Job: Ford Edge The Ford Edge is an SUV based on a the CD3 platform. The brakes on these vehicles are straightforward and do not break any new ground. The brake systems on all variants have disc brakes at all corners. There are no major changes to the brakes system from 2007 to 2009. For the 2008 model year, ABS became a standard feature, as did a direct tire pressure monitoring system. The worst brake component to... More

Formula Truck: The Future of Motorsports? August can be one of the cruelest months for racing fans. Races seem to linger unwatched for long periods on the DVR. Going to races in the hot weather can be torture. Also, most of the series have entered into the doldrums with fans performing mind numbing calculations of who will be the champion if X, Y or Z happens. More

Tech Tip: Mazda ABS Warning Light On and Grinding Noise from Front Wheels If a customer brings in a Mazda with an ABS warning light and a grinding noise from the front wheels, it could be due to problems with the sensor rotor or with the front brake disc, depending on the model. More

Tech Tip: Volvo Brake Goes Too Low on First Application If a customer complains of Volvo brakes going too low on first application, it may be because of improperly installed brakes or aerated fluid. More

Tech Feature: Brake Pad Friction Material Formulas Have you ever wondered what exactly is in the friction material that's on the brake pads and shoes you install on your customers' vehicles? Most brake suppliers use generic marketing terms such as "ceramic" or "semi-metallic" or "NAO" to describe their products, but they don't give you any details as to what exactly these terms mean. That's because no two brake suppliers agree on what these terms actually mean... More

Tech Feature: Brake Job on 2004-2008 Toyota Corolla The 2004-2008 Toyota Corolla was one of the best selling vehicles in North America. The front brakes for all models are, for the most part, the same. The only changes came in the configuration of the brake pad shims. The Corolla was not subject to the unintended acceleration recalls for floor mats or gas pedal. More

BRAKE LIGHTS:Wetmore's/Guess the Car BRAKE & FRONT END, April 1961: Wetmore’s has been a fixture on Woodward Avenue in Ferndale, MI, since 1928. Their landmark building is known for a car on the roof with wobbly wheels. The front wheels are powered by an electric motor. Can you name the cars? More

BRAKE JOB: Toyota Tundra Brake Caliper Upgrade If a 2000-’05 Tundra or Sequoia comes into your shop with a complaint of brake pulsation, there are a few diagnostic steps that should first be taken before ­repairs are recommended. More

Tech Tip: Dealing with a Pattern of Brake Failures In 1990, the Mighty Auto Parts technical hotline was inundated with rear brake grabbing complaints on Ford F150 trucks. On a cool, damp morning, the rear brakes would grab and chirp the tires. Without the anti-lock assist, the vehicle could skid out of control. The aggressive rear braking sensation occurred any time moisture was present, especially after the vehicle had been parked for a few hours... More