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 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 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: Avoid Damaging VW/Audi Rear Calipers Electronic Parking Brake (EPB) technology ­allows the vehicle operator to engage or disengage the parking brake at the touch of a button. However, the previously simple job of changing the rear brake pads has become a more complex task, requiring a dealer-level scan tool to avoid damage to the rear calipers. More

Can Blood and Guts Save Brake Repair? Changing Customer Fears of Losing Their Money to Losing a Limb I was recently going through some 1950s issues of BRAKE & FRONT END and was amazed how "blood and guts" was leveraged to sell the motoring public and shops the virtues of brake system inspection and repair. Mangled cars, bicycles lodged in grills and flaming visuals of vehicles that could not stop in time were the norm. It was in stark contrast with the advertising of today pushing economy, durability... More

Honda Tech Feature: Eliminating Brake Comebacks The advent of ABS, and its integration into traction control and vehicle stability assist, make good work habits when servicing the brake ­system more important than ever. What we'll look at in this article is not so much how to replace worn-out pads, but rather things to be on the lookout for that will ensure a quality job and eliminate comebacks. More

BRAKE JOB: GM H-Body Brake Job Pad and rotor replacement is straightforward on this vehicle. But, there are some common errors that can be made if you are not paying attention. First, make sure the front caliper bracket bolts are tightened to 137 ft/lbs. If the bolts work their way loose, the driver may experience a sporadic low pedal condition or worse. Second, replace the hardware if necessary. Most noise complaints can be traced... More