Alignment Specs: 1997-2004 Chevrolet Corvette With different front and rear run-flat tire sizes, the 1997-2004 Corvette must be aligned every 20,000 miles or when the smallest amount of abnormal tire wear is present. If the customer does not have this service performed, even the slightest amount of extra toe, camber or caster can result in an expensive tire replacement bill. Performing an alignment on a C5 Corvette is actually easier than on... More

Tech Tip: Fix for a Creaky Cadillac CTS Suspension Some Cadillac 2003-2006 CTS owners may comment on a squeak or creak-type noise coming from the front of the vehicle. This noise typically occurs while braking or during slow turns, such as parking lot maneuvers. The cause of this noise may be due to a worn rear bushing on the front lower control arm rubbing against its outer rate washer. Installing a front lower control arm rear bushing spacer, as... More

Diagnostic Solutions: Building Off-Road Suspension Systems Judging from weekend traffic, desert off-road and mountain trail driving is becoming a major past-time for many import vehicle enthusiasts. Most of the off-road import vehicles I see in Colorado are the late '80s and early '90s Toyota and Nissan pickups and SUVs that feature mechanical simplicity along with the structural ruggedness needed to navigate miles from any service facility. More

Tech Tip: All Wheel Drive Synergies for Brakes, Transmission and Transfer Case There are very few all-mechanical controls left on late-model vehicles. Almost all powertrain controls are electromechanical using a computer as the controller. These include powertrain control of the accelerator pedal with the latest being All Wheel Drive (AWD). The brakes and damping are also electromechanical under electronic control. There are peripheral systems that are all computer controlled... More

Tech Tip: Fix for a Leaky GM Rear Axle Drivers of certain General Motors vehicles may complain of fluid seeping or leaking from the rear axle. To correct this, install a rear differential hose, clamps and a new metal differential vent following the procedures in this Tech Tip. More

Tech Feature: Diagnosing and Replacing Chassis & Ride Control Parts Worn chassis parts are often-overlooked causes of tire wear, steering and handling problems, and even road noise. Worn tie rods are the most common culprit for causing rapid tire wear, but worn control arm bushings or ball joints can also contribute to tire wear. More

Alignment & Suspension Specs: Ford Focus In 2000, the Ford Focus represented a radical change in the domestic small car segment. Now as we enter a new decade, the current Focus platform is going into its last year of production and not too much has changed in the alignment department in 10 years, except the specs from year to year. The second-generation Focus uses the same suspension configuration as the 2000-2007 models. The restyled second... More

BMW Control Systems: DSCs, DTCs and DBCs Dial in ABS, Handling and Traction Automotive technology continues to evolve in ­several directions. While many manufacturers are concentrating on electric and hybrid technology, higher mileage, and smaller and lighter vehicles, others are focused on performance, horsepower and ever-higher top speeds. All manufacturers, however, are concerned with safety and ease of control, mostly due to upcoming U.S. Federal safety mandates. By 2012... More

Tech Tip: Repairing Various Faults in MINI ABS, ASC and DSC Systems When the Check Engine, Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Automatic Stability Control (ASC), Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) or Flat Tire Monitor Lights on a 2002 Mini Cooper are turned on, various faults may be stored in the ABS/ASC/DSC fault memory. More

Can do CAN: A Simple Look at a Complex System Ever wonder how your cable TV comes into your home on that single coaxial cable? In simple terms... it's like a CAN system. A good definition of a CAN system would be: High speed communication sent via data lines to and from components. More