Performance Mods That Pack a Punch A project car in the form of a WRX/STI shows that Z Sport in Everett, WA, is all about ­balancing ultimate performance within legal parameters and practicality. See what performance modifications the shop has completed with that goal in mind. More

Selling Shocks & Struts: Getting Past Your Feelings so You Can Sell More Ride Control Early in my career, I was young, stupid and drove some of the most dangerous vehicles in terms of unperformed repairs because I knew that I could fix it "someday." I believed in the philosophy that a car was half worn, not half broken. More

Tech Tip: Expedition Needs a Lift Some Ford Expedition and 1998-2002 Lincoln Navigator vehicles equipped with four-wheel air suspension, may exhibit repeat air compressor drier failures. The drier cap may become detached from the drier body, or the drier body may be broken at the neck near the compressor head. More

Tech Tip: Toyota Driveshaft Assembly Replacement This bulletin provides information regarding anti-corrosion grease that is present on replacement driveshaft assemblies. It's important to remove this grease prior to installing the hub nut to prevent over-tightening. More

Tech Feature: Servicing MacPherson Struts In today's fast-paced import service market, it's easy to forget the basics of inspecting and repairing MacPherson struts on front suspension systems. But before we get into servicing MacPherson struts, let's take a look at the design and function of most modern front suspension struts. More

Tech Q&A: Shock and Strut FAQs Hopefully, these answers to some frequently asked questions will help you communicate ride control basics to your customers. More

Solving Lower Ball Joint Removal and Installation Issues When installing a replacement ball joint in certain applications, technicians may note that the new ball joint may not fit tight in the opening of the lower control arm. Affected vehicles are: Ford Expedition, Explorer, Explorer Sport Trac, F-150, F-150 Heritage, F-250, Ranger, Lincoln Navigator, Mazda B2300, B3000 and Mercury Mountaineer. More

Tech Feature: Nissan Brake and Suspension Repairs At first, you may not think brake and suspension systems are closely related. But when it comes to noise and vibration complaints, you don’t want to be looking at one without considering the other. More

Tech Feature: 2010 Camaro Has Power To Spare Recently, I had an opportunity to drive both the 3.6L DOHC V6 and the 6.2L V8 versions at a press event held at Road America race track in Elkhart Lake, WI. The first Camaro I drove on the track felt really strong and I assumed it was the V8. So, I was rather surprised when I opened the hood and found a V6 sitting under the plastic trim cover. More

Nivomat Shock Absorbers: Self-Leveling Monotube Ride Control Units The Nivomat Shock Absorber is a self-leveling monotube shock absorber developed by Sachs. Nivomat shocks are used by Chrysler, Ford, General Motors, Jaguar, Kia, Mitsubishi, Saab, Volvo and other OEMs. The system is also available on the GM Suburban and Tahoe as part of ZW7 Premium Smooth Ride Suspension. Replacement units are available from Monroe, ZF Sachs and OES suppliers. More