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 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

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

Tech Feature: Identifying Suspension Bushings that Cause Squeaks, Knocking Noises and Vibration Complaints Worn or hardened suspension bushings can cause many mysterious squeaks, knocking noises and vibration complaints. Unfortunately, in their rush to sell ride control products like MacPherson struts, shock absorbers and springs, techs often forget to inspect and replace rubber suspension bushings, explains Import Specialist Contributor Gary Goms. More

Suspension & Alignment Specs: 2007-2010 Dodge Caliber The Dodge Caliber is a compact car produced by the Dodge division of Chrysler. The same basic platform is used for the Sebring, Avenger, Jeep Patriot/Compass and Mitsubishi Lancer. This is a "Net Build" vehicle with only toe adjustments built into the vehicle. Some adjustments for caster and camber can be made by moving the sub-frames. More

Z Sport, Part II: Powering Subaru Engine & Chassis Upgrades A few months back, I highlighted a project car being built by Z Sport. The car is now back together and running. Charles Damewood, the car’s owner and a principle at Z Sport, has been driving the car to break in the engine, and get an idea of what needs to be sorted out as far as engine management before doing a full on dynamometer test. As soon as fuel mapping and software issues are resolved, we... More

Honda Tech Tip: New Bolts Silence Clunky CR-V A Honda CR-V driver may complain of a clunking noise from the front suspension when driving over bumps. The probable cause is that the upper arm flange bolts do not properly clamp the upper arm bushings. To correct the condition, replace the upper arm flange bolts as described in this Tech Tip. More

Tech Tip: Volvo S40/V50/C30/C70 Front Suspension Squeak When driving at low speeds or cornering, a squeaking noise from the front suspension may be heard. A possible source of this noise is the bump rubber. More

Kia Preventive Maintenance: Chassis, Engine & Brake Repairs More Kias on the road means more repair and maintenance opportunities for the import car specialist, so don't let them pass you by. In this article, Bob Dowie focuses on the most common problems and maintenance items that have them finding their way into your bays - like check engine light, brake and chassis repairs. More