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

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

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

Alignment & Suspension Specs: 2006-2010 Honda Civic Built on a high-rigidity unit-body platform, the 2006-current Civic has a MacPherson strut front suspension and multi-link rear suspension. The 8th-generation Civic switched from a high mounted steering rack to a low mounted one and significantly increased caster. In the alignment bay, the 8th-generation Civic does not hold any surprises. But, it does require a sharp eye to spot potential problems... More

Tech Tip: Humming Sound from Front of VW During Cornering A customer states that a humming sound is coming from the front of the vehicle on turns in vehicles equipped with 02J or 0A4 manual five-speed transmission. The hum may be more noticeable during slow speed turning maneuvers with the steering wheel almost to full travel. The hum diminishes when the steering wheel is straight. More

BMW Tech Tip: Steering Column Rubbing and Scraping Noises The customer may report a rubbing or scraping noise, which occurs when turning the steering wheel from left to right. While there are a number of components that can cause this type of noise, this bulletin is specifically related to those noises that occur directly at the steering shaft. More

Mercedes Tech Tip: Leaks at Internal Steering Lines or Steering Gear Housing If you experience leakage at the steering line connection in the above model vehicles, replacement of the entire rack and pinion system is not required. You may now replace the O-rings, which are available as separate parts for repairs of the affected steering line. 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

Alignment and Suspension Specs: Ford Fusion 2006-2010 In 2006 when Ford introduced the Fusion, many could not help but to compare it to the third- and fourth-generation Taurus models. The previous generation had a reputation for broken springs and tire shredding bushing problems. The 2006-2010 Fusion is a different story. More