Tech Tip: Sagging Ford Truck Needs a Lift Some Ford Super Duty truck owners may complain that their vehicle leans or sags to the right or left, when looking at the vehicle from the rear. It may be necessary to install Ford-approved shims to correct the vehicle lean condition, as described in this Tech Tip. More

Why do Automotive Ball Joints, Tie Rods and Suspension Links Wear Out? The ball and socket joint has been around on animals and humans for millennia. This simple design has been used on vehicles since the turn of the century because it works. But, just like our hip joints, ball and socket joints like ball joints, tie-rods and sway bar links wear out. 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

GM Tech Tip: Rear Independent Suspension for AWD Vehicles Out of Alignment Drivers of some General Motors vehicles with independent rear suspensions and All-Wheel-Drive (AWD) may complain of excessive rear tire wear, clunking noises and possible instability. Technicians may also notice excessive negative camber of more than 3.5 degrees and toe-out conditions that cannot be corrected with normal adjustments. More

Alignment Trends: What is the Future of the Alignment Bay? In the past two years, we have seen more vehicles on the market with stability management and adaptive cruise control. If a vehicle with one of these systems comes into your shop for alignment, be aware that any changes in the steering position sensor's "zero" position may have drastic consequences for the safety of the vehicle. If the data from a steering position sensor is off after an alignment... More

Taking The 'Ho-Hum' Out of Ride Control Sales Despite the increased quality of ride and stability control systems during the past decade, remember that springs, shock absorbers and MacPherson struts wear out just like tires, brakes and other expendable parts. Don’t miss sales opportunities for this often-overlooked system. More

Tech Tip: Consider Your Customer Base When Purchasing an Alignment Lift If you do wheel alignment work, you need an alignment lift for raising vehicles off the ground. A lift is essential because you have to get under the vehicle to inspect the steering and suspension before you check the alignment. You can’t align worn parts, so it's important to always make sure the tie rod ends, ball joints, springs, bushings, struts and related components are all in good condition... More

Alignment Lifts: Consider Your Customer Base When Purchasing an Alignment Lift If you do wheel alignment work, you need an alignment lift for raising vehicles off the ground. A lift is essential because you have to get under the vehicle to inspect the steering and suspension before you check the alignment. You can’t align worn parts, so it’s important to always make sure the tie rod ends, ball joints, springs, bushings, struts and related components are all in good condition... More

Chassis Control Engineering & Application It is a common mistake to look at a vehicle’s chassis and suspension system as just components that are either good, bad or broken. It should be looked at as a system. Understanding basic terminology and vehicle configurations is important to the technician for maintaining or returning that new car chassis control and performance. It is also necessary to identify the basic suspension types and... More

Steering Position and Yaw Driving skills and Electronic Stability Control One of the first things a novice driver asks is: “Do I turn into the skid or away from it?” With Electronic Stability Control, this decision is made for us. When a vehicle begins to skid during a cornering maneuver, the skilled driver steers into the direction of the rear wheels and modulates the throttle to control the skid. Electronic Stability Control... More