A defective harmonic balancer can affect the accuracy of ignition timing readings or a defective harmonic balancer can damage the crank. Which technician is correct?
Harmonic balancers – ASE practice questions (VIDEO)
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HOT OFF THE PRESS
The very best way to remove grease from auto upholstery
This surefire solution really stinks.
Airbag direction – ASE practice questions (VIDEO)
When placing an airbag on a workbench, which is the safest direction for it to face? We have the answer.
A different type of timed event: the Bobby Bosch Relay Race
Your daily work is also a cruel automotive penalty.
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SHOP STUFF
Auto care news and advice you can use.
Interpreting Compression Tests–ASE Practice Questions (VIDEO)
Technician A completed a compression test, noting high readings suggest an exhaust restriction, while Technician B says the test checks volumetric efficiency.
Dust Cap Tool Explained (VIDEO)
How many times have you seen a hub dust cap with ugly dents from a sloppy installation? A dust cap tool is a handy tool for installing caps on customer vehicles without damaging the cap’s appearance.
Why a magnetic drain plug is a worthwhile upgrade (VIDEO)
Do your customers know the benefits of magnetic oil drain plugs? Swap out their standard drain plugs to help protect against unnecessary engine damage.
Brake booster valve – ASE practice questions (VIDEO)
A customer states the brake pedal falls slightly when the brakes are applied while starting the engine. Which technician response is correct?
The final days (and cars) of AMC
In November 1988, two employees snuck a camera into AMC’s Kenosha plant for a farewell tour.
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SHOP STUFF
Auto care news and advice you can use.
When a Voltmeter Isn’t Enough (Video)
Many high-end scan tools come with a capable digital storage oscilloscope. Time to put that tool to work.
How do you inspect a serpentine belt for wear?
Inspection of a belt goes beyond the old standbys of checking for cracks and fraying.
Brake rotor thickness variation – ASE practice questions (VIDEO)
On a car with disc brakes, what is the most likely symptom of a vehicle with rotors that measured out-of-spec for thickness variation when measured at several places on the rotor surface?
The importance of testing engine coolant (VIDEO)
Peter Meier discusses the importance of testing coolant and how mechanics can use simple strip testers to keep cooling systems safe.
How to use a refractometer
Dorman trainer Pete Meier turned me on to a handy new tool.
VIDEOS
Noisy disc brakes – ASE practice questions (VIDEO)
What causes brake noise?
Fuel pump designs are changing. Do you know what kind of fuel pump you’re troubleshooting?
Many vehicles today have made the switch to DC brushless fuel pumps. They don’t work like the older brush-type pumps do.
Mechanic trivia: Which vehicle has a longer passenger side wiper blade? (VIDEO)
Almost every vehicle on the road has a longer wiper blade on the driver side. On older vehicles, you’ll also see two of the same size wipers working together. But can you think of any models that have the longer wiper blade on the passenger side?