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

Tech Tip: Creaking/Squawking from Front Strut Area Owners of some Chrysler and Dodge vehicles may complain of a creaking or squawking noise coming from the front strut area while they are turning in either direction during low speed parking lot maneuvers. More

Alignment & Suspension Specs: 2003-2007 Cadillac CTS The first-generation Cadillac CTS was introduced in 2003 and ended production in the 2007 model year. The Cadillac CTS was built on GM's rear-wheel drive Sigma platform. The CTS for years 2003-2007 came with two suspension packages­ - standard and sport. The packages have two different alignment specifications. The RPO codes for these packages can be found on the underside of the spare tire cover... More

Tech Tip: Acura MDX Suspension May Pop, Clunk or Thump A 2001 Acura MDX owner may complain of front-end noises. There are three distinct noises that may come from the front suspension. Each of the three noises has a different probable cause. More

GM Tech Tip: Electric Power Steering Hard to Turn The power steering inoperative or hard to turn. The vehicle will also have a "Power Steering Message Displayed" on DIC and codes C0176, C0475, C0476, C0550, U2105 or U2107 set. The following diagnostics might be helpful if the vehicle exhibits these condition(s) More

Tech Tip: New Hub Units May Exhibit Rough Feel When Rotated by Hand In a recent technical bulletin, SKF addresses the rough or coarse feel of some new hub units if they are rotated by hand before installation and explains why these conditions are normal for technicians to experience. More

Tech Tip: SKF Offers Preventive Maintenance Recommendations and Tips for Avoiding Bearing Failure A recent technical bulletin by SKF provides preventive maintenance recommendations for avoiding premature bearing failure, including tips on how to prevent repeat failures and assure customer safety. More

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