Showing posts with label tools. Show all posts
Showing posts with label tools. Show all posts
New Useful Link
BBB Industries has just introduced an online database of wiring diagrams and Technical Service Bulletins which are useful for searching out problems. These bulletins are created by the vehicle manufacturers and can answer many questions that are often only available through a dealer or paid subscription. Check it out under our Useful Links.
Rotor Specs
We get asked for rotor spec books on a weekly basis. Used to be, brake manufacturers would publish a new book every other year or so and hand them out free of charge. Used to be, rotors were a major purchase. These days rotors are fairly inexpensive and manufacturers don't hand out much of anything without a price tag.
The quickest way to get specs for your car or truck is to use an online catalog like the Raybestos brake catalog. Click in the year, make and model and then select front or rear rotor. A final click on the part number will bring up a new window with a variety of specs including the minimum thickness. You'll need a decent micrometer to measure your existing rotor to decide whether they can be saved by machining. With most new rotors being lighter and therefore thinner there is not much leeway. Thickness is just one aspect. If they are close to the limit and have a vibration or wobble you will surely need new steel. Machining material from a rotor that is warped will lead to further warping as there is less mass to fight off the forces that heat applies to the rotor.
The quickest way to get specs for your car or truck is to use an online catalog like the Raybestos brake catalog. Click in the year, make and model and then select front or rear rotor. A final click on the part number will bring up a new window with a variety of specs including the minimum thickness. You'll need a decent micrometer to measure your existing rotor to decide whether they can be saved by machining. With most new rotors being lighter and therefore thinner there is not much leeway. Thickness is just one aspect. If they are close to the limit and have a vibration or wobble you will surely need new steel. Machining material from a rotor that is warped will lead to further warping as there is less mass to fight off the forces that heat applies to the rotor.
Check The Wear Pattern
When changing pads it's a good idea to check the wear pattern. The pattern will help point you to related problems in the brakes whether sticking calipers, calipers that are not sliding or rotor issues. Check the link labelled 'Disc Pad Wear Diagnosis' under our Useful Links.
More Tools
For our last post of 2010 we have added a few new tools. In the lower left corner is an RSS feed from Transport Canada listing the latest Road Safety Recalls. In the Useful Tools section we have a searchable listing of all active vehicle recalls.
Tracy and Ron want to wish all FCD customers a great 2011.
Tracy and Ron want to wish all FCD customers a great 2011.
Handy Tool
One of the 'useful links' we have added to the right menu of this site is the SKF axle nut torque spec listing. This is up to date and has complete listings for vehicles up to 2010. Proper wheel torque helps with the installation of hub bearings which are vulnerable to over-torquing.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)