Ford Explorer Warped Rotors
Question: I have an 03 Ford Expedition and I have been experiencing pulsating in the steering wheel, I have turned the front rotors twice and in no time they are back the same way. So, I replaced both the front rotors and calibers, and its still not right. When I was bleeding the whole brake system, I noticed that the rear did not bleed like the front did, the pedal did not go all the way down. My question is what determines the amount of pressure that goes to the front verses the rear? I think that my problem is that the rear brakes are not being applied enough, thus causing the front to work harder and get hotter than normal, causing them to warp easier.
Answer:
There is a proportioning valve ( or sometimes called a modulator valve
) which in modern vehicles is usually combined with the ABS functions.
It should be located immediately after the master cylinder and is
usually an aluminum block. Your brake system should apply more
pressure to the front brakes, which is where most of the braking
occurs. You can test function of the proportioning valve by doing a
low speed panic test and see if the front or rear brakes lock up
first. Do it in an empty parking lot and have someone watch from a
distance to see which wheels lock up. With ABS, it wont be easy to
see. I would say 20 – 30mph would be all the faster you would want to
go. Again, be careful, make sure the parking lot is empty.
When you replaced your rotors, did you tighten the lug nuts with a
torque wrench? Improper torquing of the lug nuts can cause rotor
warpage over time.
Posted: 18th October 2009 | Author: Kevin Schappell | Category: Brakes
New section on proper tire rotation for your car truck or SUV.
Ever wonder why you have to rotate your tires???
We have a new guide on tire rotation just posted !
Even if you dont do your own tire rotation, we offer some good advice on what to do when taking your car to a tire shop.
Posted: 22nd September 2009 | Author: Kevin Schappell | Category: Site News, Wheels and Tires
Bad struts cause tire wear?
Question: How does bad shock absorbers and struts effect tires?
Answer:
Bad struts or shocks will cause uneven wear on a tire due to the
shock/struts inability to properly control the motion of the wheels
under braking and over rough roads. There can also be alignment
issues as a strut wears, which will cause uneven wear on the tires too.
Kevin
Posted: 17th September 2009 | Author: Kevin Schappell | Category: Wheels and Tires
Wheels and Tires
We have added a new section to our AutoShop101 ! I have spent most of my high school and college life working at a garage changing wheels and tires. So it’s a bit of a shock that it’s taken me this long to add a section on wheels and tires. Check it out for more information about wheels and tires than you care to know !!!
Kevin
Posted: 16th September 2009 | Author: Kevin Schappell | Category: Site News
The Best Bug And Tar Remover For My Car?
I hate washing my car, but it has to be done sometimes, so this morning I grabbed my wash bucket and got ready to give the old girl a cleaning. But first, I remembered the product my Dad had brought back from his Turtle Wax Bloggers Conference, and figured I would try the Bug and Tar Remover since its been a while since I washed my Acura TL and the bugs were all over the front bumper and side mirrors.
Usually removing the bugs involves lots of scrubbing and a sore arm as a result. Well I grabbed the Turtle Wax Bug and Tar Remover, sprayed it on the bad spots and let it sit, while I cleaned the wheels and tires.
The first thing I noticed, was that this stuff clings to the car, and does not run off onto the driveway, even if you accidently get water on it.
I went about washing the car, from the top down, and when I got to the side mirrors, the bugs simply wiped off !!! I have never had bugs just wipe off, even when using another brand of bug a tar remover. I thought maybe this was a fluke and surely the bugs splattered on the front bumper would present more of a challenge.
By the time I had gotten to the front bumper, I was already tired from washing, but to my delight the bugs simply wiped off here too. I think I just found my favorite new car wash product.
After I finished washing the car, and dried it, I sat down and read the bottle, it actually explains in the directions to use AFTER you finish washing. I guess I used it wrong, but let me tell you, I have never had an experience like this before and will continue to soak the bugs BEFORE washing.
Here is a shot of the bottle so you know what to look for in your favorite auto parts store…
Posted: 7th September 2009 | Author: Kevin Schappell | Category: Car Care
