Pushing Engines Farther
Downsizing vehicles, reducing vehicle size and weight and using smaller and more fuel-efficient powertrains are some of the ways automakers will reach government fuel standards.
Active Motor and Trans Mounts
Motor mounts serve an important function: They support the weight of the engine and transaxle (or transmission), and also isolate engine vibration from the rest of the chassis. With so much emphasis on controlling noise, vibration and harshness in late model luxury vehicles, it was inevitable that sooner or later motor mounts would go electronic.
ASE PS2 Test Preparation Guide: Manual Transmission/Transaxle Parts
● CLUTCH — Used with manual transmissions to engage and disengage the engine from the transmission and when shifting gears. The clutch is bolted to the flywheel on the back of the engine, and clamps the clutch disc against the flywheel when the clutch is engaged. When the clutch pedal is depressed to disengage the
ASE PS2 Test Preparation Guide: Suspension & Steering Parts
● SHOCK ABSORBERS — A component that dampens suspension motions to improve ride control and handling. The shock absorber is mounted near the wheel and connected to one of the control arms. Inside is an oil-filled cylinder with a piston and valves. Movement of the suspension forces the piston to push against the oil. This
ASE PS2 Test Preparation Guide: Engine Parts
● BEARINGS — Provide support for the crankshaft and camshaft. A thin film of oil between the bearings and shafts reduce friction and prevent wear. Most late model original equipment engine bearings are aluminum, or aluminum with a steel backing. Older engines typically use tri-metal (babbit and copper/lead over steel) rod and main bearings. Worn
ASE PS2 Test Preparation Guide: Emission Controls
● POSITIVE CRANKCASE VENTILATION (PCV) — Prevents crankcase blowby vapors from escaping into the atmosphere by siphoning the vapors back into the intake manifold so they can be reburned in the engine. Used since 1968 on most vehicles, the main component is a spring-loaded PCV valve that meters airflow. The PCV valve is usually mounted
ASE PS2 Test Preparation Guide: Brakes
● DISC BRAKES — Use a pair of friction pads to squeeze against a flat disc or rotor when the brakes are applied. Most cars and light trucks since the early 1970s have front disc brakes, and many have rear disc brakes also. Disc brakes provide more stopping power than drum brakes, better cooling and
ASE PS2 Test Preparation Guide: Automatic Transmission/Transaxle
● AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION — A transmission that shifts itself using engine RPM, load and other inputs to regulate shift points and gear engagement. Late model automatics have electronic/hydraulic controls operated by the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) or its own Transmission Control Module (TCM). Most late model automatics have five or six gears (speeds), though some
Chassis Talk: Learning The Terminology Is Key To Selling The Correct Chassis Part
Just about everybody remembers the story of the Tower of Babel, in which people began speaking different languages. Unfortunately, the terminology connected with selling chassis parts often becomes its own Tower of Babel when a local alignment shop places a phone order. In many cases, term “tie rod” often becomes interchangeable with “tie rod end”
What’s Your Belts & Hoses IQ?
Belts and hoses are common replacement parts that most part stores stock (at least the more popular SKUs).
