Professional Motor Mechanic

EPDM belts and ABDS systems – service and repair tips

|Date: April 29, 2013

EPDM belts and ABDS systems – service and repair tips

When examining a multi-ribbed drive belt, it is important to be aware that changes to the materials used ...

When examining a multi-ribbed drive belt, it is important to be aware that changes to the materials used in its construction mean that some of the visible wear indicators that could be applied to belt ...

April 29, 2013
Read more
Turbocharger inspection – 3 easy steps

|Date: March 12, 2013

Turbocharger inspection – 3 easy steps

A borescope is essentially a flexible, bendy inspection camera that features an integrated screen to allo ...

A borescope is essentially a flexible, bendy inspection camera that features an integrated screen to allow the inspection of vehicle systems and components that are particularly tricky to access ordin ...

March 12, 2013
Read more
How to replace a timing belt on a Vauxhall Zafira

|Date: March 04, 2013

How to replace a timing belt on a Vauxhall Zafira

The Vauxhall Zafira may sound like a daunting vehicle on which to change a cambelt, but with a little kno ...

The Vauxhall Zafira may sound like a daunting vehicle on which to change a cambelt, but with a little know-how and the appropriate tools it will prove to be an ideal repair for the independent garage ...

March 04, 2013
Read more
How to replace a timing belt on a VW Golf

|Date: February 24, 2013

How to replace a timing belt on a VW Golf

The 1.6L 16V engine has been installed en-mass in Volkswagen vehicles in recent times. The manufacturer r ...

The 1.6L 16V engine has been installed en-mass in Volkswagen vehicles in recent times. The manufacturer recommends checking and, if necessary, replacing the timing belt every 55,000 miles, and then ev ...

February 24, 2013
Read more
Timing chain tension – the importance of correct oil grades

|Date: January 21, 2013

Timing chain tension – the importance of correct oil grades

The correct grade of oil is vital to ensure that tensioners keep the timing chain tensioned to the correc ...

The correct grade of oil is vital to ensure that tensioners keep the timing chain tensioned to the correct level, yet FAI’s technical department has identified that the majority of timing chain warran ...

January 21, 2013
Read more
Timing belt failure diagnosis and rectification

|Date: January 11, 2013

Timing belt failure diagnosis and rectification

The 1.7-litre diesel engine that has been a permanent fixture in a number of configurations in theVauxhal ...

The 1.7-litre diesel engine that has been a permanent fixture in a number of configurations in theVauxhall/Opel Astra, Combo, Corsa and Meriva for more than a decade is one that will be very familiar ...

January 11, 2013
Read more
Rotating electrics – Fault finding

|Date: January 09, 2013

Rotating electrics – Fault finding

Small mistakes when fitting or replacing Starters & Alternators can bring the whole system to a standstil ...

Small mistakes when fitting or replacing Starters & Alternators can bring the whole system to a standstill, making it essential that the correct procedures are carried out. ALTERNATORS The correct app ...

January 09, 2013
Read more
Starter motor failures – Ford, Jaguar and LDV models

|Date: December 22, 2012

Starter motor failures – Ford, Jaguar and LDV models

Product/part number affected: Starter motor (AES2202) Fitted to: Ford 2.0, 2.2 and 2.4 Duratorq diesel en ...

Product/part number affected: Starter motor (AES2202) Fitted to: Ford 2.0, 2.2 and 2.4 Duratorq diesel engines Applications: Ford Mondeo, Tourneo, Transit; Jaguar 2.0 & 2.2; LDV Convoy 2.4 and LTI TX2 ...

December 22, 2012
Read more
Serpentine belts – installation tips

|Date: December 09, 2012

Serpentine belts – installation tips

For some mechanics, installing a serpentine belt can seem to take forever, however the following tips sho ...

For some mechanics, installing a serpentine belt can seem to take forever, however the following tips should make the procedure a great deal easier. What to do ...

December 09, 2012
Read more
Belt system maintenance – Peugeot 206 2.0l HDi

|Date: November 30, 2012

Belt system maintenance – Peugeot 206 2.0l HDi

The jobcard says it's time for a scheduled timing belt change on the Synchronous Belt Drive System (SBDS) ...

The jobcard says it's time for a scheduled timing belt change on the Synchronous Belt Drive System (SBDS) of a Peugeot 206 2.0 Litre HDi. Experience tells you that to replace the belt alone is not eno ...

November 30, 2012
Read more
Drive belts – workshop questions and answers

|Date: October 23, 2012

Drive belts – workshop questions and answers

What's the most common cause of a noisy Auxiliary Belt Drive System (ABDS)? ...

What's the most common cause of a noisy Auxiliary Belt Drive System (ABDS)? ...

October 23, 2012
Read more
How to replace a timing belt on a Vauxhall Astra H

|Date: October 15, 2012

How to replace a timing belt on a Vauxhall Astra H

Before carrying out any work,disconnect the battery earth cable.It is important that belt installationis ...

Before carrying out any work,disconnect the battery earth cable.It is important that belt installationis performed on an engine atambient room temperature. Always turn the engine in the normal directi ...

October 15, 2012
Read more
Citroen 2.0l HDi – Auxiliary belt issue

|Date: September 14, 2012

Citroen 2.0l HDi – Auxiliary belt issue

A 2008 Citroen 2.0L HDi had been fitted with a new Synchronous Belt Drive System (SBDS) kit. A few thousa ...

A 2008 Citroen 2.0L HDi had been fitted with a new Synchronous Belt Drive System (SBDS) kit. A few thousand miles later, the SBDS failed prematurely. The mechanic reported valve-to-piston contact and ...

September 14, 2012
Read more
VW Transporter – Diagnosing causes of rattling

|Date: September 06, 2012

VW Transporter – Diagnosing causes of rattling

Vehicle: VW Transporter LT, T4 Product: Vacuum pump Potential complaints: Rattling noises (like bearing d ...

Vehicle: VW Transporter LT, T4 Product: Vacuum pump Potential complaints: Rattling noises (like bearing damage on the crankshaft) The piston vacuum pump is driven by the camshaft through a connecting ...

September 06, 2012
Read more
Timing and auxiliary belts – fitting precautions

|Date: August 10, 2012

Timing and auxiliary belts – fitting precautions

Technicians are regularly reminded of the importance of ensuring that a new timing belt is fitted correct ...

Technicians are regularly reminded of the importance of ensuring that a new timing belt is fitted correctly. Unfortunately, the same thought is rarely given to the auxiliary belt, even though the fail ...

August 10, 2012
Read more