Professional Motor Mechanic

Link rods – their purpose and why they fail

|Date: June 26, 2012

Link rods – their purpose and why they fail

Link rods are subjected to massive shock loading – more so on increasingly pot-holed roads. The safety of ...

Link rods are subjected to massive shock loading – more so on increasingly pot-holed roads. The safety of the vehicle depends on the smallest and most vulnerable part of the whole steering and suspens ...

June 26, 2012
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Lower control arm bush installation – Land Rover Discovery Series 3

|Date: June 26, 2012

Lower control arm bush installation – Land Rover Discovery Series 3

In its initial stages, Land Rover’s engineers faced some challenges in designing this luxury vehicle whic ...

In its initial stages, Land Rover’s engineers faced some challenges in designing this luxury vehicle which needed to offer outstanding on-road performance whilst maintaining a reputation for off-road ...

June 26, 2012
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Track rod and knuckle joint removal – Skoda Fabia 2003

|Date: June 26, 2012

Track rod and knuckle joint removal – Skoda Fabia 2003

A bent track rod or a worn inner knuckle joint requires that the rod/joint is removed as a unit and repla ...

A bent track rod or a worn inner knuckle joint requires that the rod/joint is removed as a unit and replaced with new. There is usually limited access under there, but using tools designed for the job ...

June 26, 2012
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HBU 2.1 wheel bearing – functionality and replacement

|Date: June 26, 2012

HBU 2.1 wheel bearing – functionality and replacement

Component: HBU 2.1 wheel bearingApplications: Volvo C30, C70 II, S40 II, V50 (front wheel) ...

Component: HBU 2.1 wheel bearingApplications: Volvo C30, C70 II, S40 II, V50 (front wheel) ...

June 26, 2012
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Bush failings and the importance of replacing front control arms

|Date: June 26, 2012

Bush failings and the importance of replacing front control arms

In this article we are returning to a familiar theme – how polyurethane suspension bushes can be used to ...

In this article we are returning to a familiar theme – how polyurethane suspension bushes can be used to address some of the shortcomings of original equipment rubber bushes in modern suspension desig ...

June 26, 2012
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Ball joints – removal and fitment

|Date: June 26, 2012

Ball joints – removal and fitment

“The rapid development of automotive technologies means that as an industry we are thirsty for knowledge, ...

“The rapid development of automotive technologies means that as an industry we are thirsty for knowledge, education and training on the subject. However, we must not forget about basic components; and ...

June 26, 2012
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Front wheel bearing replacement – Mazda 3

|Date: June 26, 2012

Front wheel bearing replacement – Mazda 3

The Mazda 3 was introduced in 2003 to replace the aging 323. Over the years it has forged itself a reputa ...

The Mazda 3 was introduced in 2003 to replace the aging 323. Over the years it has forged itself a reputation for high reliability and quality and has now sold over 77,000 models in the UK. Now, as th ...

June 26, 2012
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Front wheel bearing replacement – Toyota Corolla

|Date: June 26, 2012

Front wheel bearing replacement – Toyota Corolla

First introduced back in 1966 the Toyota Corolla has been with us for a massive 60 years, and incredibly, ...

First introduced back in 1966 the Toyota Corolla has been with us for a massive 60 years, and incredibly, according to Toyota, one Corolla is sold on average every 40 seconds worldwide! The Corolla ha ...

June 26, 2012
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Worn mounting kits – characteristics and visual signs

|Date: June 26, 2012

Worn mounting kits – characteristics and visual signs

Have you ever replaced a shock absorber and put the old suspension mounting kit back on? If you were brav ...

Have you ever replaced a shock absorber and put the old suspension mounting kit back on? If you were brave enough to admit it, you will be pleased to know you are not the only person! ...

June 26, 2012
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The role of rubber-to-metal components

|Date: June 26, 2012

The role of rubber-to-metal components

They’re not visibly prominent and many drivers won’t even be aware of their existence, but rubber-to-meta ...

They’re not visibly prominent and many drivers won’t even be aware of their existence, but rubber-to-metal (RTM) components play a vital role in vehicle dynamics and safety. On occasions, workshops ma ...

June 26, 2012
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Suspension replacement – Questions & Answers

|Date: June 26, 2012

Suspension replacement – Questions & Answers

Q. Why should I install a suspension kit when I replace vehicle struts?A. The bearing in the suspension k ...

Q. Why should I install a suspension kit when I replace vehicle struts?A. The bearing in the suspension kit has a direct effect on the amount of driver effort required to steer the vehicle, especially ...

June 26, 2012
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Spotting shock absorber wear

|Date: June 26, 2012

Spotting shock absorber wear

Shock absorbers play a very important role in ensuring the safety of a vehicle. The main function of a sh ...

Shock absorbers play a very important role in ensuring the safety of a vehicle. The main function of a shock absorber is to dampen the spring oscillations, and keep the tyres in contact with the road ...

June 26, 2012
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What are banana springs?

|Date: June 26, 2012

What are banana springs?

Banana, or more correctly, “sideload” springs are a familiar sight to most mechanics and many will have s ...

Banana, or more correctly, “sideload” springs are a familiar sight to most mechanics and many will have struggled with their removal and installation on vehicles fitted with a MacPherson strut suspens ...

June 26, 2012
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