A defective harmonic balancer can affect the accuracy of ignition timing readings or a defective harmonic balancer can damage the crank. Which technician is correct?
Harmonic balancers – ASE practice questions (VIDEO)
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HOT OFF THE PRESS
Buy once, cry once: Don’t cheap out on these auto repair tools (VIDEO)
Auto repair pros probably know the expression “buy once, cry once,” and for some tools, techs should buy the best they can afford.
Engine knock – ASE practice questions (VIDEO)
An engine exhibits a knocking noise. During a cylinder power balance test, the noise abates. Which technician has the correct diagnosis?
“Can I borrow a…”
We’ve all heard the question that starts like this. So will you lend tools?
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SHOP STUFF
Auto care news and advice you can use.
Tariff Talk: A Look Backwards at The Chicken Tax
Lighten the mood at the next cocktail party you attend.
Creative repurposing: Shims have all sorts of uses in an automotive shop
There are applications for shims besides fixing camber and panel gaps.
Don’t let your scanner go unprotected
Faults in the car pay you. Faults in the scanner cost you.
One lesson is harder for more experienced techs to learn than their rookie counterparts (VIDEO)
If you’re an experienced technician, you may feel as though you’ve seen everything, but don’t let your knowledge prevent you from learning more.
Give your customers extra grease
Especially for your mechanically-inclined clientele, sometimes a fingerful of clean grease is a lifesaver.
Want to contribute an article to Shop Press?
Are you a wrench and a writer? A counterperson and a communicator? A service writer and a scribe? Get paid to share your experience and expertise with thousands of Shop Press readers.
SHOP STUFF
Auto care news and advice you can use.
Stress Test Vehicle Grounds
Resistance is futile.
Polishing headlights vs. replacing them! (VIDEO)
Two solutions for yellowed, hazy headlights.
Parallel connectors vs. butt connectors
They look the same, but serve different roles. Here are the very specific scenarios where the lesser-known parallel connector shines.
What’s the deal with permanent and lifetime antifreezes? (VIDEO)
Shop Press’ Andy Greaser breaks down permanent antifreeze and today’s coolant for your vehicles.
Vehicle weights are increasing. Can your lifts handle it?
As new cars and trucks, especially EVs, get heavier than ever, it’s important to check your lift’s rating and condition.
VIDEOS
Separate gasket – ASE practice questions (VIDEO)
Which of the following is LEAST LIKELY to require a separate gasket for installation?
Smarter, not harder: relative compression testing
Analyzing a new trick I learned from an old dog.
Can’t break that crank bolt loose? You need a crank socket (VIDEO)
Crank fasteners are often a real pain to remove. Mechanics with expensive impact wrenches and large breaker bars struggle to remove them—but there’s a better way.