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FLUID LEVELS AND SERVICE INTERVALS: LOW FLUID LEVEL CAUSES POWER TRANSFER UNIT FAILURE
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By NAPA
Imagine you are driving your link hidden, please login to view or heavy-duty truck down the highway when you hit a bump and suddenly the steering wheel starts shaking violently. The shaking is so bad you can’t stop it no matter how hard you try to steady the wheel and it only goes away once you are nearly stopped. This situation is known as “death wobble” and it has troubled drivers of mostly offroad and heavy-duty vehicles for decades. So, what is a death wobble and how can you stop it?
What Is Death Wobble? link hidden, please login to view
The term “death wobble” is not a technical term, but one made up to describe an occurrence when driving. While traveling straight at normal speeds and on flat roads, the vehicle has no issues. But if it hits a bump, an oscillation begins in the front wheels. The oscillation increases causing the front wheels to “wobble” violently back and forth. The wobbling motion is then transmitted to the steering wheel through the
link hidden, please login to view. The forces are usually so great that the driver is physically unable to steady the steering wheel. Some drivers have come to accept the event as a normal part of driving their vehicle, while those who experience it for the first time are usually left shaken both literally and physically. What Causes Death Wobble?
The simplest explanation for what causes death wobble is looseness in the front-end components. Here are a few common causes:
Loose steering joints link hidden, please login to view Track bar bushings worn Worn ball joints Sway bar bushings worn Worn out wheel bearings Out of spec alignment
Depending on which part is worn out, it may only take one of them to induce death wobble. The more likely scenario though is that several parts are degraded allowing for a greater combined amount of looseness in the system. And as one part wears and creates more movement, it speeds up deterioration of connected parts.
There are reports of Jeep Wrangler death wobble stemming back for years, which are now joined by reports of
link hidden, please login to view. While Jeeps are a large part of death wobble issues, there are also Ford truck death wobble reports (mainly in the link hidden, please login to view) and even some in the Dodge Ram truck line. The main connecting theme to these vehicles is a solid front axle. While some drivers have reported death wobble with independent front suspension vehicles, it is uncommon. Oftentimes, tire shimmy is misidentified as death wobble. A vibration that appears at one speed but goes away at another speed is more likely tire shimmy or an out of balance tire.
Most people peg it as Jeep death wobble though because of lifted aftermarket suspension parts, but stock suspensions are susceptible as well if worn. Larger tires, which cause more stress on suspension and steering components, can cause death wobble to worsen. Adding larger tires to a vehicle with no death wobble issues won’t cause an immediate change, but it can speed up the breakdown of components.
Is Death Wobble Dangerous?
Anything that affects your steering and interferes with your ability to control the vehicle is a dangerous condition. The greatest danger from death wobble comes when driving on slippery roads (rain, snow or ice) where reduced vehicle control can prevent an effective response in an emergency situation.
How to Stop Death Wobble
Once the front wheels start to shake violently back and forth, the only reliable way to stop it is to bring the vehicle to a halt. Do not slam on the brakes, just slow down the vehicle in a controlled manner. You may still have some steering control, but it is difficult to grip the wheel, so don’t expect to make any sharp turns before stopping. Once the vehicle is no longer in motion, the shaking will stop.
How to Fix Death Wobble
The best Jeep death wobble fix is to replace loose or worn suspension and steering components. You must take the entire front end into consideration as a unit with every part having an effect on the others. All pieces need inspected for wear and looseness while leaning towards replacement of any questionable pieces. It is unlikely that death wobble is caused by a single loose component and is far more likely brought about by the sum of multiple loose joints.
To inspect the steering components, have an assistant move the steering wheel back and forth quickly while the vehicle is flat on the ground. Observe the steering joints. You should see no delay in the movement from one part to the next connected part. Movement from the steering wheel should create movement at the front wheel nearly instantly. Any loose joints need replaced.
An
link hidden, please login to view whenever trying to fix death wobble. This ensures that all the front-end components are pointing the right direction and with the correct angles. Some link hidden, please login to view can affect the front axle caster, which you should check and correct if found out of spec. Sometimes vehicle owners will add a heavy-duty aftermarket steering stabilizer to remedy death wobble, but it is not a solution and may not stop the problem. You still need to address the underlying worn component issues. If your Jeep or truck is affected by death wobble, you need to deal with the problem sooner than later. Death wobble is curable, so there is no reason to live with it.
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By Mighty Auto Parts
The post
link hidden, please login to view appeared first on link hidden, please login to view. Scheduled vehicle maintenance makes good business sense, especially when compared to costly engine repairs or an engine replacement. Many vehicle owners unknowingly select a service interval that is not healthy for the engine or recommended by the vehicle manufacturer. Most vehicle manufacturers offer two service schedules…Normal and Severe Service. These options have created much controversy […]
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By NAPA
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Your
link hidden, please login to view is one of the most important liquids in your vehicle. Brake fluid is what transmits your foot’s movement of pressing on the brake pedal into movement of the friction material at the wheel. It is rarely seen unless you check their brake fluid level or are unlucky enough to have a brake system leak. But your brake fluid is not immortal and needs changed just like any other automotive fluid. Your owner’s manual lists how often to flush brake fluid for a reason, so let’s take a look at how to flush brake fluid. Why Flush Fluid Brake Fluid?
Just like every other automotive fluid, brake fluid changes as time passes. In the case of brake fluid, it gets contaminated.
link hidden, please login to view is hygroscopic, meaning it absorbs water. That’s bad because if the water content in the brake fluid gets too high, it might boil under heavy braking. Brake fluid can also become contaminated with rust and copper. Brake Fluid Flush Preparation
Before starting a brake flush, you need to take these first no matter which type of brake flush method you choose:
Turn off the ignition of the vehicle. Using a vacuum bulb or similar siphon, remove almost all of the old brake fluid from the brake fluid reservoir. Leave a shallow puddle of it to prevent air from entering the brake system. Top off the brake reservoir with fresh brake fluid. Lift the vehicle off the ground and support it on jack stands. Never work under a vehicle that is only supported by a jack. A jack is a lifting device only, a jack stand is a support device. Remove the tires and wheels. If possible, remove all four wheels, but you may also flush one wheel at a time. Place a drain pan under each wheel that you flush to catch the brake fluid as it drips. Once these steps are completed, you can move on to the brake flush method of your choice.
Gravity Brake Flush
With this method you let gravity do all the work. The tradeoff is that it takes more time than any other method.
Open the brake bleeder valve on each wheel The brake fluid will drip from the open bleeder valves Keep the brake reservoir filled with fresh brake fluid Wait for the fluid dripping from the bleeder valve to run clear (this may take more than an hour) Once the brake fluid runs clear, close the bleeder valve Top off the brake fluid reservoir if necessary Manual Brake Flush
This is the method most people think of when bleeding or flushing brakes. One person sits in the driver’s seat working the brake pedal while another person opens up the bleeder valves.
Have an assistant sit in the driver’s seat Choose a wheel and locate the brake bleeder valve Ask the assistant to pump the brake pedal three times and then hold it down Open the brake bleeder valve to release the pressurized fluid Close the brake bleeder valve Check the brake fluid reservoir and top it off with fresh fluid if necessary Repeat steps 3–6 until the fluid is clear Top off the brake fluid reservoir if necessary Pressure Brake Flush
Pressure brake fluid tools have become increasingly popular. This brake fluid flush tool uses pressurized air to push brake fluid through the system.
Read the instructions included with the pressure brake fluid tool Fill the pressure brake fluid tool with fresh brake fluid as directed in the tool instructions Attach the pressure adapter to the brake fluid reservoir Pressurize the tool as directed in the tool instructions Open the brake bleeder valve to release the pressurized fluid, and allow the fluid to flow until it is clear Close the brake bleeder valve Top off the brake fluid reservoir if necessary Vacuum Brake Flush
As the name implies, this method uses a vacuum tool to pull brake fluid through the system. It is usually part of a
link hidden, please login to view that includes a brake fluid catch bottle. Read the instructions included with the vacuum brake fluid tool Attach the vacuum brake fluid tool to the brake bleeder valve Pump the vacuum brake fluid tool to create vacuum at the brake bleeder valve Open the brake bleeder valve to begin pulling brake fluid through the system Allow the brake fluid to flow until it is clear Close the brake bleeder valve Check the brake fluid reservoir and top it off with fresh fluid if necessary Repeat steps 3–7 until the fluid is clear Top off the brake fluid reservoir if necessary Regardless of which
link hidden, please login to view you choose, the goal is to replace as much old fluid as possible. You will likely use more brake fluid than you expect, but considering the long service interval, it is worth using a bit more fluid just to make certain. There is no difference between a brake fluid change vs. flush, they are the same process with the same goal: new brake fluid. The cost to flush brake fluid depends on who is doing the work. A DIY brake flush at home will only cost you the price of a few bottles of brake fluid, but a professional brake fluid flush using specialized equipment will likely put the cost at more than $100.
Check out all the
link hidden, please login to view available on link hidden, please login to view or trust one of our 17,000 link hidden, please login to view for routine maintenance and repairs. For more information on how to do a brake fluid flush and a typical brake fluid flush price, chat with a knowledgeable expert at your link hidden, please login to view. You Might Need These
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By NAPA
Chase Elliott started the 65th running of the DAYTONA 500 from the eighth position on Sunday afternoon at Daytona International Speedway. The 2020 NASCAR Cup Series champion finished 38th in the race after getting caught up in an on-track incident on Lap 119 that caused heavy damage to the No. 9 NAPA Auto Parts Chevrolet Camaro ZL1. Next weekend, Elliott and the No. 9 team head to Auto Club Speedway for second race of the 2023 NASCAR Cup Series season. Chase Elliott and the No. 9 link hidden, please login to view team started eighth in Sunday’s 65th running of the DAYTONA 500 at Daytona International Speedway. The five-time Most Popular Driver stayed within the main pack and ran inside the top 10 for several laps. However, the field became single-file as teams grew closer to green-flag stops, causing Elliott to lose some positions. Several Chevrolet drivers made their way to pit road on Lap 38, with Elliott getting two right-side tires and fuel for his No. 9 NAPA Auto Parts Camaro ZL1. Once the field cycled through pit stops, the 2020 NASCAR Cup Series champion was running in the bottom lane near the front of the field. He worked his way inside the top five on lap 53, but the top lane grew stronger as the first stage went on and Elliott was shuffled back to 17th by time the green-and-white checkered flag waved on lap 65. Under the stage-ending caution, crew chief Alan Gustafson called Elliott to pit road for four fresh tires and fuel.
Elliott chose the outside lane for the start of the second stage and raced mid-pack as the field stayed double-file for the opening laps. At the race’s halfway point, he was scored in the 24th position and moved to the bottom lane just a handful of laps later in preparation for another round of green-flag pit stops. The Chevrolet drivers came to pit road on lap 107 and the NAPA Auto Parts team opted for fuel only, which helped propel Elliott back into the top 10 on Lap 113. Just six laps later, Elliott’s day took a turn when an on-track incident occurred ahead of him. The 27-year-old had almost worked his way through the chaos, but another car came back up onto the track and Elliott had nowhere to go. His NAPA Auto Parts Chevrolet was collected in the incident and was too damaged to continue in the race. Elliott was ultimately scored with a 38th-place finish.
“It looked like some guys got tangled up front,” Chase Elliott said. “Those of us in the back were just scattering to kind of miss it. It looked like the No. 5 (Kyle Larson) and the No. 43 (Erik Jones) kind of went to the apron. By the time we got slowed up, they were coming back across the track and I was there first. It’s a bummer. Hate to end the day, but it is what it is.”
Start / Finish: 8 / 38
Points Standing / Total: 29th / 9 pts. (-43)
Next Race: Sunday, February 26, Auto Club Speedway, Fontana, Calif.
How to Watch or Listen: FOX, MRN, SiriusXM
NAPA:
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By NAPA
What to Expect from Your Brake Service with NAPA Auto Care
There are more than 285 million vehicles registered in the United States today. The average vehicle on the road is 12 years old. And, it is estimated that more than 51 million commuter vehicles are in need of brake service and repair. This is a concerning number considering antilock brakes are the most important safety system in a car, truck, van or SUV. That’s why the experts at NAPA recommend having your brakes inspected as often as twice a year for wear and damage. If a small issue is caught early, this routine maintenance can save you from a much more intense, costly repair.
Depending on your make and model, the quality of your OEM parts, the climate in which you live and your driving habits, your brake pads should last between 20,000 and 80,000 miles. Additionally, you should have your brake fluid flushed and replaced every two to five years. Because these ranges are vast, NAPA recommends a routine brake inspection every 10,000 to 12,000 miles as part of your yearly vehicle maintenance.
A leak in your brake system, often caused by contamination and corrosion, could dampen or even prevent your stopping power. The right amount of
link hidden, please login to view is essential for the proper function of anti-lock brakes, traction control and stability control systems. Replacement link hidden, please login to view include the master cylinder and valves, which determine the pressure applied to both the front and rear brakes, brake pads that protect your expensive disc rotors and brake lines that carry critical fluid. More than 17,000
link hidden, please login to view nationwide are committed to diagnosing a wide range of automotive problems and fixing them right the first time. NAPA Auto Care centers are known for reliable service performed by ASE-certified technicians and specialist mechanics. This NAPA standard for trusted car and truck repair has grown for more than 80 years across these local, independently owned auto shops and collision centers. Our promise to NAPA customers is to perform high-quality diagnostic and repair services by installing superior link hidden, please login to view. Check out NAPA’s free nationwide Two-Year/24,000 Mile link hidden, please login to view, which covers parts and labor on qualifying repairs and services across The NAPA Network. If You’ve Reached The Breaking Point, Head to NAPA link hidden, please login to view
There are many reasons why you need brake service. Powerful friction wears out even the best
link hidden, please login to view and intense heat can warp link hidden, please login to view. Air getting into a brake line is a common issue. Your link hidden, please login to view will measure the vehicle’s brake fluid level during a full-service oil change. But what if you are experiencing a noticeable problem, such as a squealing noise or a change in brake responsiveness? A standard brake inspection at a NAPA Auto Care center could include:
Brake pad or brake shoe replacement Brake rotor resurfacing or brake drum turning Brake rotor or drum replacement Brake fluid flushing Brake line leak repair Brake light diagnosis Keep in mind, brake services are duplicated on both wheels of the same axle. Multiple systems in your vehicle are designed for the parts on both sides of your vehicle to operate in matching condition.
After any inspection, the NAPA technician should thoroughly explain your vehicle’s condition. This includes documenting what problems are urgent and what repairs you can delay. If the damaged part no longer performs as designed, the repair is considered necessary. For instance, a cracked rotor requires replacement, so a less expensive ‘fix’ like a new brake pad is an unsafe repair in this case.
A NAPA Auto Care service technician can also make recommendations that are not critical. This includes proactively replacing parts likely to fail in less than a year. Your trusted mechanic should also advise you on maintenance recommended by the vehicle’s manufacturer. And, an inspection might include improvements that you can make with an aftermarket part upgrade to enhance performance, such as installing
link hidden, please login to view. With NAPA, you are always in good hands. Still, it is always best practice to do a little research before arriving at any auto body shop. Use the
link hidden, please login to view to instantly find out what your auto repair or service should cost at a NAPA Auto Care center. This competitive pricing tool provides quick and easy cost estimates for the most common repairs. Image courtesy of
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