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09/01/2019

A closer look at turbocharger hoses and their possible failures

Due to the drive to make cars more fuel-efficient, smaller and lighter-weight engines started to become commonplace in newer vehicles, with turbochargers used to compensate for the associated power loss. In fact, around 75% of new vehicles sold in Europe today are turbocharged. The turbocharger compresses air from the atmosphere and delivers it to the engine through a series of turbocharger hoses. In what follows, we will take a closer look at these hoses, which are increasingly in aftermarket demand as a wave of turbocharged vehicles leave the warranty period. We will also outline some possible failures and provide tips for replacement.

22/11/2018

Understanding modular coolant hose failure

Cooling systems have grown increasingly complex in recent years, as more and more vehicles became turbocharged or were equipped with battery packs that needed cooling. These days, many coolant hoses branch off to various components, and are typically outfitted with connectors and sensors. In this article, we’ll discuss the ways in which these modular hose assemblies, as they’re known, can fail.

30/08/2018

Timing belt change on a VAG 1.0 3-cylinder petrol engine

Engine technology is evolving rapidly, as manufacturers continue to improve their designs to meet increasing efficiency and performance demands. The recent VAG 1.0 3-cylinder petrol engine, with its non-round camshaft pulleys, is a case in point. Ensuring belt tension optimisation, these special pulleys do require a specific timing belt change procedure, which we will elaborate on below.

06/07/2018

The unique characteristics of electric water pumps and the main causes of their failure

A 50% increase in cars with electric water pumps is expected over the next four years. Being a fairly new technology, electric water pumps tend to break down for various reasons, from too much demand placed on the pump, to contamination due to inadequate sealing. In this article, we’ll discuss these causes in more detail, and zoom in on the unique advantages of electric water pumps over their traditional counterparts.

28/03/2018

Did you know there are different types of bolts for TVD fixation?

As a result of increasing vibrations inside engine compartments, practically all car manufacturers use torsional vibration dampers (TVDs) or harmonic balancers in their engines to reduce vibrations and increase comfort for the driver. But when a TVD needs replacement there are various types of bolts of which some need to be replaced because of technical requirements and others can be re-used.

Oil contamination can be detrimental to the automatic tensioner

22/02/2018

Oil contamination can be damaging to the automatic tensioner

The harmful consequences of engine oil dripping on the timing belt are widely known, yet few people realise that oil has equally detrimental effects on the automatic tensioner. In most engines, oil contamination reduces damping, causing the tensioner to lose control over the engine dynamics and resulting in high arm movement. Ultimately, this will lead to engine failure.

27/12/2017

Tensile cords in automotive belts: clearing up a common misunderstanding

Every automotive belt is reinforced with tensile cords, which form the backbone of the belt. Without them, your Micro-V^® belt or timing belt would be a mere rubber band. When a timing belt or a Micro-V^® belt breaks, many mechanics blame the tensile cords, assuming that the point where they are ‘knotted or welded together’ is the belt’s Achilles heel. Read on to find out why this supposition is wrong.

20/11/2017

The importance of knowing (and following) the torque specs

Torque specs are crucial information whenever you make repairs and you want to do a proper job. In this article, we discuss the consequences of applying too much or too little torque, as well as the importance of using a torque wrench and/or a torque angle gauge.

23/10/2017

Opel/Vauxhall engines and chassis (VIN) numbers: clearing the confusion

Opel/Vauxhall engine numbers and chassis (or Vehicle Identification Numbers, VIN) numbers have long been a source of confusion. When looking for parts or kits, you only have to pay attention to the last six digits of the engine number (the first two digits refer to the production plant). Similarly, the eleventh digit of the chassis (VIN) number identifies the manufacturing plant and does not belong to the serial number itself. Read on to find out more!

27/09/2017

How to ensure maximum safety when handling hydraulic tensioners

Hydraulic tensioners are, beside our automatic tensioners, the best way to ensure optimal belt tension at all times. But they should be handled with care. Read our tips to ensure maximum safety when handling hydraulic tensioners.

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