This is an email I recently received regarding suspension problems, and the solution. I thought it was worth sharing.

1995 Ford Pickup F250

Engine: 4.9 L / 300 CID / 6 cyl / Gas / OHV
Fuel: Fuel Injection
Ignition: Distributor-Breakerless
Trans: 4-speed Automatic Transmission (Electronic)
Mileage: 104,000 mi
VIN: 1FTHF25Y3SLB54098

Misc Data: FLEET PICKUP
Affected Item: FRONT LEFT
Condition: CLUNK NOISE
More Info: Repair history included below

_______________________ CLOSED W/FIX _______________________

14 out of 15 radius bushings. They may look ok but are not.
In this case there was a 'spacer' on both sides that broke
away and are on the street somewhere. In compairing L/R
radius arms, did not know there are suppose to be spacers
there. The 'spacers' are there to reduce wear on bushings.
The bushings on this truck wore out. If you are in a area
where rust is a problem, there is a good chance the radius
arm stud will break on removel. Quote accordinly. Thanks to
the best (iATN sponsers).

_____________________ ORIGINAL MESSAGE _____________________

came in as a brake check. front pads gone. replace pads and
test drive. test drive. we get a large clunk and sometimes
a "shimmy" from the left front apon moderate to heavy
braking. called customer who was honest enough to admit
this was a problem before brake job. thing is we can't see
anything worn out. ball joints fairly new and all bushings
"look" to be in place and tight. is there something up
there that can "look" ok but isn't ????

tia- steve

Steve Suttner
Shop Foreman
Niles Auto Center
Niles, Illinois, USA

iATN Technician Sponsor
http://members.iatn.net/pages/steve_suttner2.html



___________________ TEST AND REPAIR DATA ___________________

RELATED REPAIR HISTORY

fairly new ball joints. new front pads.

__________________________________________________ _______________


Take care,
-Chris

 

I guess that means me. DOH!

Chris, I don't understand the second problem, is it related to the first? If so, I can see. If not, i don't get it.

 

I guess I should have explained it better. I belong to a network of ASE Certified Techs called iATN (international Automotive Technicians Network). There are currently 39,000 members. One of the features of this network is an email program where, if you are at your witts-end with a problem on a vehicle, you can go to their website and fill out an email "HELP" form, listing the specifics, and it get's emailed to all of the members who are participating, and who have selected that type of vehicle in their member preferences (I receive between 50 and 80 emails a day from them). If it's a problem you are familiar with, you reply with your solution or suggestion. 90% of the time, you have an "on the money" solution within 24 hours. It's a great program mostly because the members are all serious mechanics who make a living turning wrenches. If you submit a Help email, you won't receive a bunch of emails with opinions, usually just facts, or accurate suggestions. Once you've solved the problem, you go back to the website and fill out a "FIX" form listing the solution. This is then emailed out to the members, and then becomes part of the growing Database, which sponsoring members can go to anytime to look for answers.

The email I copied and pasted into my original post was a "FIX" post. It lists the solution, followed by the original message that went out. In other words, I first received the Original Message, and later received the message as it appears above, with the Closed W/Fix Message too. So, the "second problem", as you put it, was this guy's original message that was sent out. The first part, titled Closed W/Fix, was the solution.

Did that answer your question?

Take care,
-Chris

 

Yep. Thanks. I once considered iATN, but I only usually work on Saturns, occasionally GM cars and trucks.

Very good tip tho. Something for us to think about if lifts and/or etended radius arms are going in. I had a bushing get noisy on an older explorer, didn't even think about "what if" the radius arm stud breaks.

 

PKRWUD, i saw your little advertisement for IATN in your signature a few months ago and i signed up. It's a great resource.

You have to be ASE certified or a professional mechanic to join. If any of you are eligible i highly recommend joining. Theres quite a bit of info for Ford, GM's and Toyota's on their website as well.

-Jon

 

Do they have wiring diagrams? That seems to be what I need the most. My boss is to cheap to get Alldata or Mitchell On Demand. I've got 6 ASE certs, but so many e-mails seems overwelming to me. My dial-up server would go ka-ploo-ee.

 

Nope no wiring diagrams. You said you mostly work on Gm's in the GM section i see: Fuel injection diagnosis, GM Electronics stage 1, 2, and 3, and and OBDII diagnostics. Also you get to chose how many emails you recieve each day. I signed up to get 100% of Toyota help requests, and Ford help requests dealing with engine, suspension, and brakes. So you could chose not to get any mail and look at the info on the site when you want.

-Jon

 

Sounds user friendly enough. I may give it a try. I didn't know you could filter it like that.

 

It's very user friendly. I recommend trying it out for a couple months. It doesn't cost you anything, but it definately pays you dividends.

I became a sponsoring member after about 6 months or so of regular membership. I figure the email database alone is worth more than $10 a month!

Take care,
-Chris