Wheel balancer
Snap-on Tools Co. has introduced the EEWB304A wheel balancer that assures consistent and precise measurements on a variety of on- and off-road vehicles, the company said.
Operators can automatically enter rim offset and wheel diameter measurements into the EEWB304A by simply touching the distance gauge to the rim.
After a seven-second motorized cycle, dual displays and a wheel balance graphic give operators exact weight requirements and locations to achieve optimal balance, the company said. The balancer is just 64 inches by 49 inches and has a 133-pound capacity. With a speed of less than 100 rpm, the EEWB304A can store up to four sets of balancing preferences, according to Snap-on.
Contact: Snap-on Tools. Phone: (262) 656-5200. Fax: (262) 656-5088.
Degreaser
Petruj Chemical Corp. has introduced Formula 88, a biodegradeable degreaser and cleanser the company describes as safe and effective for use on engines, driveways, carpets, machinery, vehicle interiors and almost any other surface.
Formula 88 is non-flammable and poses no risk to pets, people or the environment, the company said. It will not deteriorate rubber, plastics, vinyl or stain fabrics. It cleans surfaces in one step, Petruj said.
Contact: Petruj Chemical Corp. Phone: (888) 267-4480. Fax: (305) 362-7273.
Tire test system
Steinbichler Optotechnik G.m.b.H. has introduced the shearography tire test system Intact 1200 for truck tire testing.
The Intact 1200 has a short cycle time of one minute, which includes loading and unloading as well as the complete test of the tread and shoulder area of a tire.
The system is suitable for testing incoming casings and retreaded tires, Steinbichler said.
The system offers user-friendly operation and automated test procedures in combination with state-of-the-art and highly precise measurement techniques that are part of an optimized system concept for fast and efficient tire testing, according to the company.
Contact: Steinbichler Optotechnik G.m.b.H. Phone: (330) 971-9808. Fax: (330) 929-3073. Internet: www.steinbichler.de.
Battery
East Penn Manufacturing Co. Inc. has introduced the New Deka Inferno, a battery that uses what the company called a unique patented silver lead alloy.
The alloy maximizes life expectancy under severe service conditions and in high under-hood temperature environments typical of today's modern vehicles.
The heavier grid and plate design provide longer life with twice the wire diameter of normal grids, East Penn said. Special plate paste improves reactivity with the electrolyte to provide more power-per-pound and reduces plate shedding. Negative envelope separators reduce internal short circuits due to normal plate shedding and growth.
The New Deka Inferno is available in six BCI group sizes: 25, 35, 34/78, 58, 65 and 75, with up to 690 cold-cranking amps at 0 degrees Farenheit, the company said.
Contact: East Penn Manufacturing Co. Inc. Phone: (610) 682-6361. Fax: (610) 682-4781. Internet: www.eastpenn-deka.com
Reference guide
The Automotive Lift Institute has published the new quick reference guide on ``Vehicle Lifting Points for Frame Engaging Lifts (Domestic and Imported Cars and Light Trucks) Model years 1982-2001.''
The guide focuses on the lift points on all vehicles, clearing up confusion as to how vehicles differ year-by-year, model-by-model, ALI said. The 54-page guide features diagrams of all makes covering a 20-year period. It will fit in a three-ring loose-leaf binder.
The ALI issues updated lift-point manuals annually.
Contact: The Automotive Lift Institute. Phone: (321) 722-9933. Internet: www.autolift.org.
Lifts
Hunter Engineering Co. has launched the L421 four-post alignment lift rack, providing full-service capability for a wide range of vehicles.
The L421 combines a 1721/2-inch, two-wheel alignment wheelbase and a 188 1/2-inch general service wheelbase with a 221/2-inch runway width to service a wide range of vehicles, including crew cab style pickups. The four-wheel alignment wheelbase is 158 inches.
An optional extension kit provides a 226-1/2-inch general service wheelbase, two-wheel alignment capability up to 2101/2-inches and four-wheel alignment up to 196 inches, Hunter said.
Extensions allow shops to service tilt-bead rollback towing vehicles, stretch limousines and other vehicles most shops can't handle.
A split-front crossmember allows easy service access all the way to the rear of the vehicle. There are no floor obstructions so the area is clear for technicians, tools and equipment. Flush-mounted, full-floating rear-wheel slip rates allow the vehicle's rear suspension to be relaxed for maximum alignment accuracy.
The L421 locks at any of 20 heights up to 70 inches and is fully equipped for total four-wheel alignment, Hunter said. Optional 8,000-pound capacity swing-air jacks add capability for lifting vehicles off the runways during alignment procedures and other service options.
Contact: Hunter Engineering Co. Phone: (314) 731-3020. Internet: www.hunter.com.
Mohawk Resources Ltd. has introduced the TSL-7 twin-scissor pad lift. With a 7,000-pound capacity, the lift has four fully rotatable swing arms as well as a variety of rubber blocks to make contact with all vehicle lifting points.
The TSL-7 comes equipped with a 12-position locking system on both scissoring legs, twin hydraulic cylinders and operates on a 208/240-volt single-phase or three-phase power, Mohawk said.
Contact: Mohawk Lifts. Phone: (800) 833-2006. Fax: (518) 842-1289. Internet: www.mohawk lifts.com.
Shock absorbers
Sachs North America has introduced the Boge shock absorber and strut lines with three categories tailored to meet specific driving requirements. The three lines are labeled Automatic, Turbo and Extreme.
The Automatic line includes both gas and hydraulic configurations and is designed as a direct original equipment replacement, offering the same level of comfort and safety as new vehicle shocks, Sachs said.
The Turbo line is intended as an upgrade or alternative to Boge Automatic shocks and stuts and is made for European sports cars, performance coupes and sedans, the company said.
The Extreme line is intended for the performance-minded driver, the company said, and consists of load leveling (Nivomat) shock absorbers, Hydromats and steering dampers. The Extreme line offers tailor-made solutions for custom and high- performance applications, Sachs said.
Contact: Sachs North America. Phone: (440) 871-4890. Fax: (440) 871-6904.
Software
OTC, a division of SPX Corp., has introduced its Perception 2-channel Lab Scope and Graphing Multimeter, which can download and update files from the Internet to obtain expanded vehicle and testing coverage.
The No. 3820-11 Update 2000 can be purchased through an OTC distributor and includes CD-ROM, PC-to-Perception cable, certificate number and complete instructions for downloading, OTC said.
The new, expanded vehicle-specific database covers most domestic vehicles made from 1981-2000, as well as increased import support.
Latest testing additions include an oxygen sensor test approved by the California Bureau of Automotive Repair (BAR), which determines if the sensor is compliant with the agency's standards.
The expanded vehicle coverage supports sensor and wiring diagrams with PIN numbers and wire colors for both the PCM and component connector. Appropriate test procedures and reference waveforms for quick, accurate repairs are also provided, OTC said.
Contact: OTC. Phone: (800) 533-6127.
Diagnostic tool
Snap-on Tools Co. has introduced a semi-portable device called the Sun Dynamic Data Collector (DDC) that allows technicians to thoroughly diagnose engine control and anti-lock braking systems on most domestic and Asian import vehicles as well as many European models.
The DDC offers fast automated test sequences and test capabilities that provide comprehensive results within minutes in an easily understood format, the company said.
The unit works with the Sun diagnostic work station and has complementary engine control and ABS diagnostic applications built into it. Each application provides complete system monitoring and analysis down to the component level, including all sensors, actuators and electrical circuits.
The unit also can perform voltage, resistance, current and voltage drop tests.
The DDC comes in a small, briefcase-size container and can be plugged into a vehicle's lighter during a road test.
Contact: Snap-on Tools Co. Phone: (800) 845-2641 or (406) 721-2518.
Video training
The International Tire & Rubber Association Foundation Inc. has announced the availability of its new ``Video Training Series for Tire Retreaders and Repairers.''
The new video-based training program is designed to enable companies engaged in such operations as tire retreading and repairing, fleet maintenance and tire sales and service to conduct comprehensive employee instruction at wherever they choose, with minimal outlay in terms of dollars and time.
The program covers topics ranging from ``Basic Tire Construction'' to ``Nail Hole and Tube Repairing'' and ``Section Repairing.'' Each of the 13 video segments features step-by-step procedures for performing various service operations safely and professionally.
ITRA said the videos soon will be accompanied with corresponding workbooks that include a post-test and skills demonstration lab sheet that technicians can complete and have signed by a member of the company's management team. Those who successfully complete the test and skills demonstration will be issued a ``Certificate of Training'' by the association.
Complete details and pricing information are available online at www.itra.com under the ``In-Depth Retreading/Repairing Video Training Series'' icon or via ITRA's free, fax-on-demand service (800) 211-1779 or (502) 968-2190. (Request document 101.)
Torque wrench
Tuffy Manufacturing has introduced a four-piece, color-coded torque wrench set designed to help technicians torque wheels properly.
The new four-piece preset torque wrench set offers an alternative to torque sticks, Tuffy said, and includes six deep-chrome sockets, an extension and display board.
Each preset torque wrench is color coded to match the included application chart indicating make and model year of the vehicle. The wrenches operate only one way to minimize technician abuse.
Contact: Tuffy Manufacturing. Phone: (800) 341-6667. E-mail: [email protected]