17 minute read
Garage Equipment: The latest in tools and equipment for your workshop
DISAPPEARING TOOLS
Every workshop has disappearing tools – they are the ones most often used and so they are easily misplaced or broken. That is not just inconvenient, but it also holds up too many simple jobs and turns them into time wasters, which is why having a few spares of these tools is a cheap option to get the job done. Likewise, these tools are a must have in any garage – you don’t need to be a mechanic to find a need for them.
HPP Lunds has a range of tools under its Rock Tools brand, and these include everyday items such as oil filter removal tools like the strap style oil filter tool (T73C) which fits most filters as it has a flexible soft band that goes around the oil filter and with a quick pull, tightens. It says with this tool, it is unlikely that you will come across an oil filter that it won’t suit. As an option there is a swivel handle style of oil filter remover (T62C), which has the band made of flexible steel. This looped band is placed around the filter and the handle is turned anticlockwise to put tension on the band making it grip the filter. It can fit a variety of different sized filters. Another handy every day tool is the wheel brace (S1021001) – how many times a day does a workshop have to remove wheels, and while rattle guns are great, if it is a busy workshop its handy to have another option, says HPP Lunds. Indeed, every motor vehicle on the road should have a wheel brace in the boot – along with a jack and spare tyre – to get out of trouble when a puncture occurs. For these purposes, HPP Lunds says a four-way combination brace is ideal as it can work with a range of different wheel nuts from Metric/SAE 17mm, 19mm, 22mm and imperial 13/16”. For more information, contact HPP Lunds on 1300 306 781 or email sales@hpplunds.com.au As well as diesel diagnostics training, Diesel Help Australia provides diesel diagnostic support to more than 200 trade members in Australia and NZ. Clinton Brett, the Founder and Trainer of Diesel Help Australia, and his team witness a high level of diagnostics involving DPF and turbo faults. Without the correct guidance and test equipment, popular fault codes relating to EGR, turbos and DPFs can be easily misdiagnosed. To assist with reducing wasted hours diagnosing and the unnecessary replacements of components, Clinton says he has developed easy to adapt diagnostic equipment, the DPF and Turbo Boost test kit. “Due to the pandemic, face to face training reduced dramatically yet resulted in a sharp increase in our membership over the past two years,” Clinton said. “We’ve experienced several cases where the DPF differential pressure sensor was reading incorrectly. “A difference in pressure of up to 70 kPa from what has been seen on the scan tool has been found in some instances.” One of these cases is included in a Diesel Help Australia recorded webinar which was delivered live at the 2021 USA Vision Hitech Virtual Training Expo and is available to view at www.dieselhelp.com.au/course/dpfs-diagnosingtesting The kit includes two liquid filled analogue gauges with a range of 0 to 60 kPa (0 to 8.7psi) which is capable of reading low pressures at idle in a good DPF and a Turbo boost gauge 0 to 400kPa (0 to 58psi) to read the highest intake pressures for diesels. The DPF gauge connects via a barbed T on the pressure side of the DPF differential sensor and the turbo test gauge is connected via a hose to an engine mounted adaptor which was designed, engineered, and made in Australia. The testers can be used to confirm the Manifold Absolute Pressure (MAP) sensor and DPF differential pressure sensor data on the scan tool is correct. “They do fail! Our technical bulletin library includes faults found with Isuzu Dmax, Mitsubishi and soon to be released, the 2020 Hilux,” Clinton said. “Failures can be caused by DPF, and MAP sensors exposed to extreme conditions including high temperatures, condensation, oil, carbon, dust, and vibration. “Conditions like this damage vital sensors resulting with incorrect information sent to the ECU. As a result of this inconsistent data, symptoms may occur including poor performance or fault codes forcing the engine to derate and illuminate the engine light.” The Turbo Boost tester is suitable for applications fitted with a Boost/MAP sensor and the DPF tester is suitable for DPF fitted diesel engine. For further information please refer to the Diesel Help Australia YouTube channel for an instruction video or visit www.dieselhelp.com.au
NEW DPF AND TURBO BOOST TEST KIT
From Diesel Help Australia
MT ZERO 6 SERIES WHEEL BALANCERS
Available exclusively from Repco and NAPA
Beissbarth’s new generation MT ZERO 6 series wheel balancers have been designed around the following core principles: speed, accuracy, reliability and ease-of-use. Manufactured in Italy, stringently tested and market-proven globally, the MT ZERO 6 series is said to be the ideal wheel balancer for all workshops that service wheels, from occasional use to intensive use. The MT ZERO 6 series wheel balancers from Beissbarth are equipped with the latest in sonar technology which is used for both tyre width detection and split weight functions (hides weight behind rim spokes). The three on-board lasers precisely and accurately mark the exact placement location of clip-on and adhesive weights, this eliminates the guess work and potential misplacement of weights. The automatic wheel positioning system moves the wheel into the precise position after the measurement cycle, this means no more manual positioning of the wheel after the measurement process. There’s light at the end of the tunnel, with the onboard internal LED light ring which automatically lights-up the inside of the rim for ultimate visibility. A real game changer is reportedly the one-touch operation, which allows the user to complete most operations with only minimal input. The new user interface is highly intuitive and provides the user with simple clean graphics, easy to navigate menus and a wide selection of features. The interface has been re-designed to be ultraintuitive and work just like a modern smart phone. The touch screen model is also compatible with gloves, so no more removing of gloves to operate. The MT ZERO 6 is available with both a 7” LCD or 22” touch Screen display. Supplied as standard with a quick clamping system, the MT ZERO 6 series can also be supplied with a pneumatic wheel clamping system for quicker, easier and more accurate mounting. Amongst the vast selection of optional accessories available, the most sought after is the pneumatic wheel lifter which assists with the lifting of wheels onto the wheel balancer’s shaft, making it a real back-saver and a must have accessory. The Beissbarth MT ZERO 6 wheel balancers are available exclusively from Repco and NAPA. Repco says it is Australia’s leading aftermarket automotive parts and accessories supplier. Since 1922, Repco has been “Driven by Passion” for all things automotive, and in 2022, celebrates 100 years of “loving all things automotive.” For more information, please contact GPC Tools and Equipment on 1800 224 581.
ALL HOT AND BOTHERED
Using thermal imaging to diagnose an electrical fault
The interaction of volts, resistance, and current flow is what makes up the complex electrical systems we see in modern passenger and commercial vehicles. Diagnosing a fault in any of these systems can be daunting, especially if faced with problems in control modules, wiring, or the increasingly complicated BUS network system. Poor connections in any circuit cause an increase in resistance. A by-product of current flow through a resistor is heat – these are the basic elements of a light globe’s operation. To take that a step further, imagine a body electrical harness connector that has suffered moisture ingress – the green corrosion you see acts as a resistor in the circuit, therefore creating heat. The traditional way to pinpoint faults such as this would be to perform voltage drop checks across each conductor/connector until the source of the resistance is found. But Snap-on says there is a faster and much more efficient way. Thermal imaging technology is quickly gaining a foothold in the automotive diagnostic hall of fame due to its ease of use and more importantly, the speed at which faults can be located. Any electrical device in the vehicle is designed to operate at a given current flow. If the current flow were to dramatically increase (which may point to an internal short) the heat generated by the component would also increase. Using the thermal imager here would show the fault as an abnormal heat source. A short circuit within a wiring loom could be located quickly by replacing the circuit fuse with a high wattage globe – then passing the thermal imager along the harness. The short will be visible as an unwanted heat source in the wiring – this is due to the current flowing through the bulb and tracking to ground across the short. Parasitic drains can also be located very quickly. Switch the ignition off and allow all control modules to go to sleep. Then pass the thermal imager over the vehicles fuse box. Any current flow will be displayed on the imager screen as a heat source. Cross reference the hot fuse or relay with
MAKING AN IMPACT WITH AUTO ONE
The Auto One group recently held a stand at the Australian Auto Aftermarket Expo in Melbourne showcasing its family of brands including its exclusive Impact Automotive range of garage equipment. The eye-catching Impact Automotive range was implemented to allow Auto One outlets to not only provide quality products to their customers but also produce what Auto One says is the best value for money offer for the Australian market. The expanding range of Impact Automotive includes garage equipment, coolants and floor mats. Auto One has produced the range of products using an extensive network of suppliers to source directly from renowned factories and make them available exclusively in Auto One and A1 Autoparts stores. The range of garage equipment is impressive, covering everything from engine cranes to vehicle dollies, right through to high lift jacks and mobile mechanic stools. The Impact Coolants offer both premix and concentrate variations that cover everything from passenger car to light commercial applications. The red and green long-life variations are supplemented by a Corrosion Inhibitor option, giving strong car parc coverage through 15 individual SKUs. “We will continue to grow the Impact Automotive range where we see opportunities to offer quality products at a very competitive price,” Auto One’s Head of Marketing, Lara Galvin, said. “Our range of car mats are manufactured to a very high level and the range boasts more than 25 style options and we are looking at other additions in this area to continue to develop. “However, we started the Impact brand with a range of trolley jacks, engine hoists and general garage equipment. “We will continue to add products to that area of the range, as well as find new opportunities to implement well-designed and excellently produced products in additional areas for the Auto One customer. “Impact will continue to grow. We have great momentum and enthusiasm from our stores and storeowners for these products and for us that’s a great sign for our group to continue to innovate and develop the Impact offer.” Established in 1988, the Auto One group is a champion of the independent network in Australia. Hosting two banner groups, Auto One and A1 Autoparts, the group has over 80 outlets Australia wide and says it remains the only independently owned national chain in the automotive parts industry. Auto One and A1 Autoparts stores have unlimited access to the Group’s expanding distribution network which currently consists of two facilities, located in Sydney and Perth. These centres provide a platform where other inter-industry businesses can purchase product in bulk to achieve greater margins, negotiate pricing, and have access to a more diverse range of goods, not available through other channels. For more information, visit www.impactautomotive.com.au or www.autoone.com.au/become-a-franchisee or email info@impactautomotive.com.au
the vehicle circuit diagram to isolate the drain to a particular system. The thermal imager can be used to pre-empt failure of a circuit or system by comparing captured images or video with a database or image library. If the component is producing excessive heat, the system could be inspected and repaired before outright failure occurs. Snap-on encourages you to keep your workshop operations cost effective by adding thermal image technology to your diagnostic process. To arrange a demonstration, speak to your local Snap-on franchisee. Visit www.snapontools.com.au to see the complete family of diagnostic solutions by Snap-on.
The Aunger range at CoolDrive Auto Parts has expanded
The iconic Australian automotive brand Aunger has expanded at CoolDrive, with a new range of workshop equipment now available. Headlining the new Aunger offerings at Australasia’s preferred automotive parts distributor are hydraulic trolley and garage jacks, with options for standard as well as low vehicles. Constructed from heavy duty red powder coated steel with zinc plated fasteners for superb corrosion and abrasion resistance, each jack features a knurled handle for a confident grip and to make lifting vehicles safer and easier. Featuring two heavy duty black powder coated swivel castors and two fixed wheels for easy manoeuvrability, the jacks also include a carry handle to make portability even easier. For standard vehicles, there is the 1400kg and 2500kg hydraulic trolley jacks, while for low vehicles, there is the low profile 1800kg and low profile 3000kg garage jacks. Aunger car stands are also available from CoolDrive, which sport a sturdy ratchet system that allows for quick height setting to ensure that vehicles are not suspended on jacks for unnecessary periods of times. The two-tone gloss red and black powder coating protects the stands from corrosion and abrasion damage. One pair of stands will support up to 4000kg, making them suitable for medium to heavy duty vehicles. Aunger also has a new folding engine crane, constructed from heavy duty steel with the extendable boom arm enabling easy lifting of between 250kg-2000kg. The folding legs with locking pins deliver improved safety, and space saving characteristics when stored away, while the six steel swivel castors provide easy mobility while on flat workshop or garage surfaces. Capping off the new Aunger products at CoolDrive are single car ramps, manufactured from heavy duty steel with high quality powder coating. Sold in a pair, two options are available, 750kg or 1000kg, each complying with Consumer Goods (Portable Ramps for Vehicles) Safety Standard 2017. With a rich history spanning more than 50 years, the Aunger range includes shock absorbers, suspension components, car care products, wheel hub assemblies and bearing kits, and now a comprehensive workshop equipment range. For further information on the Aunger range at CoolDrive, or to find a branch, visit www.cooldrive.com.au
SUPER ULTRASONIC COMPONENT CLEANING NOW AVAILABLE
Premier Machinery and Components says it offers a safer, more affordable cleaning method
The traditional methods of component cleaning include caustic baths, pressure washes, and spin wash machines. But Premier Machinery and Components says there is a safer and more cost-effective solution. The company says its MotorClean unit can offer super Ultrasonic component cleaning within a 20-minute cycle time. The process involves degreasing, decarbonising, and descaling engine parts and components like cylinder heads, engine blocks, gearboxes, turbo chargers, brake parts, transmission systems, diesel injection, and particle filters. The company recommends this unit to garages, dealerships, brake specialists, and smaller general workshops. The new model MOT-200N includes a stainless thermally insulated tank lid, pneumatic platform, and waterflow system for oil separation. It features a control panel with a seven-inch screen with TFT display. The Tierratech Motor Clean range is able to address the component cleaning needs of the smallest workshop to the largest heavy commercial transport operation. The new 185 litre unit provides a new option for smaller operators who could not previously justify the cost. The equipment uses a working frequency of 40 kHz, which can achieve optimal cleaning without damaging any soft materials like aluminum, magnesium, and brass. Premier Machinery states that the running costs of these machines can be as low as $1.40 per day when operating a five-day week with the 400 litre machine using 175 kw hours over a seven day period. Operating times can be programmed, and the advanced touchscreen makes the unit easy to operate. The ultrasonic waves osculate with a six-inch travel agitation to thoroughly clean all parts of the components. The specified chemicals that are required are $375 per 25 kg drum, and this lasts between six weeks to six months depending on usage. “These high-quality units clean regardless of the complexity of the pieces, especially internal recesses and hard to reach areas,” Premier Machinery and Components General Manager, Daniel Parker, said. “They reduce energy costs, are more environmentally friendly and dramatically reduce labour time.” For more information, visit www.premiermachinery.com.au or call 03 9797 1170.
PRECISION AUTOMOTIVE EQUIPMENT BRINGS LATEST WORKSHOP TECH TO SUNBURY FORD
The company has completed a detailed workshop upgrade for a major Victorian dealer, Sunbury Ford
Sunbury Ford Dealer Principal, Nick Dempsey, approached Precision Automotive Equipment seeking to increase the customer service experience from the dealership’s service lane. Precision Automotive Equipment says it immediately identified that the Sunbury Ford workshop service lane could be revolutionised with the addition of Hunter Engineering’s newly developed Quick Check Drive Inspection System. This system provides automatic vehicle alignment results in an instant. As the vehicle drives through it, Quick Check Drive providses touchless total toe and individual camber readings, while Quick Tread Edge measures tread depth and tyre edge wear. Each component analyses live data and instantly displays results with no stopping, with no labour and no data entry required. The Hunter Engineering unit uses Licence Plate Recognition (LPR) cameras to identify the vehicle and present the readings to customers on the easy to understand ‘Flight Board’ displayed high and bright in the workshop. The Quick Check Drive system also includes Body Damage Cameras that photograph the vehicle as it drives through the lane to ensure proof of vehicle condition is also on file. The autonomous inspection lane means vehicle inspections are completed in under ten seconds, with no interaction from a technician or an advisor. In line with the significant increases in wheel alignment business generated from the Hunter Engineering Quick Check Drive system, Precision Automotive Equipment also supplied and installed a Hunter Hawkeye Elite Alignment System at Sunbury Ford. This system is linked to HunterNet – an online portal provided by Hunter Engineering that collates data from all Hunter units within any workshop. This system allows service managers to set performance targets, inspect ROI and identify workshop service trends. This technology allows individual workshops to conduct their own, real time business research. In addition to the supply and fitment of the Hunter Engineering Quick Tread Edge and Hunter Hawkeye Elite Alignment System, Precision Automotive Equipment also designed and completed the full workshop lubrication system fit out, the ergonomic relocation of existing workshop equipment and the installation of new Rotary two post hoists throughout the workshop. “The Sunbury Ford workshop modernisation is a prime example of the direction that automotive workshops need to be heading to secure a strong and profitable future,” Precision Automotive Equipment General Manager, Peter Hewitt, said. “The vastly improved initial customer experience all the way through to increased mechanical accuracy and overall business efficiency that this state-of-the-art equipment provides, ensures that Sunbury Ford, along with its customers, benefit from the most modern technology available.” Precision Automotive Equipment is a part of Australasia’s largest automotive aftermarket specialised company, BAPCOR Limited. For more information, contact Precision Automotive Equipment by calling 1300 366 252 or visit at www.precisionautomotive.com.au
