Bonnie & Clyde's Automotive Center, LLC

09/08/2026

1. You have a hydraulic lifter that is ticking loudly. Which condition can actually cause the lifter to collapse?
A. Excessive oil pressure
B. Restricted oil supply to the lifter
C. Too much coolant
D. A weak battery

09/08/2026

🇺🇸 LABOR DAY WEEKEND REPORT! 🇺🇸

Alright, everybody… HOW’D YOUR LABOR DAY WEEKEND GO? 😂

🏁 Get any racing in?
🔧 Finish that project you’ve been “working on” since 2022?
🚗 Break something you now have to fix?
🍔 Eat enough BBQ to require a suspension upgrade?
🍺 Make some questionable decisions?
🚓 Spend any quality time with the local police department?👀😂
😴 Or did you accomplish absolutely nothing and consider that a successful weekend?

Drop your Labor Day weekend report below! 👇

We want the good, the bad, the ugly… and the stories that start with “So nobody was hurt, BUT…” 😂

Bonus points for pictures! 📸🏁🔧

09/07/2026

09/05/2026

Answer: B ✅

Key Effects on the Suspension
-Loss of Ride Height (Sagging): The damaged corner sits noticeably lower than the rest of the vehicle because the spring can no longer hold up its share of the weight.
-Misalignment: The drop alters the vehicle's camber, toe, and caster angles, throwing the wheel alignment out of spec.
-Bottoming Out: Without the spring's rebound and absorption capacity, the suspension collapses easily over bumps, causing the frame or undercarriage to hit the ground.
-Secondary Component Damage: The broken spring puts abnormal physical stress on the shock absorbers, struts, control arms, and steering components.
-Tire and Blowout Risk: The jagged, fractured end of the broken spring can shift position and puncture the tire sidewall, leading to a dangerous blowout.

09/04/2026

🏎️ Friday – Gearhead Challenge

What happens to a vehicle's suspension when a coil spring breaks?

A. Nothing—the shock supports the vehicle
B. Ride height can change and suspension operation can be affected
C. The engine automatically runs rough
D. The sway bar takes over completely

09/04/2026

Answer: D ✅

A worn ball joint can potentially cause a sudden suspension collapse and complete loss of vehicle control if it fails entirely.

Common Problems Caused by Worn Ball Joints
-Suspension Noises: Hear dull clunking, knocking, or popping sounds from the front end when driving over bumps or turning.
-Steering Issues: Experience loose, vague, or wandering steering where the car drifts or is slow to respond.
-Uneven Tire Wear: Notice rapid wear on the inner or outer edges of the front tires due to altered wheel alignment.
-Vibrations: Feel a buzz, shake, or vibration through the steering wheel or floorboards at higher speeds.
-Vehicle Pulling: Feel the vehicle pull to one side, mimicking an improper alignment.

09/03/2026

🛠️ Thursday – This One Tricks People

A worn ball joint can potentially cause which problem?

A. Poor wheel alignment
B. Clunking noises
C. Uneven tire wear
D. All of the above

09/03/2026

Answer: B ✅

How a Sway Bar Works
-It is a steel bar.
-It links the left and right suspension parts.
-It acts as a torsion spring, which means it resists twisting.
-It twists when one side of the car moves up more than the other side.

09/02/2026

🚗 Wednesday – Get Technical

What does a sway bar (anti-roll bar) primarily do?

A. Prevent the vehicle from pitching under braking
B. Reduce body roll during cornering
C. Increase spring rate at all four wheels
D. Control wheel alignment

09/02/2026

Answer: C ✅

How Bushings Work
-Cushioning: They use rubber or polyurethane to isolate road harshness from the vehicle frame.
-Flexibility: They permit pivot action where metal links meet the chassis.
-Wear Signs: Worn bushings cause clunking noises, vibrations, and poor wheel alignment.