Maintenance

Delphi introduces plug-in telematics for aftermarket service The object is to establish connectivity equal to OE systems, providing car-to-shop communications for remote diagnostics, road service, and shop appointments. The plug-in device reports data to Delphi cloud servers, which in turn communicate with the remainder of the aftermarket chain. Read full story

Advanced out-of-autoclave composites process accelerates curing, enhances adhesion of fasteners A new IR-assisted advanced out-of-autoclave (OOA) process from Kubota Research Associates reportedly enhances adhesion properties and “significantly” accelerates the curing speed of thermoset resin systems for installing adhesive bonded fasteners onto composite fuselage and metal structures. Read full story

Uncle Sam wants innovative solutions from suppliers A retired military officer who was the development manager for the U.S. Department of Defense's $3 trillion, six-year Future Year Defense Plan wants suppliers to know that the military wants innovative product solutions. Read full story

Rolling tires power self-inflation pumps Goodyear is developing an internal mechanically driven pump that keeps commercial truck tires topped off. Read full story

Hyundai uses cloud server to remotely check vehicle performance Blue Link data modem transmits onboard diagnostic data to server as soon as vehicle comes off assembly line. Electronic Pre-Delivery Inspection system is in development, post-delivery monitoring requires attention to privacy concerns, and remote reflashing is on “wish list” but poses major challenges. Read full story

Oak Ridge collaborates for cheaper carbon fiber Lightweight vehicles of the future will require strong carbon-fiber composite structures, but low-cost fibers are needed for market viability. Overcoming the challenges to cheaper carbon fiber is exactly what a research team at Oak Ridge National Laboratory is aiming to do at its new Carbon Fiber Technology Facility in Tennessee. Read full story

Chrysler switches to OAT antifreeze for longer service interval The change to OAT is across the board for 2013 and is accompanied by increasing coolant service interval to 10 years/150,000 mi (240,000 km). The formula is different from that used by parent Fiat. Read full story

Prognostics to predict remaining useful life poses privacy concerns The increased number of onboard sensors provides opportunity for prognostics that predict future vehicle health. Wireless connectivity increases opportunity to use cloud servers to mine data and provide the computing power. However, privacy issue caused the cancellation of the program for Nissan's Leaf. Read full story

TMD Friction air disc brake material meets requirements for aftermarket linings TMD Friction’s premium air disc brake pad friction material, Textar T3070, has met the FMVSS 121 dynamometer requirements of TMC’s Recommended Practice #628 – “Aftermarket Brake Lining Qualification.” Compatibility issues arising from different brake designs on front and rear axles were a major reason TMD developed and certified a disc brake pad formulated to replicate the performance of drum lining material. Read full story