Automotive Mechanical

[Opti]

Rick, Thanks for your help.

I'm going to start with two things on my list of five based on what's really
bothering me and what I discussed with my service advisor.

Friday I'll take it in to an independent shop and get just the rear coil
springs done and have them check some of the stuff and let me see
how bad the oil leak is from the valve cover, power steering pressure
hose leak, and the control arm work which after further discussion with
the advisor this afternoon may be replacing the control arms!

Apparently leaving the power steering pressure hose as is has the potential
of big buck and worth more than the car costs due how its connected
in with the transmission so maybe dealer#2 next week Wed/Thurs?

Sigh. How do I win the long term car lottery next time? The Honda before this lasted twelve years but only 120K miles or so, had bad electrical issues
they couldn't find the last 2 to 3 years of its life.

[rick]

Psst, a little secret here, Buy a Ford lol. Sorry its not looking good. I had no isea the P/S went through the trans

[wvugurl26]

But not with the 3L engine or whatever

[rick]

3.0L In the Escape

[wvugurl26]

I never had the Escape. But that would explain grandma's being carp. I'll have to snag the VIN next time I'm home.

[ken a.k.a OMK]

Rick I got 114,000 miles on my 1974 Vega. Should I buy another one? LOL.

[billisonboard]

Rick,
I have a 2004 Ranger. Do you have some tips on how not to abuse the 4 wheel drive? I work on a mountain and have consistent snow here but down the hill in town it can be patchy.
I am not clear on the rules for turning it on and off.
Thanks,
Bill

[Opti]

Rick,

My Ex and I bought a Ford Explorer when we first came to NJ. It
unfortunately had issues with its software that caused the speed
to drop at weird times. I have really bad memories of crossing the
big bridge near exit 129 on the GSP with my foot all the way down on the
accelerator varying speed of 10-20mph. It took years before that
car was safe to drive! Other than that it was a great trip vehicle in
later years.

I think the service advisor is partly right. Its somewhat of a crapshoot.
If someone gave me a free Ford Focus I'd take it. Must achieve better
car karma.

[Opti]

Jan 5, 2011 19:08:12 GMT -5 @di said:

BMW 3 series

Just a question for you Optimist, Is the Beemer Newer or is it older?
I just ask, as with 3 series that are a bit older (04' and before), Some of the Things you have issues with could be Dealt with Cheaper and Better by a Good Backyard Mech.
I just did a Valve cover Gasket and Replaced Control arm Bushings on A friends 87' 328i. It ran about $175 in Parts, but the trade off is that istead of getting RUBBER bushings in the Control Arms, he ended up with POLYURETHANE Bushings (which Are stiffer and last longer) and he got a Metal Core Rubber Valve (which seals better and can't be over compressed due to the metal core) cover Gasket.
The Hardest thing for me to do was get the Old Bushings out and the New POLY's In (Even with a Press Bench).
I will give you though that some parts and cost for service (from a Service shop) are high for a BMW (or most high end Euopean cars), Due mostly to the combo of the Difficulty in actually doing the Job(s) and the Need for some Fairly Unique Tools..
Sorry for intruding, just wanted to drop my 2 cents.

Its a 2002 and I don't know how to find such a mechanic. The engine
looks almost fully encased in plastic compared to years ago 1989 Honda,
1970's Chevy Nova where I could actually look at an engine and know
something. You don't know anyone near central NJ do you?

[rick]

Jan 5, 2011 18:39:36 GMT -5 ken a.k.a OMK said:

Rick I got 114,000 miles on my 1974 Vega. Should I buy another one? LOL.

If you can find one hell yes, yank the motor and put a small block in it

[rick]

Jan 5, 2011 18:55:21 GMT -5 billisonboard said:

Rick,
I have a 2004 Ranger. Do you have some tips on how not to abuse the 4 wheel drive? I work on a mountain and have consistent snow here but down the hill in town it can be patchy.
I am not clear on the rules for turning it on and off.
Thanks,
Bill

Ok, Of course you never go fro high to low ranger, or the other way while moving. Ford has it set so you have to be completely stopped, Park or neutral with your foot on the brake before it will even actuate. Now in and out of 4x4, make sure you arent under load and the wheels arent spinning and you wont have any trouble. In the summer months, its a good idea to exercise the 4x4 moter once a month by shifting through all ranges

[rick]

Jan 5, 2011 19:08:12 GMT -5 @di said:

BMW 3 series

Just a question for you Optimist, Is the Beemer Newer or is it older?
I just ask, as with 3 series that are a bit older (04' and before), Some of the Things you have issues with could be Dealt with Cheaper and Better by a Good Backyard Mech.
I just did a Valve cover Gasket and Replaced Control arm Bushings on A friends 87' 328i. It ran about $175 in Parts, but the trade off is that istead of getting RUBBER bushings in the Control Arms, he ended up with POLYURETHANE Bushings (which Are stiffer and last longer) and he got a Metal Core Rubber Valve (which seals better and can't be over compressed due to the metal core) cover Gasket.
The Hardest thing for me to do was get the Old Bushings out and the New POLY's In (Even with a Press Bench).
I will give you though that some parts and cost for service (from a Service shop) are high for a BMW (or most high end Euopean cars), Due mostly to the combo of the Difficulty in actually doing the Job(s) and the Need for some Fairly Unique Tools..
Sorry for intruding, just wanted to drop my 2 cents.

Yeah, what he said, you pay the price when buying, and repairing

[Opti]

Yup. I was hoping to not pay just a big price for a couple more years.



Anyone know a handsome, rich guy who wants to fund my lifestyle or
at least some car repairs? I'm cute. I drive a stickshift...

[spartyparty]

Rick, the rear window defroster does not work on my 04 Monte Carlo. I bought the car new and it never worked from day 1 (yeah stupid me didn't take it in when it was under warranty). Anyway, the switch (button) that turns on the rear defroster also turns on the heated mirrors (those work and always have worked). I believe there is one fuse for both the mirrors and rear windows, but I figure since the mirrors work then that's not it. But I understand there is a relay and a breaker for the rear defroster....is there an easy way to tell if one or the other is bad? Are they cheap enough to just pop them out and replace?

[rick]

Jan 6, 2011 15:52:57 GMT -5 spartyparty said:

Rick, the rear window defroster does not work on my 04 Monte Carlo. I bought the car new and it never worked from day 1 (yeah stupid me didn't take it in when it was under warranty). Anyway, the switch (button) that turns on the rear defroster also turns on the heated mirrors (those work and always have worked). I believe there is one fuse for both the mirrors and rear windows, but I figure since the mirrors work then that's not it. But I understand there is a relay and a breaker for the rear defroster....is there an easy way to tell if one or the other is bad? Are they cheap enough to just pop them out and replace?

Well without a wire diaghram im just guessing, But what I would check first is to see if you have 12Volts at the grid. You should be able to see the plug. use a test light or volt meter. Turn the thing on and test it. If you dont have 12v then I would have to find a diaghram and trace it out

[rick]

Jan 5, 2011 23:45:23 GMT -5 Opti said:

Yup. I was hoping to not pay just a big price for a couple more years.



Anyone know a handsome, rich guy who wants to fund my lifestyle or
at least some car repairs? I'm cute. I drive a stickshift...

[Opti]

Hey Rick, I forget where do you live? Are you one of the NJ residents?

You probably know most of what I learned today at the independent garage, however, just wanted to let people know I started a thread on
your money about what I learned about car software and costs today.

Also learned interesting tidbits like Hyundai has hired lots of German
engineers which according to the shop owner is not neccessarily a good thing as the Koreans usually fixed things people told them were wrong and
apparently most German engineers believe their way is the right way and
don't listen so well.

[KaraBoo]

Jan 7, 2011 13:00:39 GMT -5 Opti said:

Also learned interesting tidbits like Hyundai has hired lots of German
engineers which according to the shop owner is not neccessarily a good thing as the Koreans usually fixed things people told them were wrong and
apparently most German engineers believe their way is the right way and
don't listen so well.

Drat!! That's where that streak in me comes from.....Damn German heritage!!

[Opti]

Jan 7, 2011 13:02:49 GMT -5 KaraBoo said:

Jan 7, 2011 13:00:39 GMT -5 Opti said:

Also learned interesting tidbits like Hyundai has hired lots of German
engineers which according to the shop owner is not neccessarily a good thing as the Koreans usually fixed things people told them were wrong and
apparently most German engineers believe their way is the right way and
don't listen so well.

Drat!! That's where that streak in me comes from.....Damn German heritage!!

Me too. My mom comes from 100% German stock.
His statement was you know Germans don't you? They are always right
even when they are wrong. (Crap, this fully explains my youngest sibling) I don't think its that bad, but my family does have their stubborn streak.

[rick]

Im In Michigan, Hoipefully they dont mess with the Koreans, I spent a year over there, and they know how to get things done

[domeasingold]

Rick
Can't hit he advertised 3.95 seconds 0-60 in my Corvette Grand Sport. Should I put the top down?

[rick]

Jan 7, 2011 16:54:05 GMT -5 domeasingold said:

Rick
Can't hit he advertised 3.95 seconds 0-60 in my Corvette Grand Sport. Should I put the top down?

You do own a Chevy, dont expect to much ;D

[KaraBoo]

Rick -

I have a 1995, 3/4 ton, 454 engine (not quiet sure what that means), Suburban. It's not 4WD, but does have the towing package.

As it's gotten colder, I'm having problems with the steering - it's just started in the last month or so (North Central Texas). When I start it up first thing in the morning, I have a hard time turning the steering wheel to the right. It's like it's frozen up or a similar feeling. It only lasts for a few seconds of pressure (if that) and then unfreezes and turns freely.

DH has checked the power steering fluid levels and all is fine there. We have had problems with the pumps (replaced 2 in the last 4 years), but he thinks it might be in the steering column/box. Any ideas?

[rick]

Jan 7, 2011 17:19:13 GMT -5 KaraBoo said:

Rick -

I have a 1995, 3/4 ton, 454 engine (not quiet sure what that means), Suburban. It's not 4WD, but does have the towing package.

As it's gotten colder, I'm having problems with the steering - it's just started in the last month or so (North Central Texas). When I start it up first thing in the morning, I have a hard time turning the steering wheel to the right. It's like it's frozen up or a similar feeling. It only lasts for a few seconds of pressure (if that) and then unfreezes and turns freely.

DH has checked the power steering fluid levels and all is fine there. We have had problems with the pumps (replaced 2 in the last 4 years), but he thinks it might be in the steering column/box. Any ideas?

What does the fluid look like. is it bright red, or is it starting to get a gray color to it. If it only does it the one way, I would guess the steering gear is going bad. If its both ways, it could still be the gear, but more than likely the pump.

[domeasingold]

Tell me. What car make rocks your world? I am not saying Chevy's are the best. Just what I own. However, I have been a Chevy lover since 1969, good or bad.

[rick]

Jan 7, 2011 17:28:46 GMT -5 domeasingold said:

Tell me. What car make rocks your world? I am not saying Chevy's are the best. Just what I own. However, I have been a Chevy lover since 1969, good or bad.

Sorry, but I do prefer Ford due their reliability and they way the are put together

[domeasingold]

To each his own I guess. Owned a 66 Shelby GT350 bck in the early 70's. Raced B production SCCA. Fast car, great handler. No complaints except I wish I still had it. Sold that because I wanted to change classes. More speed.

[rick]

Jan 7, 2011 17:40:59 GMT -5 domeasingold said:

To each his own I guess. Owned a 66 Shelby GT350 bck in the early 70's. Raced B production SCCA. Fast car, great handler. No complaints except I wish I still had it. Sold that because I wanted to change classes. More speed.

Id like to have the GT350 myself

[domeasingold]

Only Ford product I've owned. ...oops, forgot the Lola Formula Ford. Had an English Cortina 4 cylinder.
Anyhow if you need drivetrain consultation, I am a retired transmission & gear engineer. Mostly manual transmissions and differentials. Any questions, I would be glad to assist.

[rick]

Jan 7, 2011 17:48:50 GMT -5 domeasingold said:

Only Ford product I've owned. ...oops, forgot the Lola Formula Ford. Had an English Cortina 4 cylinder.
Anyhow if you need drivetrain consultation, I am a retired transmission & gear engineer. Mostly manual transmissions and differentials. Any questions, I would be glad to assist.

Cool, thats good to know, feel free to stick around and chime in. I answer what I can , and appreciate the help