Auto Repair Articles

Question:

I am looking at purchasing a 1995 Ford Escort Wagon. The only problem is that it was in an accident and the rear brake line has been severed. How much will it cost to fix the Rear brake line. Can you please break out parts and service. The seller says that he has some of the parts but just has not fixed it. Trying to see how much it will cost to repair. Mostly a labor estimate.

Answer:

Metal Brake Line and compression fittings :$ 30.00

Brake Fluid : $12.00

Labor for replacing line and bleeding system 2hours : $170.00 @ $85.00 per hour

Total:$212.00+tax
 

Question:

I have a 1983 Nissan 280ZX coupe, automatic with digital speedometer. The speedometer does not register correctly and bounces up and down. I don”t know if the speedometer was changed before I bought the car. The speedometer cable is hooked directly to the speedometer. I have gotten some information, on line, that there is supposed to be a pulse generator by the battery which the cable is supposed to hook up to. I can”t find anything that might look like this around the battery, don”t really know what it is supposed to look like. Nothing with wires going to the dash. Also it does not have a digital climate control. I need to find out if the speedometer has been changed, so that I can get it fixed properly. I live close to Las Vegas, so can go there if anybody knows a reliable repair person.

Answer:

On the early speedo the cable hooked directly to the speedometer head the pulse generator is built in . I think you need a new speedometer head and cable. this is a rare set up it could be hard to find parts.

1. Check the operation of the vacuum brake booster and vacuum brake booster check valve. Replace worn or failed parts.
2. Check brake linings and brake surface areas for glazing and replace worn or damaged parts.
3. Check for seized hydraulic parts and linkages, and clean or replace as needed.

Replacing Brake Vacuum Booster

Question:

I have a 2007 GMC Sierra 3500 less than 10000 miles has black colored sludge I can see in my coolant system causing problems with apparently so much blockage of this that causing it to overheat ?

Answer:

The most common cause for this would be an internal leak in the radiator, meaning the transmission fluid is contaminating the coolant and causing the sludge. This would be considered a manufacturer defect and should be covered under warranty. Having the dealer replace the radiator and flush system would be the fix.

Another thing that can cause this would be if you/someone put mixed the wrong type of coolant with what is already in it (if they added green coolant) this will cause the coolant to turn brownish/black and sludge up. complete flush and fill of system would be the fix.

Question:

When I hit bumps in the road, the driver side rear suspension clicks. What could cause that and is it a problem?

Answer:

Noise issues are difficult to pin point without actually hearing it for yourself, but there are a few things you can check that are common.

1) Make sure the exhaust is not loose and there are no broken exhaust hangers

2) Look at the rear sway bar links and make sure they are not broken(most common)

3) Make sure there is nothing loose in the trunk/back of the car especially around the spare tire tool area

4) To test your shocks, bounce the rear corner of the vehicle, release when pushing downward. The vehicle should rise then stop half way back down, if it goes any further: you need to replace the shocks/struts

Question:

I need to locate a Knock Sensor on my 1991 Olds Ciera with a 3300 engine.

Answer:
This sensor is a piezoelectric sensor located near the back of the engine (transaxle end). It generates electrical impulses which are directly proportional to the frequency of the knock which is detected. A buffer then sorts these signals and eliminates all except for those frequency range of detonation. This information is passed to the ESC module and then to the ECM/PCM, so that the ignition timing advance can be retarded until the detonation stops. If you need further assistance let me know. Please Click Accept Now as it is the only way I get paid.

Fig. 4: A piezoelectric sensor is located near the back of the engine (transaxle end). It generates electrical impulses which are directly proportional to the frequency of the knock which is detected

The summer season of highway hell has officially arrived—and $4/gallon prices at the pump certainly aren’t making life on the road any easier. As the next generation of hypermilers develops new ways to hack your car’s fuel economy, our guest MPG geek breaks down the vehicle mods, driving habits and common-sense fixes you need to know to max out your tank.

1. Track Your Mileage in Real Time
2. Only Brake When You Have to
3. Always Stay Alert on the Road
4. Drive Like You’re on a Bike
5. Make Your Car Your Own
6. Pump Up Your Tires—Really
7. Use the Right Ride for the Job
8. Multi-Task With Your Daily Routine
9. Plan Your Route Ahead of Time
10. Avoid Rush Hour at All Costs

Source: popularmechanics.com

Keep Your Tires Properly Inflated
Under-inflated tires require more energy to roll, which translates into more frequent fill-ups. You can improve your fuel economy by about 3.3 percent if you keep your tires inflated properly, according to the DOE. The psi number noted on the sidewall of your tires is the maximum pressure of the tire and is not the proper inflation level for your car. Your vehicle manufacturer will list the recommended tire pressure in your owner’s manual or a sticker on the doorjamb of the driver-side door. Buy a tire-pressure gauge and check your tires monthly, adding air as necessary. Continue Reading »

Question:

Where can I find brake replacement procedures. I want to try and do my own brake job but don’t want to mess anything up either?

Answer:

A great source for Brake Job Procedures. Or you can purchase an Online Auto Repair Manual that offers step by step procedures for whatever you are looking to fix. See Auto Repair Manual link to your right.

Question: 

I have a 2004 Hyundai Elantra. Is it possible to adjust the clutch?

Answer:

There are no adjustments. If the clutch is not working properly, you will need to have it replaced.

The Clutch Is Operating Properly If:

• It will stall the engine when released with the vehicle held stationary
• The shift lever can be moved freely between 1st and reverse gears when the vehicle is stationary and the clutch disengaged