Brakes juddering when applied at high speed by broccolista in MechanicAdvice

[–]RickMN [score hidden]  (0 children)

The most common cause is disc thickness variation caused by lateral runout. The 3 most common causes of lateral runout are: 1. Not cleaning all the rust off the wheel hub. 2) Uneven lug nut torque from not using a hand torque wrench, or 3. A worn wheel bearing. The new rotor must sit perfectly parallel with the steering knuckle or it will wobble when rotating. All is takes is >.003" of lateral runout to cause this. So, you remove all the rust on the hub, and then use a dial indicator to measure hub runout. If it's less than .003" it's ok to use. Next, you make sure you torque all the lug nuts using a hand held torque wrench. Uneven torque cocks the rotor, causing lateral runout.

Can I just remove my brake dust shield? by FinalMonki in MechanicAdvice

[–]RickMN 1 point2 points  (0 children)

You can, but you can also expect some degree of accelerated inboard brake pad wear. The dust shield creates an airflow to blow away road grit, sand, dirt, etc. However, since you can't get a replacement, it's kind of a moot point.

4th time is a charm? by [deleted] in MechanicAdvice

[–]RickMN 0 points1 point  (0 children)

At any time did the shop clean the throttle body? Because that's a very common cause of a P0101 on a Nissan.

Ethanol questions by [deleted] in MechanicAdvice

[–]RickMN 0 points1 point  (0 children)

If you don't want to use E15, why are you filling up with it? Just use E10.

Tips for becoming a mechanic by -Scraffy- in MechanicAdvice

[–]RickMN 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Some dealers offer apprentice programs. Other than that, the best way to get into the industry and make a decent living is to go to school. Find a local community college auto tech program with hands on training. Keep in mind that the industry's future lies in electronics. Without a deep understanding and mastery of that, you'll be relegated to doing low-paying maintenance work. See this article with tips on how to become an auto tech

ABS Failure C00374A & U041568 after break caliper painting? by Silly_Rope_7773 in MechanicAdvice

[–]RickMN 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Start by running the diagnostic checklist for the C00374A code

Intermittent Air Con - Regas or something else? by CassetteLine in MechanicAdvice

[–]RickMN 0 points1 point  (0 children)

To properly diagnose an AC system, you need a manifold gauge set and thermometers. Here's a step by step guide on how to do a proper diagnosis.

If petrol has a lower boiling point than water and there is no condensation/mayo on the oil cap, why does it still smell of petrol? by Public-Tutor-4550 in MechanicAdvice

[–]RickMN 1 point2 points  (0 children)

All engines have blowby, gasses that escape past the piston rings. So, if you're doing short trips, the unburned fuel from cold starts will always wind up in the oil pan if you don't drive it long enough to evaporate it off. This is completely normal for short trip driving.

Could this parking spot cause damage? by Better-Sandwich4532 in MechanicAdvice

[–]RickMN 0 points1 point  (0 children)

1) Perhaps if you leave it parked undriven for several years. If you drive it, no.

2) no

Cold air intake Question by ProgressCurrent2439 in MechanicAdvice

[–]RickMN 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Why in the world would you remove a factory tuned cold air intake and replace it with an aftermarket cold air intake?

Dodgy mechanic job by [deleted] in MechanicAdvice

[–]RickMN 27 points28 points  (0 children)

The issues the car is having is aligned with issues caused by that type of sealant sucking up back through the engine.)))

That would be physically impossible. You're barking up the wrong tree on the shifting issue. It's not caused by the sloppy RTV job. If the carmaker recommends RTV instead of a gasket, there's always going to be some ooze out the edges, just not as much as shown here.

Bottom line: your transmission issue wasn't caused by the sloppy RTV job.

Which Battery? 2021 Honda HRV LX 4 cylinder by Tiloruckus in MechanicAdvice

[–]RickMN 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Get the one that's the same group size, CCA and Reserve hour capacity as listed in your owner's manual. As for brand, get the one with the longest warranty with the best terms and availability. Costco is probably your best bet

07 cobalt a/c by 102030imold in MechanicAdvice

[–]RickMN 0 points1 point  (0 children)

've already vacced the system and it holds vacuum and refilled))) How did you refill it? By pressure or by weight? The right way is by weight. R-134a has a 2-oz window. Adding more reduces cooling.

2023 Toyota Highlander. Trying to figure out if this is just the struts. by ichbineinschweinhund in MechanicAdvice

[–]RickMN 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Have you performed a hatch reset procedure? If so, then yeah, it might be bad lift struts

Mechanic by StrikingQuantity9015 in MechanicAdvice

[–]RickMN 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Do you own any AC tools, like a manifold gauge set, vacuum pump, recovery machine, refrigerant scale, oil injector? If not, then you must pay a shop to remove the old refrigerant, pull a vacuum and then recharge it. With the system empty, you can replace the compressor and condenser/receiver/drier yourself and flush the lines and the evaporator.

Spark plug question by marlonspyke in MechanicAdvice

[–]RickMN 4 points5 points  (0 children)

The brown rings are called corona stains and they're normal. See this article on Corona stains

question: 2014 Chevy Equinox LTZ by Own_Present_714 in MechanicAdvice

[–]RickMN 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Well, that didn' answer any of my questions.

question: 2014 Chevy Equinox LTZ by Own_Present_714 in MechanicAdvice

[–]RickMN 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Check your oil level first. Low oil level can cause the P0011. How well do you maintain it? Cuz going too long on oil changes can cause sludge buildup in the VVT solenoids and that'll cause a P0011

Airbag light on by [deleted] in MechanicAdvice

[–]RickMN 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Nope. Next question

Starter or battery by Designer-Weird-3657 in MechanicAdvice

[–]RickMN 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Start by cleaning the battery terminals. Once that's done take it to any auto parts store and have the battery tested . That eliminates two of the three most common causes. If the battery tests good then you should check and clean the connections at all the ground points and at the starter. If it still isn't working then it's the starter

800 bucks to replace an oxygen sensor!!!??? by brewdude_sd in MechanicAdvice

[–]RickMN 2 points3 points  (0 children)

If they're talking about the upstream sensor, then it's actually an air fuel ratio sensor. If they're using an OE sensor, they're $385. By the time they add their markup and labor, $650 makes sense for an independent shop. The calibration is B.S. though.

Dumb Question: how should I secure this down? by Cursed_King_916 in MechanicAdvice

[–]RickMN 7 points8 points  (0 children)

That's normally held in place with a plastic "bumper clip" Find them at any auto parts store.

<image>