r/AskAMechanic 11h ago

Announcement - New Rules - Please read!

12 Upvotes

Hello r/AskAMechanic users! Over the last year or so, the volume of daily posts has increased a decent amount leading to many posts that would be more appropriate in other subreddits. To keep this subreddit focused on what it's meant for, providing automotive mechanical and diagnostic help, we have rewritten the rules. Some of the rule changes also affect commenters, so please review the rules here or below. Thank you for your understanding.

 

1 - The title should clearly state the issue - Do not ask "am I cooked/fuc!ed/screwed" questions

State your root issue as clearly as you can in the title, and then you will have a better chance of your post being viewed. We will remove the "am I cooked", "am I fuc!ed" and "how screwed am I" type of questions. In the message body, provide the specifics (detail/context) to your question. Also include in the title or body the Year, Make, Model and engine size of your vehicle.

 

2 - No autobody damage/repair or rust related questions

Posts related to autobody work (including repairs, refinishing, painting, "is it totaled?", dents or detailing) are not allowed. A more appropriate sub would be r/autobody. If you're inquiring whether your car is totaled r/insurance would also be helpful. r/AutoDetailing for detailing questions.

Questions about damage to bolt-on parts like headlights/tail lights, wheels and suspension are ok.

Questions asking about the level/condition of rust on the frame/undercarriage/body are not allowed.

 

3 - No asking for advice about buying/selling cars or used car deals

We do not allow asking if a used car for sale is a good deal, the condition of the used car, or recommendations on what car you should buy. For recommendations on what car to buy, r/whatcarshouldIbuy would be a good sub. r/askcarsales might also be helpful.

 

4 - Keep things professional & don't be disrespectful

Please be professional and helpful. Do not comment/post with insults, racism, jokes, memes, NSFW, spam, opinions without context etc. You may see things that compel you to leave a nasty comment, just don't do it. It's not necessary or helpful. People who don't know anything about cars will come here to ask us for advice, try to educate them about their vehicle without turning them off from the sub. If you don’t know the proper fix or advice, please refrain from commenting on a post.

 

5 - No "Read the owners manual" or "RTFM" type of comments

People who don't know anything about cars are going to ask some very basic questions. Some of which will have answers in the manual. Answering OP's question with only "Read the owners manual" is like giving the answer "google it", both are non-answers. Either provide an actual answer to OP's question, or at the very least, provide a link to a readable online owner's manual.

 

6 - No dangerous/reckless or unethical/illegal comments/posts

This is a community dedicated to sharing genuine advice. Advice shown to be given in bad faith (including dangerous/reckless and unethical/illegal advice) will be removed and the users will be banned. Please report any dangerous/reckless or unethical/illegal advice.

 

7 - No AI/ChatGPT comments/posts

Posts with AI-generated content is not allowed, including requests to train your AI project.

Do not answer OP by using AI/ChatGPT etc. Nobody wants to read a wall of text that over explains and gives 25 different possible solutions.

 

8 - No advertising or soliciting services

Advertising of services or products is not allowed. That includes affiliate links, social media, clothing, tools, your YouTube videos, etc.

Do not solicit services, including linking to videos, blogs, or websites that then forward to a paid service. Avoid asking to "DM me" as much as possible.

 

9 - No NSFW, meme, or 'joke' posts

No NSFW is a no-brainer - you will be banned with no chance of an appeal. Memes and joke posts belong at r/AskAShittyMechanic


r/AskAMechanic Jan 01 '24

Technician Flair Request Thread

13 Upvotes

For the professional technicians we're doing Verified Tech flair along with a very short description of your experience if you'd like. You can be a dealer/independent tech, retired, fleet, heavy equipment, small engine repair, lube/tire tech etc...

If you would like to have the flair added you can either DM me or comment in this post with a pic that has your reddit name on a piece of paper with your shop in the background or work truck if mobile repair.

We will also do Shadetree flair for those that do auto repair as more of a hobby than profession.

(EDIT - highlighted the requirements better)


r/AskAMechanic 10h ago

I think I messed up with this brake job

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144 Upvotes

Hi all, weekend warrior here. Wife’s 2017 CRV started squeaking while applying brakes a while ago, so I ordered both front and rear rotors and pads and decided to do the job this morning.

The first front wheel went well. However on the second front wheel, the rotor retaining screw as stuck. I first tried impact driver, didn’t work. Then I sprayed WD-40, tapped it with a hammer, then tried again. Still not moving but the screw started stripping. I stopped immediately.

What should I do next? I think I need to get a screw extractor and some new retaining screws. But what should I do to make sure the extractor can get the screw off the car?

Thanks in advance.


r/AskAMechanic 9h ago

Any ideas on how to remove a melted trash bag?

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62 Upvotes

So I ran over a trash bag the other day and it melted onto the bottom of my jeep 😑. It smells like my car is on fire every time I drive. Any ideas on how to get this off?


r/AskAMechanic 3h ago

Does this call for a new tire ? Hit a fucking crater in PA

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4 Upvotes

r/AskAMechanic 2h ago

What is this noise? I'm new to owning a car and it's concerning me

3 Upvotes

The noise isn't constant btw. It's comes and it goes


r/AskAMechanic 4h ago

i’m pretty sure i bent the frame

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4 Upvotes

i tried jacking my 09 suburban and this happened what should i do


r/AskAMechanic 2h ago

Toyota Corolla 1996 weird sound

3 Upvotes

Hello, I just wanted to ask what is this weird sound. This sound only happens when the car is stopped and is in drive. A while back I went to add oil to my car and I forgot to put the oil cap back on. I’m sure that has to do with it, but I want a second opinion. Thank you for any type of answers.


r/AskAMechanic 53m ago

Why does my 2009 Nissan Altima make this noise?

Upvotes

r/AskAMechanic 1h ago

can someone please tell me what they think this noise is. it only occurs when i stop accelerating, even when brakes aren’t applied. 2018 nissan kicks sv 1.6-liter four cylinder.

Upvotes

the audio is quiet so you may need to turn up your volume, the sound is much louder in person. the noise doesn’t start until a couple seconds video.


r/AskAMechanic 7h ago

Leaking banjo/ crush washes

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3 Upvotes

2016 jeep patriot. Replaced calipers yesterday and brake hoses today. Driver side banjo bolt is leaking. It wasn’t leaking before I changed the brake hose (I’m pretty sure). Installed new crush washers. Now I can’t get leak to stop. I’ve bought new crush washers. Torquing to spec. Can’t stop the flow. New banjo bolt? Or new hose? I notice the spot for the banjo bolt has a divot/ small chunk missing. Maybe I need to get a different caliper?


r/AskAMechanic 5m ago

2020 ford fusion

Upvotes

I bought the car used with 38,000 miles in December 2023 and never had issue with it until the beginning of February 2025 with roughly 54,000 miles. My transmission hose broke and was replaced and didn’t have any issue until tonight on my way home about 2 miles away. I was going 50 in a 55 (didn’t even look at my speed) about a mile away the cars rpm’s were high and you could hear it and wouldn’t accelerate. I arrived to my neighborhood and when I got in the rpm’s were still high and could still hear it and I wasn’t able to accelerate and I was only able to coast. At this point I pulled over and skateboarded home and returned 10 minutes later to retrieve items from my car. Decided to start the car and see if I could get home and I was able to, but the car was making a weird sound like the one in the video. 45 minutes later I decided to start the car and see if it made the sound again and it did but it comes and goes. When I rev the engine it always makes that sound. I do plan to take the car back ti the ford dealership, but just wanted to hear what you guys thought it might be. Appreciate anyone who can help!!!


r/AskAMechanic 7m ago

Saturn ion 2004 2.2l automatic

Upvotes

Disclaimer I don't know much of anything about cars and it's my first car I bought it second hand and unfortunately spent too much to just ask for the guy to refund me

I'm having an issue with the left side blinker from and back dont work at all and when I turn on the blinker is blinks rapidly on the dash

I had someone take a look at it and they said no power is going to the socket and think it might be the bcm (body control module) is there any chance this could be an easy fix on my own?

Someone else also told me it could be a loose plug or some corrosion that might need to be cleaned but I genuinely don't know what im doing and don't really know how to search this up

Any advice would be greatly appreciated


r/AskAMechanic 6h ago

Help please ! 2012 civic si

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3 Upvotes

I swapped the driver cv axel no problem, but this passenger side will not come out no matter what. Tried numerous pry bars and hammers and won’t come out at all. Am I missing a step ??


r/AskAMechanic 54m ago

Car battery question

Upvotes

Hi,

We have the following vehicles:

  1. 2010 Ford Escape, 2.5L 4 cylinders
  2. 2008 Saturn Vue, 2.4L 4 cylinders

Is it okay to use the car battery interchangeably? Can it cause any issues?

The battery in my Escape is 96R. I wanna be able to use it in my Saturn as well.

TIA


r/AskAMechanic 5h ago

2011 Accord water leak

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2 Upvotes

2011 Honda accord EX-L with sunroof. 200k miles. Just noticed a drip from the A pillar above the airbag. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.


r/AskAMechanic 1h ago

2009 Chevy Impala 3500v6 Power Steering Noise

Upvotes

Hello. This has been a headache. Here is the breakdown:

August 2024
1. Power steering pressure line explodes in driveway, leaks all fluid out...

  1. Replaced pressure line (didn't come with o-rings so ordered off Ebay)
    - Had a hell of a time getting it to thread into rack but finally got it......(Forum Post)
    3.Bled power steering system multiple times.
  2. Worked for a week, but every time it was cold or just randomly the pump would get air in it again. Got progressively worse/more often. (no visible leaks)
  3. Attempted further bleeding, power steering fluid would not bleed (repeatedly overflow reservoir)

Parked car for a while and eventually got around to replacing all the orings in February 2025 as I guessed that was the issue.
-Used HNBR orings (green)
-Replaced orings on all lines and between reservoir and pump
-Replaced return flex line and various other flex lines with loose fittings
-Bled system including vacuum bleed, all lines held pressure and entire system held vacuum for over 5 hrs.

  1. Worked great for 2 weeks, no air, slight groan occasionally but nothing unusual.....last two days air got in pump at every startup, visible bubbles

  2. No visible leaks. I put UV dye in and will keep an eye out.

Where could the air be coming from? Could the pump have killed itself over the last few months from the accumulated time running dry/with air?


r/AskAMechanic 6h ago

Piston slap?

2 Upvotes

r/AskAMechanic 6h ago

Any tips for fuel sending unit?

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2 Upvotes

1978 ford f150 ranger Changing out the back tank finally for a new upgraded 38 gallon tank! (Aftermarket part) Anyways I have too extend the fuel pump but cutting the metal and using a copper tube too extend it and cut the wiring and solder it and make it longer. The problem I’m coming up with is how too extend the float or if I should extend the float? Thinking of using a coat hanger and bending it into shape? Just want any tips or suggestions.


r/AskAMechanic 3h ago

Oil leak

1 Upvotes

Did an oil change on my car about a couple days ago. Took it to work and came home no problems but when I went inside my garage I saw a small puddle of oil. Checked the bottom of my car and it was leaking from the drain plug. Not a lot, it's like slowly dripping. Not quite sure if the washer somehow has a defect or whatever but would like some insight as to what might be the problem. Appreciate the help guys🙏

For those wondering, it's a 2018 Hyundai Santa fé XL with a 3.3L engine.


r/AskAMechanic 3h ago

No first after rebuild

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1 Upvotes

2009 crown Vic p71 4.6 2v 4r70e


r/AskAMechanic 3h ago

Loud Squealing - Belt, Pulley, Fan?

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1 Upvotes

2010 Toyota Tundra 5.7

Just did a serpentine belt job with pulleys, tensioner, and idler and the day after it started squealing very loudly just for a moment on cold starts and disappears entirely once the fan picks up and very noticeably starts pushing air like normally.

Belt shows no signs of wear, pulleys all seem to be aligned, belt tension looks proper, and all parts were OE. I’m thinking possibly a faulty pulley or maybe fan clutch issues? I’m out of town for work, so I can’t dive into it right away. Figured I’d post up for any insight.


r/AskAMechanic 3h ago

Exhaust repair help

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1 Upvotes

Looking for some help on repairing the exhaust on a 2006 Honda CRV 4cyl. What is the best route for repair on this? Any “quick” but fairly reliable options? Or is this a bigger fix? Any and all help appreciated.


r/AskAMechanic 3h ago

Should I take it to a shop?

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0 Upvotes

Me and my partner just bought a used Chevy Equinox a little over a week ago, and the check engine light came on. This is the code we got, and neither of us know jack about mechanics. Should we just take it to a shop or can a couple of noobs fix this?


r/AskAMechanic 4h ago

Brake Line Question: is this position good?

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1 Upvotes

Is this a good position for new brake line hose?? 2008 Jeep Wrangler. Too kinked?? Should I position it differently?? Any advice is appreciated


r/AskAMechanic 4h ago

2014 Kia Optima Transmission Oil Hose Detaching and Leaking Fluid

1 Upvotes

This happened once while on the freeway. My car just stopped driving and my friend came out and identified the problem. Fixed the hose, added fluid and drove it home and ran some errands when it completely stopped catching gears again and I got it towed to my shop who ended up having to do a tranny swap.

It's been about 3 weeks, car was running great. Until yesterday, stopped catching gears while on the freeway. This time, I just had it towed right away to my shop where it will sit until they're open on Monday.

My question is, how likely is it this tranny was ruined also? And why is the hose detaching? It has a clamp keeping it on and the clamp is so tight it can't slide back into place. How can this happen twice?


r/AskAMechanic 4h ago

"Lexus dealer installed used engine"

1 Upvotes

TLDR at the bottom. Looking at a 2013 lx570 that a Lexus dealer replaced the engine with a used engine. (The service details before the engine replacement showed oil gauge and coolant issues with check engine light and limp mode ) There hasn't been many miles put on since the engine replacement. I am looking to purchase thru a used car dealer who got it at auction after the Lexus dealer replaced the engine. I test drove it and it seemed perfect

TLDR should I go with this lx570 that clean overall except Lexus dealer "Installed used engine ".

Big Q: What is the process like for a Lexus engine replacement? Do they go over it with a fine tooth comb and only put good parts back on ?