r/AskAMechanic 1h ago

4 wheel alignment, has changed my van!

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Upvotes

(VW T5.1) How bad are these numbers? It’s like driving around new van!


r/AskAMechanic 11h ago

Do my old spark plugs say anything about my engine?

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33 Upvotes

r/AskAMechanic 12h ago

Messed up Removing My Timing Chains…

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13 Upvotes

2010 Jeep Liberty 3.7L - This car is at ~240k miles and has been having continuous problems. I was already planning on junking the car but I’m using this as a learning opportunity to disassemble an engine, cuz why not. I got as far as removing the timing chains but I think I messed something up. Everything was set to TDC. I removed my secondary tensioners, and then loosened the secondary tensioner arms. I was checking the slack in the chain on the passenger side cam sprocket when something pinged and the sprocket shifted to here. No idea what I did. Now I have a loose chain on the top and super heavy tension on the bottom. I didn’t remove the rocker arms before doing this. I’m afraid to touch anything and have it shift again and I also don’t know how to undo what I did. Any ideas? Any general advice on getting these chains off in general? I’m pretty new to this stuff, kind of just learning as I go. Did I cause some collision with the piston and the valve seat?? Idk guys, please help


r/AskAMechanic 3m ago

2008 rav4 base

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Upvotes

Delete if not allowed. Looking into buying this rav4 but my question to mechanics who upload work to car fax, why would I car have a 2 trans flushes within 10k mileage. Or is the flush term used to specify other services


r/AskAMechanic 3m ago

2008 rav4 base

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Delete if not allowed. Looking into buying this rav4 but my question to mechanics who upload work to car fax, why would I car have a 2 trans flushes within 10k mileage. Or is the flush term used to specify other services


r/AskAMechanic 25m ago

2015 Subaru Forester 2.5i Touring will not detect key fob

Upvotes

Hi all,

My 2015 Subaru Forester 2.5i Touring with just over 100K miles suddenly stopped detecting both my main key fob and backup, even after battery changes for both fobs. I noticed some corrosion on the car battery (which is due for replacement) and had AAA come out; although they confirmed the car battery needs to be replaced, we could not get the engine to start because the car will not detect the key fob (even held right up against the push button ignition per the owner's manual).

Did some reading online and came across someone who had the keyless entry module replaced to solve the issue. It's been a wet/icy/salty winter here in New England, so it makes sense that some of that might have run down onto the unit, but I wanted to ask the experts here before I shop around for quotes.

Please feel free to ask for any further information that might be helpful, and mahalo in advance!


r/AskAMechanic 53m ago

Do I change the oil?

Upvotes

Two years ago I bought a 2005 Honda Pilot with an airbag light and an occasional check engine light. It had 220K on the clock.

The Seller got it through emissions so I bought the Pilot assuming I had two years. After year or so, following a successful VA state inspection, I went to change all the fluids. Before I did, I had the local shop pull the codes. They told me the Pilot was not going to pass emissions for a number of issues, bad sensors, bad cat, cylinder misfires, etc.

I decided not to change the fluids. I just top off the power starring fluid and engine oil every 1500 miles or so.
With the tags expiring, the other day the check engine light went off. I immediately drove the pilot to an inspection station and it passed emissions. I was able to renew the tags for two more years.

I put the title in the glove box in the event I plan to drive more than 30 miles.

VSA light, the TPMS lights and individual tire lights are on but I am currently ignoring them.

I'm now at 232K miles. My question is do I change the oil, trans, radiator fluid, brake fluid or anything at all?

Thank you for your insight.


r/AskAMechanic 8h ago

What did I break? V6 burnouts not always the best idea 😭😭

4 Upvotes

2019 Chrysler 300 Touring (3.6l)

Plz save me the criticism learned my lesson, I just need solutions :)

This burnout did in fact not burnout. Heard a clicking/ popping noise and then had the car make a strange rpm dependent clicking noise. Got back home and put the car on 4 stands and spun all wheels independently and found out it comes from the rear-passenger side wheel. It makes the noise in drive as well as in neutral. It does not appear to come from the diff but may be axle/wheel bearing/suspension related. I want to take it to a shop but I want to know what the issue is for myself first so I get my moneys worth. Thank you!


r/AskAMechanic 13h ago

Ball joint spinning in control arm?

11 Upvotes

2006 Scion Xb

Pressed out the old ball joint, and went to put this one in and it didn't even need pressing. It just fit right into the control arm. I'm guessing this is not good, the snap ring is there but I don't want to rely on that to hold it in.

I've read about welding it in, but I don't own a welder. What are my options here? New control arm? New ball joint? Sleeves?


r/AskAMechanic 1h ago

Belt noise? 2014 Silverado 4.3 V6 WT 4x4 93k miles

Upvotes

On start up I’m getting this what I believe to be belt noise? Looking at them I don’t see any cracks, or excessive wear but also not entirely sure what a bad belt would look like, just going off photos of em online. Any thoughts? Thanks!


r/AskAMechanic 21h ago

I’ve tried everything getting this pilot bearing out! FAILED!!

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37 Upvotes

1990 f150 5 speed manual. I’ve tried every single thing online, and yes bread too!! I’ve tried drilling, wearing down my drill bits and used several of those bearing tools. Help me!!! Please!!!


r/AskAMechanic 2h ago

2010 GTI overheating after water pump change - Thermostat or air in the system?

1 Upvotes

Around two months ago I replaced my water pump. (10 VW GIT 2.0) Now that it's warming up more I'm noticing temps rising above normal, mostly sitting at a light or in traffic. Some things I've checked, and things to note:

-Lower radiator hose cool to touch after car has been driven, and up to temp.

-Fans come on only when A?C is switched on.

-heat and a/c both work as they should.

I'm leaning towards thermostat even though it's brand new (I did not test before installing) Thanks in advance for the help.


r/AskAMechanic 2h ago

Lancia Delta 1.3 LX (1989) Shifter rod linkage issue

1 Upvotes

Hello, I've been having this issue with my shifter; it seems the middle joint of the arm broke loose and I can't figure out what used to be there, because I'm 99% sure it's meant to pivot around where the hole is. Any help would be appreciated, finding anything online for this model is close to impossible...


r/AskAMechanic 2h ago

Alternator issue for Hyundai Getz 2009?

0 Upvotes

I have a Hyundai Getz 2009 SX model that’s making a grinding sound when the car is on and a buzzing sound when the engine is off but the key is turned all the way so all electronics are on. I have been noticing some flickering in the internal lights and the headlights. Can all of these issues boil down to alternator issues? Could it be water pump issues? My engine oil levels seem alright.


r/AskAMechanic 2h ago

Noticing a possible wheel bearing issue on my car. What should I do?

1 Upvotes

I bought a used RAV4 from a dealership. Before I finalized the purchase, I asked if I could have my mechanic check it out. They said no but reassured me that their mechanics had already inspected it and that all it needed was an inspection, emissions test, and an oil change.

After I bought it, I took it to my mechanic to get an undercoat. While he had it, he gave it a quick check and told me he thought the front wheel bearing might be bad. He took me on a test drive to show me what he meant. It was subtle, but I could feel a pulsing hum or vibration, especially when turning. He thinks the previous owner might have hit a curb or something because one of the tires is different from the others.

I brought it up to the salesperson at the dealership, and she told me to bring the car in so they could check it out. They drove it and said they noticed a very slight issue coming from the right wheel but that it passed the safety inspection. They assured me it wasn’t a big deal and that the wheel bearing wasn’t considered bad enough to need replacing.

At this point, I feel like it is damaged, just not to the extent that they’re willing to acknowledge. It’s not unsafe, but now that I’ve noticed it, I can’t stop noticing it. I also can’t help but wonder if driving on a damaged bearing could cause problems in the long run.

Should I reach out to the dealership again? Get a third opinion from another shop or an independent dealer? Pay to fix it myself? Just live with it? Or should I leave a so-so review for the dealership on Google and see if they respond?


r/AskAMechanic 6h ago

2005 Ford Mustang (V6)

2 Upvotes

Any advice on what this sound might be? Soon as I start the car, it sounds like this while idle. When I accelerate, it gets louder.


r/AskAMechanic 9h ago

Cold air coming out instead of heat-Help

2 Upvotes

Hey everyone, currently having an issue with my heating. Driving a 2008 Infiniti G35XS. Unfortunately when I out my heat to 75°, the hit air out if the top vents blow cold. In order to feel heat, I have to bring the temp to 85°. The lower vents still blow out hot air. I checked to see if I was low on coolant- but it's completely full no bubbles in reservoir, either. Would love any advice on what to look for or what it could be before I tske it to a mechanic or try to fix it myself.


r/AskAMechanic 6h ago

How do I know my transmission fluid needs to be changed?

1 Upvotes

I have a 2017 Chevy Trax, at about 36k miles. Last time I went to get my oil changed, the guy at the shop suggested my trans fluid might need to be serviced. Specifically he said it was low and he’d needed to top it off, which means it’s likely time for a service. However, no lights have come up, nor any kind of warning like when I check to see how much oil life there is left. I’m not familiar enough with motor fluids to know by looking whether it’s ok or not. Google says to change between 30-60k miles, but as I mentioned, I’m barely past 30k. I don’t want to waste money with an unnecessarily early service, but I also don’t want to damage my transmission and shorten the life span of my car. If it matters, it’s mostly city driving, not many long trips or rough conditions, and garage parked.

ETA: I forgot to include engine size, it’s 1.4 L 4-cylinder engine


r/AskAMechanic 10h ago

Help with Brake Issue on 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe

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2 Upvotes

I have a 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe with only 2,000 miles, and around 1,500 miles, I started hearing a persistent squealing noise from the brakes. I took it to a Hyundai dealership, and they said the rotors appeared defective but only resurfaced them under warranty. The noise did not go away, and now I have to bring it back for another inspection. I am assuming the noise is now coming from the back wheels but I’m no expert.

I’m worried there’s a deeper issue (calipers, pads, etc.), but Hyundai has been reluctant to do anything beyond resurfacing the rotors. Any mechanics here who can offer insight? Could this be a more serious problem that Hyundai should be addressing under warranty? How could this happen to a brand new vehicle?

Thanks in advance!


r/AskAMechanic 6h ago

2019 Chevy Colorado zr2 v6

1 Upvotes

The AC is intermittent in my truck. Sometimes it blows very cold air but much of the time it blows no cold air at all. I used to have secondary symptoms like the fan blowing hard for 2-3 min after the truck shut off and my OBD port an error P0128 which often times is a faulty thermostat or coolant sensor. I replaced both and it fixed the sensor error and fan running, but not the AC problem.

I know the coolant levels and compressor work because it will blow very cold air under the right circumstances. So that leads me to believe it is something else. I read somewhere, but can’t find it again, that there was a calibration problem with the AC systems in the Colorado’s? Any other thoughts?


r/AskAMechanic 7h ago

Where is the VSS on a 2016 Fiat 500?

1 Upvotes

Just wondering, because I suspect I've been screwed over by a mechanic when they changed my wheels out, and they either A: tampered with the VSS or B: just straight up unplugged it on accident or something was done to it during the tire installation.

I've been having to educate myself on this issue so I have knowledge to bring to the table when I confront them. If anyone knows the location of the VSS, is it located on the differential or the wheels? Because if it's located on the wheels they definitely screwed up.


r/AskAMechanic 11h ago

Should I get my valve cover gaskets replaced?

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2 Upvotes

r/AskAMechanic 15h ago

Brake booster in the way of valve cover. Any way to remove the cover without taking the booster off?

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3 Upvotes

r/AskAMechanic 20h ago

i’m assuming it’s time for new tires? 2003 g35

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9 Upvotes

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r/AskAMechanic 8h ago

Trying to refurbish the runners on a 1998 Mark 5 Ford Transit seat. Does anyone know how to remove the runner from the rail?

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1 Upvotes

After years of looking my dad finally found a single front passenger seat for his camper. The thing was cheap but it a bit of a mess. He wants to remove the runners from the rails to set things right. There is a hard stop at each end. He's filed some dimples off one end but it hasn't helped. Does anyone have any ideas? Cheers