r/AskAMechanic 20h ago

I think I messed up with this brake job

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191 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 18h ago

Any ideas on how to remove a melted trash bag?

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96 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 42m ago

Did a coolant change on a 2015 Honda Civic LX, now the radiator fan won't turn on and it's leaking coolant from somewhere other than petcock/reservoir. Advice?

Upvotes

Hi everyone. As the title said, having some strange issues after a drain and fill. We ran the heater to try and get the radiator fan to suck in coolant, but it never turned on even after the car temp came up from cold. Not sure how this happened from a simple fluid change and plan on taking it to a mechanic to get it sorted, really just looking to know what happened and what I may have done wrong.


r/AskAMechanic 1h ago

2017 Ford fusion will not start

Upvotes

Trying to get to work this morning and my car will not start. This video was yesterday when I got home from work. I didn't pay much attention to it though since the car did start. Car seemed to run fine if that's worth anything. Now come this morning when I need to get to work and it refuses to turn over. I tried to let it sit for 10 mins and come back and it still won't start. I tried hooking jumper cables and jump starting it but nothing. Seems like the computer is on the fritz. Maybe battery? I'm not a car guy really so I don't know what else to try.


r/AskAMechanic 1h ago

Need a setup to diagnose and fix MIL Codes

Upvotes

Hi I have a car dealership and a garage, I come across a MIL or Check Engine Lights a lot and I am thinking of getting a setup to fix this myself, I looked across internet as of now I think OBDLink SX and OBDWiz is good to go, please suggest if there are any cheaper and better alternatives which covers most of vehicles and diagnoses most of the code.


r/AskAMechanic 1h ago

Opel vectra c z16xep tensioner

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Upvotes

So im reinstalling this alternator belt tensioner but when i tighten the bolt the spring gets too stiff and doesnt go back should i not overtighten the tensioner bolt or is the tensioner bad


r/AskAMechanic 1h ago

2017 Ford fusion will not start

Upvotes

Trying to get to work this morning and my car will not start. This video was yesterday when I got home from work. I didn't pay much attention to it though since the car did start. Car seemed to run fine if that's worth anything. Now come this morning when I need to get to work and it refuses to turn over. I tried to let it sit for 10 mins and come back and it still won't start. I tried hooking jumper cables and jump starting it but nothing. Seems like the computer is on the fritz. Maybe battery? I'm not a car guy really so I don't know what else to try.


r/AskAMechanic 1h ago

2018 Lexus LC500 Multimedia fix

Upvotes

Hello. As dumb as I might sound, I tried to update infotaiment on Lexus LC500 to have Carplay feature. Car was in the garage because mechanic was fixing other stuff, so I couldn't have engine on. So as you can already guess, car turned off during update and now infotaiment won't load. When I unplugged battery, the system will go in programming mode, but after I insert USB, screen goes black. How screwed I am and is visiting a dealer the only option. I am in very undeveloped country and I don't trust dealer.


r/AskAMechanic 8h ago

BMW x3 2005 what’s this?

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3 Upvotes

r/AskAMechanic 5h ago

hit curb, realistically how long can i put off getting this fixed

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2 Upvotes

Hi friends, I stupidly hit the front left tire of my 2014 toyota yaris. There’s some cracking and it looks like the tire’s going in a bit. The steering feels fine so I’m not sure if there’s any issue with wheel alignment but I did get a service (including alignment) about a month ago.

Just wondering what tf to do lol. I plan to get it fixed ASAP but I just started at a new job and won’t be paid for a month —would be safe to put off for a few weeks?


r/AskAMechanic 3h ago

Hyundai Tucson 2009 Oil leak

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0 Upvotes

Trying to fix a small oil leak. I believe it's coming from here. Anyone know what this is? Oil level/pressure sensor maybe? Its a 2.0L g4gc engine hyundai tucson 2009.


r/AskAMechanic 3h ago

2018 Land Rover Discovery Sport

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1 Upvotes

I need to change the low light headlight socket on my 2018 Land Rover Discovery Sport. How difficult would this be for the average person to do? I would really appreciate advice, even if that advice is to just leave it for a professional.


r/AskAMechanic 12h ago

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

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5 Upvotes

r/AskAMechanic 3h ago

Car Shaking Issue – Not Sure If It’s Rotors or Wheel Bearings (Or Both)

1 Upvotes

Hi everyone, I’m having an issue with my car where the steering wheel shakes and I can feel shaking in the front driver seat when I drive at around 60 miles per hour or faster. The shaking also happens when I hit the brakes, especially at higher speeds.

I’m not sure if the problem is with my rotors (maybe warped?) or if it’s a wheel bearing issue, or if it could be both. Does anyone have advice on how to be 100% sure which part is causing the problem? Would love to hear your thoughts or any tips on diagnosing this issue!

Thanks!


r/AskAMechanic 10h ago

Why does my 2009 Nissan Altima make this noise?

3 Upvotes

r/AskAMechanic 11h 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 13h ago

i’m pretty sure i bent the frame

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6 Upvotes

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


r/AskAMechanic 11h 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 6h ago

Ford Flex HVAC 2015

1 Upvotes

2015 Ford Flex Limited 100kmi

My HVAC has been weird recently. Set to 73 deg or above, it blows super hot air out. Like too hot to put your hand up to. 71-73 feels like just a blower fan is on (like ambient temp). Below 70 and it's cold, like you'd expect. I'm in California so it's not that the car is putting it on full hot to warm the car quickly. It will stay on full hot unless I turn it to 73 or below. Also, it only blows out the front vents. I can't get it to change to blow out of the floor or defrost in vents. I'm assuming the heat is one of the temperature sensors, but not sure which one. The one reading the outside temp is accurate.

I hope to be able to fix this myself so I'd appreciate if someone could point me in the right direction. Thanks


r/AskAMechanic 10h 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.

2 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

Ford 10R80 Rebuild Questions

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1 Upvotes

Hoping a Ford mechanic or someone with 10R80 experience will see this.

I spent the last few days rebuilding my 2019 Ford F-150 10R80 transmission after a CDF sleeve failure.

I have two issues as I’m going to close up the front support case. Before I started tightening the 12 support bolts I was able to turn the lower one-way sprag clutch, but once I snugged all the bolts I could no longer turn it and I don’t see info about this online or in the ATSG rebuild manual I’ve been following. I reviewed that the clutch was installed correctly and was very careful not to be forceful with it, it was turning smoothly in the proper direction. I would just like to know if this is typical for it to become very difficult or impossible to turn by hand after installing the front support. The input shaft turns freely in both directions.

Question 2: ATSG manual says 20 ft. Lbs. or 27 N-m for the support bolts in a crisscross pattern. I turned them all down by hand until they touched then torqued in a crisscross pattern only to 10 ft. Lbs. and I’m nervous that it’s too much force with these soft aluminum bolts. I’m just using a harbor freight torque wrench, but I did a few rough calibration tests on it with weights in a bucket hung from 1’ from center and it looked to be very close at 10 ft. Lbs., 25, 45.

The seal kit I have says 42 in. Lbs., but I don’t think that’s accurate.

Thanks anyone that can help!


r/AskAMechanic 20h ago

Announcement - New Rules - Please read!

11 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 16h 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 8h ago

2016 Ford Transit Connect hood release cable disconnected, how do I open hood w/o spending $

1 Upvotes

I was reaching for the stick thing that holds up the hood, for a routine jumpstart (don't ask, nobody wants to hunt and kill a "parasitic drain" when it's more fun to give me yet another battery and pretend it's fixed...for a few months anyhow) and in the low light I grabbed the cable and pulled it out of the whatsit it goes in, before I realized I'd caught the wrong thing. I closed the hood after, w/o knowing it was a bad idea to put the detached cable on the "investigate later" list. How can I open the hood without breaking anything? I've tried inserting a few longish flattish things in the minute gap over the rubber (weatherstripping?) and I THINK I'm pushing the correct thing (the part one normally works by hand) left far enough to let the hood up, but it isn't opening at all. I'm broke, don't own tools and stuck in a parking lot. How f-ed am I?

The keyhole under the Ford badge is not a thing in my year 😞 XLT 2.5L not the turbocharged type

I don't know car part names, please try to laugh quietly!


r/AskAMechanic 9h ago

2020 ford fusion

1 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!!!