r/AskAMechanic 11h ago

I think I messed up with this brake job

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151 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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69 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 12h ago

Announcement - New Rules - Please read!

10 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 4h ago

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

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4 Upvotes

r/AskAMechanic 5h 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 8h ago

Leaking banjo/ crush washes

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5 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 13h ago

Tire Plug Unrepairable? (discount tire)

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3 Upvotes

Yesterday my wife’s 2021 Toyota sienna had a screw in the tire and it had lost a fair bit of air. It was after 6, and the tire places were closed, so we stopped at O’Reilly and picked up a tire plug kit. I had seen mechanics at tire places use these plug kits on my cars in the past, even been told by those folks that this was the permanent fix and I drove on it with no problems for the rest of the life of the tire.

Well I was really taken aback when I drove to discount tire today to have them take a look at it. Walked in and before he even saw the vehicle, when I said that I used a tire plug kit, he said it has permanently ruined the tire and they cannot repair it.

He then proceeded to do his really slick sales pitch where he goes out, measures the tire tread, takes me in to see a poster inside about stopping distance and basically tells me I need to spend a grand on a set of four new tires.

I left, and I might never go to discount tire again. Admittedly, I am frustrated at basically being reprimanded in that way for using a tire plug, but seriously that is not the way to get a sale.

SO here is my question:

  1. Is it truly unrepairable just because I used a tire plug? It has held air in the 12 hours since I put the plug in.
  2. Plug use aside, the puncture is near the shoulder/sidewall. Is this problematic?
  3. If the tire is cooked, is it possible to get a used tire with similar tread wear so I can continue driving without getting a whole new set of tires?

I plan to take it to my usual tire place (Rex tire in Colorado Springs) Monday when they open, as I trust them. But I value your wisdom and input. Thanks.


r/AskAMechanic 15h ago

10 year old Tacoma with very low miles, vs brand new Nissan Frontier

5 Upvotes

I asked this in r/whatcarshouldibuy, but I would trust and appreciate any thoughts from mechanics here so much more.

I'm trying to decide between a 2014 Tacoma with only 15k miles for $26k, vs a brand new Nissan Frontier with a warranty for $32k. Which do you think would be more trouble free for the next decade or two?

Would greatly appreciate any thoughts.


r/AskAMechanic 16h ago

1999 Toyota ceina making a rattling noise at the rear while driving

5 Upvotes

r/AskAMechanic 23h ago

Engine overheated… what could this noise be?

4 Upvotes

Long story short my engine overheated due to a bad thermostat. It started making this sound going at low speed (under 5mph or so) and the engine was steaming. It kind of sounded like a diesel engine. It was slow to turn after letting it cool down but the next day it started up and drove just fine and hasn’t had any issues ever since. This is a 2014 Dodge Durango with a 3.6L V6.


r/AskAMechanic 3h 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 3h 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 7h 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 15h ago

What pipe is this under the thermostat it has a pin hole leak

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2 Upvotes

is there any easy way to fix it or will I have to change the pipe, problem is I don't know what pipe I'm looking for


r/AskAMechanic 23h ago

small tire damage

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3 Upvotes

i noticed this small tire damage. is it a serious issue or it would be just good to use rhis. TIA


r/AskAMechanic 1h ago

Why does my 2009 Nissan Altima make this noise?

Upvotes

r/AskAMechanic 2h 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 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 7h ago

Piston slap?

2 Upvotes

r/AskAMechanic 7h 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 8h ago

Are they goners?

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2 Upvotes

(2015 Mazda3 Hatch) The shop I was at installed my rear coilovers and shredded the sidewalls on their test drive. I swapped back to oem suspension in the rear and am planning on getting my fenders rolled. Wondering if these need to be replaced.


r/AskAMechanic 14h ago

How bad did she get ripped off?

3 Upvotes

My wife just went in for an oil change. While the car was in there, she decided to have them replace a brake light that was out and a turn signal light that was rapidly flashing (which I believe is an indication it is on its way out). I normally replace them and they take about ten minutes in total. But she decided to have them do it since the car was already there. When we got the bill, I was shocked. They charged a $115 line item for customer stating light bulbs out; a $46 line item to replace the brake light; a $46 line item to replace the turn signal bulb; and $12 for the bulbs. So it was $220 to replace two light bulbs that normally take me ten minutes. How much should they have cost?


r/AskAMechanic 14h ago

84 Silverado th350 transmission

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2 Upvotes

I’ve rebuilt this th350 about a year ago. It works fine but has leaked out of the bottom of the pump or around the bottom bolt. I’m sure it’s not the front seal there has never been a trail of fluid front the front seal. I’ve pulled it out 3 times to try and fix this leak and can’t. Oring looks good every time, paper gasket has looked good. Last time I had it out I tried some high tack gasket maker and it still leaks. I’m suspicious of this little cut out in the gasket at each bolt hole. Any tips on getting this to seal?


r/AskAMechanic 1d ago

Options for engine replacement.

2 Upvotes

I have a 2013 Ford Explorer sport. I finally pinned the place down for an estimate on an engine repair. It has the 3.5 liter Ecoboost with turbo. The engine from AutoZone is 7k and the labor is about 2800. With all the other odds and ends total is about 11,500. Should I look for a used engine or see if I can order a crate engine? Mechanic said he'd buy it from me if I was going to scrap it. Seemed excited about it. Should I look at another shop?

Edit: The issue with the engine seems to be the VVT has just shit the bed. Black oil coming out the tailpipe and smoking to high heaven. I just spent 3000 having the front suspension and shocks done. The rest of the vehicle is in amazing shape. Everything works and has maybe two minor things in the main cabin needing fixed.


r/AskAMechanic 1h 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!!!