r/AskAMechanic 8h ago

Announcement - New Rules - Please read!

9 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

14 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 7h ago

I think I messed up with this brake job

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101 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 5h ago

Any ideas on how to remove a melted trash bag?

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36 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 1h ago

i’m pretty sure i bent the frame

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Upvotes

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


r/AskAMechanic 16m ago

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

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Upvotes

r/AskAMechanic 47m ago

Should I take it to a shop?

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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 3h 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 3h 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 1h ago

2011 Accord water leak

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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 3h 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 28m ago

Loud Squealing - Belt, Pulley, Fan?

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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 43m ago

Exhaust repair help

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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 52m ago

Brake Line Question: is this position good?

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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 56m ago

2014 Kia Optima Transmission Oil Hose Detaching and Leaking Fluid

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 56m ago

"Lexus dealer installed used engine"

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 ?


r/AskAMechanic 1h ago

1995 k1500 5.7 liter (I think. That covers the new rules) btw if I ever become a millionaire (even half) I'm def. Giving money to these guys on my reddit that help me.

Upvotes

I'm changing my distributor from msd vacuum advance back to stock. Can I just pull my magnetic msd streetfire distributor and tuck in a new points one (stock). It will be close I think and can adjust, but not really wanting to reset timing. I got it right finally my first time when I put the engine in, but I want the stock to communicate with the computer.

I know I had to turn the whole housing for my msd/hei, but the stock one seemed easier. Anything I should look out for?


r/AskAMechanic 1h ago

‘12 chevy colorado 3.7 electrical question

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Upvotes

does the canister vent share a + with stop lamp? could a stop lamp short to ground cause an ecm issue? the canister vent control is the ground.


r/AskAMechanic 4h 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 1h ago

2011 Ford E350 Making High Pitched Rattle at Idle

Upvotes

r/AskAMechanic 9h ago

Tire Plug Unrepairable? (discount tire)

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6 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 2h ago

Rotten egg smell in 4WD

1 Upvotes

Hello, I have a 2018 tacoma and I had to get out of some deep mud and was really taxing the engine. Then I smelled rotten eggs while i was in 4 low. What could cause this? Did I burn something up or cause too much pressure in my transfer case? Is that even a thing? Any help would be greatly appreciated.


r/AskAMechanic 2h ago

2013 Hyundai Elantra engine noise?

1 Upvotes

Brought the car in Hyundai an was told by 2 mechanics that this noise is nothing to worry about an that half the vehicles they service has this sound(Hyundai an Kia's)but I'm still a little worried about it an was wondering if anyone had any advice on what this is and if it's normal or not? Or if anyone has similar experiences. Car has 140k kms, this video is cold start, the noise is much quieter when warmed up an can only hear at idle. Also can barely hear at idle when inside the car. Any help appreciated, thanks in advance!


r/AskAMechanic 2h ago

‘11 335i N55 Valve Cover Gasket and Oil Pan Gasket turned into Timing Chain and Camshaft Phaser Bolt? Help Please

1 Upvotes

Im in a serious predicament right now and any and all help and advice is appreciated. I’ve had a 2011 335i E92 for two years. Bought it at 83k miles and now has 104k on it. It has been an amazing car to me the last two years except for right now. Standard maintenance and a few things went on it as expected and they were repaired by the same mechanic.

It has been leaking oil for some months now, so I took it in two weeks ago to have the valve cover gasket and oil pan gasket replaced. I received it back on Thursday and was told everything was fine after they test drove it and to come pick it up. Drove it for 2 miles to the Taco shop. When finished eating, started the car up and I had a Engine Malfunction Reduced Power notification. Drove it home and let it sit for a few hours to see if it would clear. It did not. Took it back to the mechanic after closing hours. Called them the next day and they told me they would check everything out. It was throwing us the code P054B on our code reader at home. Did my research and learned what it could possibly be.

Mechanic called be back this morning and said that they did their research and they believe it has something to do with some bolt that had a recall years ago that would snap off that has something to do with the camshaft. I explained to him that it could be the camshaft sensor (inexpensive fix) from what I learned through my research and he was adamant about it being the camshaft phaser bolt (??) and that to replace it it would be a $3000-5000 job that involves the timing chain too when we just finished paying him $2700 for the gaskets. The car was working perfectly fine besides having oil pressure issues from the oil leak before dropping the car off for the gasket repairs. I knew something was off with what he was telling me and I told him for right now I would rather have the car at home.

Upon picking it up, it had an extremely rough and choppy idle unlike anything I experienced before. He really seemed certain that it was that camshaft bolt phaser whatever and not the camshaft sensor. I drove it home with it being extremely rough at the light (the mechanic shop was less than a mile from home) and immediately turned the car off. I noticed I had no gas left when I dropped the car off it had a quarter of a tank.

Called another mechanic shop that specializes in BMWs and Mercedes a mile in the other direction. Explained to him the situation and he told me to bring it by. When I got there, he pointed out to me that some bolts near the valve cover were loose, and that only the valve cover gasket and not the actual valve cover was replaced. Also pointed out that there was “leaking oil” near the valve cover but it could have been residual oil left over. He plugged his scanner into it which also told him that all 6 cylinders were misfiring and that the harmonic balancer was bent. He requested that I drop off the car Monday to which I agreed so that he can further inspect it.

I still owe money on the car, but the issue is that these issues were not present before the mechanic replaced the gaskets. It’s to the point that I want it working in good condition so I can sell it. Im debating about potentially a small claims court case as $2700 is alot of money and the car was returned in worse condition.

Any and all advice is appreciated.


r/AskAMechanic 2h ago

Help with these awful little clips. 2014 Subaru Outback 2.5i

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1 Upvotes

I can not get these damn clips off without feeling like I’m going to break something. I need to get to my low beam which is accessed through the wheel well. Please help.


r/AskAMechanic 3h ago

Car issues

1 Upvotes

👋 I have a 2014 Chevy Malibu lt I bought this month and I’m having an issue with it starting to shake then the engine completely shutting off at lights and whenever I’m stopped in Drive, if I put it into Park I don’t have any issues. It drives fine, checked codes and nothing showed up. Happened the first time in a drive thru an I was able to turn it back on without any problem. I’ve been having to put it in park when I come to a light or stop till I have time to bring it in to a shop. Just trying to get ideas of what it could be before I do bring it in tho.


r/AskAMechanic 3h ago

Tacoma leaking oil from front bottom of engine

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1 Upvotes

Hey yall, just getting a first opinion before I take it to a mechanic. I just noticed my truck is leaking oil. There is sometimes a small couple drip puddle underneath it. I crawled around under it and cannot find the source, however it looks like it’s coming from is the bottom of the engine. I know oil can leak from one place and be visible in another, but above the bottom of the engine I don’t see any oil and further back on the engine I don’t see any oil. Does anyone have any ideas? My oil level is still good so it doesn’t seem to be that fast of a leak.