Brake Bleeding Problems or Master Cylinder?
Question:
I own a 96 Chevy Cavalier and the breaks are bad, the pads are still good, we removed the air from the line, and it has great vacuum what else could be wrong?
Answer:
The master cylinder could be bad. How did you remove the air from the lines? With modern ABS systems, its usually best to use a pressurized or vacuum bleeder to make sure all the air is out. The old crack the bleeder and have a buddy push the pedal does not work as well as it used to. I would take it to a shop that has the proper bleeding equipment and have them get all the air out, if its still bad, then its more than likely the master cylinder.
Posted: 7th July 2009 | Author: Kevin Schappell | Category: Brakes
Audi Brake Job
Question:
Hey Kevin,
I have a 2001 Audi A4 Quattro and I recently changed the rear pads. I bought Wagner brake pads which where the more expensive of the choices and now have a persistent squealing noise from the right rear pads. which occurs while driving and goes away when I brake and comes right back when I let off the brakes. I tried to sand the calipers and applied never seize and special spray lube but nothing seemed to work. Any suggestions would be great.
Answer:
When you changed the pads, did you screw in the caliper pistons, or just use a clamp to push the piston back in? On the Audis the piston must be screwed back into the caliper. Its possible there is not enough room for the pads to back off the rotor, it may be rubbing while the brakes are not applied. Also I dont know what you sanded on the caliper, but you may have damaged the caliper depending on how much and where you sanded it down. As with any brake job, cleaning the calipers and rotors is critical to no squeaks and should only be done with a spray on brake cleaner. ( no abrasives !)
Posted: 7th July 2009 | Author: Kevin Schappell | Category: Brakes
Vacuum leak in brake booster.
Question:
Engine runs rough like missing on excelleration but when you apply the breaks the engine runs smooth for a moment. I am getting a code of egr low vaccume but have replaced the egr valve already.
Answer:
The code tells all. The EGR valve does not create vacuum, the engine
does, so the low vacuum code at the EGR valve is not pointing to a bad
EGR valve, but rather a low vacuum signal to the valve. Typically the
only way to have low vacuum, is to have a leak somewhere. The
improvement in engine performance when you apply the brakes tells me
that you brake booster is most likely the culprit when it comes to the
vacuum leak. Not typically a DIY project, your best bet would be to
take the vehicle to the dealer and have them confirm the diagnosis and
replace the brake booster.
Posted: 7th July 2009 | Author: Kevin Schappell | Category: Brakes, Engine
Dodge Dakota Front Suspension Noises
Question:
I have a 2004,V8 Dodge Dakota.There seems to be knocking under the front of the truck.That sounds like it is hitting where my feet are when I drive? Please can you help?
Answer:
Two things come to mind, exhaust or suspension. I would lean more
toward suspension. You can lay under the truck and look for the
suspension arm running from the front wheels back to under the
drivers foot well. I would suspect a worn bushing. How is the
steering feel and road manners of the truck? Does it wander on the
road, any pulsating or abrupt movements when braking? All could point
to worn front suspension.
Followup Question:
During braking it does pulsate some. I changed the brakes those are fine. It does pull a little to the right though. Also, when I hit even a small pothole, it almost seems to lose a little control. I have climbed under the truck and grabbed the suspension arm and it seems to be tight. The bushings also look fine. This is why it has me stumped
Followup Answer:
It really sounds like something in the suspension. Without the car up on a lift or jack stands, and a prybar, its tough to spot worn suspension pieces. I would take it to an alignment shop and let them know your symptoms, they should be able to get to the bottom of the problem.
Posted: 7th July 2009 | Author: Kevin Schappell | Category: Suspension
Ford F-350 Transfer Case Damage?
Question:
Hello. I let my neighbor borrow my Ford F350 Diesel Pickup truck. When I picked it up, he informed me that he had put it in 4-wheel low. I asked him if he put it in neutral first, and he said he did not, he just had it in park. My question is, will that damage my truck, and if so, what are some things I need to look out for, telling me that damage occured?
Thanks for taking my question. Tim
Answer:
Tim,
It should not have caused any damage, the real problem would be if he
shifted into 4LO while driving, but the newer Fords prevent you from
doing that anyway. The gears for 4LO are not synchronized, and
straight-cut so they can not be shifted on the fly, so having the
transmission in neutral allows the shafts in the transfer case to free
spin and engage smoothly while the vehicle is at rest. When shifted
into 4LO while in park, there may have been a slight clunk if the
gears did not mesh properly, but it would not cause any wear to the
gears or damage. If however the truck was moving, and he tried to
shift into 4LO there would have been a lot of grinding, possibly a
broken tooth on the gear and some wear. That is why most newer
vehicle prevent you from engaging 4LO while the vehicle is in motion.
Posted: 7th July 2009 | Author: Kevin Schappell | Category: Drivetrain
