The "Ask a Mechanic" Thread (merged)

[skinfan2k]

so my head gasket is leaking, and the mechanic quoted me at 1700? that seems a little outrageous!

[Slacky McSlackAss]

So was at the bank the other day and noticed a weird noise coming from my car. Was waiting at the drive thru and heard this weird sort of squeak come from the car. Kinda like the noise wipers make on a dry windshield. I was able to time it to where it happens when the engine comes out of idle state and it seems to happen every time. Any idea one what it could be?

My car is an 05 TSX with 90K on it.

[SkinnedAussie]

wow the dealer was charging 70 dollars to replace a cabin filter! thats crazy!

Not when most dealerships charge in excess of $40/hour! What was the breakdown of that charge? Part? Labour?

---------- Post added September-23rd-2011 at 02:08 PM ----------

so my head gasket is leaking, and the mechanic quoted me at 1700? that seems a little outrageous!

Not in this day and age. What type of vehicle do you have again?

[skinfan2k]

Not when most dealerships charge in excess of $40/hour! What was the breakdown of that charge? Part? Labour?

---------- Post added September-23rd-2011 at 02:08 PM ----------



Not in this day and age. What type of vehicle do you have again?

02 corolla lol, also they recommend a fuel induction service?

[sideshow24]

Do you know where I could find a cruise control switch for 2004 Nissan Frontier pu? My dad had a dealer in Fredericksburg install an aftermarket cruise control (the lever type) on the column but now it is broken. We contacted the dealer but they said the company who supplied them that part was local and went out of business.

[Bubble Screen]

Do you know where I could find a cruise control switch for 2004 Nissan Frontier pu? My dad had a dealer in Fredericksburg install an aftermarket cruise control (the lever type) on the column but now it is broken. We contacted the dealer but they said the company who supplied them that part was local and went out of business.

A junkyard?

[twa]

Do you know where I could find a cruise control switch for 2004 Nissan Frontier pu? My dad had a dealer in Fredericksburg install an aftermarket cruise control (the lever type) on the column but now it is broken. We contacted the dealer but they said the company who supplied them that part was local and went out of business.

http://www.thecruisecontrolstore.com/

[SpringfieldSkins]

Man, I've really been slacking on this thread. Sorry guys. I figure it's no use going back to questions posted days and weeks ago.


As far as the aftermarket cruise control switch, twa seems to be on the right track as well as anyone could be.

[twa]

slacker

[sideshow24]

http://www.thecruisecontrolstore.com/

Thanks! I'll be checking.

[sideshow24]

2000 Buick Regal The ABS and service engine light and all that stuff keep coming on at random times for seemingly no reason, but what worries me is that I'm getting a grinding noise and vibration occasionally when i brake. The pedal gets stiff and I have to press really hard to stop. My life insurance is paid up but I really don't want it to pay out any time soon. Any idea what is happening?

[twa]

sounds like the brake pads are wore out, the lights are the least of your worries

the longer ya put off fixing brakes,the more damage and risk accumulate

[I_Bleed_B&G]

It does sound like brake pads. Might want to get them replaced ASAP otherwise you risk damaging your rotors which you may have already done. Rotors are probably not too expensive for an american car though. I would change them out anyway.

[skinfan2k]

Where should i go to get my brakes fixed for a Lexus? dealer? Toyota? I don't want to go to my regular mechanic since he doesn't work on nice cars lol!

[twa]

How much do ya wanna spend? lol