The "Ask a Mechanic" Thread (merged)

[skinfan2k]

How much do ya wanna spend? lol

Not a lot, but i don't mind if it gets done properly

[Bonez3]

My '08 Nissan Sentra check engine light was on, got an oil change and shortly went off thereafter...Am I good?

[twa]

any decent mechanic can do a brake job on a Lexus, dealers are always the highest,but usually don't use Autozone generic parts..

maybe one of the locals can recommend somewhere

---------- Post added October-21st-2011 at 04:24 PM ----------

My '08 Nissan Sentra check engine light was on, got an oil change and shortly went off thereafter...Am I good?

unless it comes back on and stays on

[skinfan2k]

yeah i think i was going to get my brakes cleaned and adjusted. it just hit 16k miles. How much does this usually costs?

[DCsportsfan53]

yeah i think i was going to get my brakes cleaned and adjusted. it just hit 16k miles. How much does this usually costs?

Not going to help on a Lexus, you're thinking of old fashioned drum brakes. There's really nothing to adjust on disc brakes. Is it a squeeling or a grinding you're hearing? How often? More when cold or first starting out in the morning?

[skinfan2k]

Not going to help on a Lexus, you're thinking of old fashioned drum brakes. There's really nothing to adjust on disc brakes. Is it a squeeling or a grinding you're hearing? How often? More when cold or first starting out in the morning?

yeah you are right lol. it doesn't squeak or anything, it just feels harder to stop on a instant

[twa]

yeah you are right lol. it doesn't squeak or anything, it just feels harder to stop on a instant

ya probably have a buildup or glaze.....try several hard stops from freeway speed to see if ya can burn it off

with no one behind ya of course

[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?

Ok found the trouble. The lights keep popping on because the wires going to the ABS sensor at the front wheel were cracked and brittle. When moisture got to it or when the wheels were turned a certain way it would short out. Finally one wire snapped and the lights stayed on. Soldered the wire and hit it with liquid electrical tape before taping it up well and it fixed the problem! If my repair doesnt hold I'll just order the new piece and install it myself.

[Disco Dave]

When should I replace my timing belt? How will I know when it needs to be replaced?

[twa]

When should I replace my timing belt? How will I know when it needs to be replaced?

depends on the engine, your owners manual should have a recommended mileage
it varies quite a bit.

[Disco Dave]

depends on the engine, your owners manual should have a recommended mileage
it varies quite a bit.

I'm not sure if I have the owners manuals. I have a 2003 Mazda Protege5 and a 2003 BMW 325i.

[frostyj]

I'm not sure if I have the owners manuals. I have a 2003 Mazda Protege5 and a 2003 BMW 325i.

Without looking it up, I'd say 80, 100 or 120k.

just looked it up - Mazda 105k, BMW - 60k

[sideshow24]

When should I replace my timing belt? How will I know when it needs to be replaced?

I hope you never find out when it NEEDS to be replaced!

[twa]

I hope you never find out when it NEEDS to be replaced!

Especially on a interference motor....though it does make a good anchor afterwards

[renaissance]

Can anyone recommend a reasonable (won't rip me off) shop in the DC or Annapolis area? I need new rotors and brake pads for my Cobalt and the last dealership I went to quoted a ridiculously high price.