The "Ask a Mechanic" Thread (merged)

[drtdrums]

Mini-emergency question (split from insurance thread): Is there such a thing as a torsion bar on the rear of a 2004 Ford Explorer? I just spoke with my great mechanic pal, and he said off the top of his head, it seems like the 2004 Explorer doesn't have a torsion bar, but he wasn't sure - I'm not giving the go ahead to replace something that the mechanic at the shop doesn't even know what to call the right name after their previous screw ups, so I'm just looking for confirmation one way or another. Google seems to indicate my mechanic pal is right.

[skinfan2k]

My mechanic recently told me that i need to have my front and rear struts assembly replaced. The cost he gave me was economy parts were $1150 and for premier parts $1500. I am not sure whether or not these costs are correct and if this is even warranted to do for a car with 130K. Please let me know. Thanks!

[SpringfieldSkins]

My mechanic recently told me that i need to have my front and rear struts assembly replaced. The cost he gave me was economy parts were $1150 and for premier parts $1500. I am not sure whether or not these costs are correct and if this is even warranted to do for a car with 130K. Please let me know. Thanks!

The prices seem about right depending on the car. It's hard to say whether the struts need to be replaced or not but 130K is not out of the ordinary. Struts will lose their ability to dampen the shock to the vehicle very slowly over time. This is something that the driver hardly ever notices until somebody says something to them. A weak strut will mean reduced handling ability and longer braking distances. If they are leaking then they should definitely be replaced.

[skinfan2k]

The prices seem about right depending on the car. It's hard to say whether the struts need to be replaced or not but 130K is not out of the ordinary. Struts will lose their ability to dampen the shock to the vehicle very slowly over time. This is something that the driver hardly ever notices until somebody says something to them. A weak strut will mean reduced handling ability and longer braking distances. If they are leaking then they should definitely be replaced.

Not leaking but the mechanic says definitely weak. not sure to put this money into a tercel when my sister might be buying a new car in the next year or so. which is the main difference between premier and economy? quality of parts?

Can you recommend on where i can get this done? Also which brand should i be looking to buy? Monroe, KY

[SpringfieldSkins]

Not leaking but the mechanic says definitely weak. not sure to put this money into a tercel when my sister might be buying a new car in the next year or so. which is the main difference between premier and economy? quality of parts?

Can you recommend on where i can get this done? Also which brand should i be looking to buy? Monroe, KY

KYB is definitely the best brand. I wouldn't really view the investment in new struts to be worth it if you are going to be getting a different car soon. Especially if they aren't leaking.

[skinfan2k]

KYB is definitely the best brand. I wouldn't really view the investment in new struts to be worth it if you are going to be getting a different car soon. Especially if they aren't leaking.

In reality,we want to keep the car for another few years.

[SpringfieldSkins]

In reality,we want to keep the car for another few years.

It's a toss up then.

[skinfan2k]

It's a toss up then.

Thanks Springfield, besides Maaco, are there any other places that can paint a car? We were thinking if we fix the struts and paint the car, my sister will keep the car lol. The engine is in perfect condition

[skinfan2k]

my sister just bought a new car. Is paint sealant really worth it?

The dealer is charging us for paint sealant and body molding on the doors for $549. is that a decent price?

[#98QBKiller]

Does anyone have a ballpark of what rotors and pads/shoes would cost on a 2000 Blazer?

[Itoolu]

Hello, I dont really post on here but spend most of my free time reading and learning on this site.

I have a 2002 Honda Odessey with 150,000 miles on it and the transmission just blew on a family vacation about 150 miles from home. After doing some research I have learned that this is very common for the Odessey and that mine actually lasted alot longer than most. I bought this van thinking its a Honda it will run forever, though this is the first major problem I have had.

Anyway my question is has any other Odessey owners on here experienced this before and if any mechanics have worked on these. I found a shop that will install a remanufactured Jasper transmission with a 100,000 mile/ Three year warranty for $3,800.00 give or take a few dollars.

Is this a good price? Is it a good Transmission?

Any help would be greatly appreciated, Thanks.

[Rumrunner6900]

Bumpy, bumpy!

Good morning mechanical folks! Hopefully all the smart brains here on ES can help me figure something out.

2008 Lincoln Continental with a coolant leak. Best I can tell, it is actually coming out at the reservoir cap. This is the leak I can clearly see....there may be another. When I am driving, the heat blows nice and hot. When stopped...no heat. Any ideas on what is going on?

[twa]

Bumpy, bumpy!

Good morning mechanical folks! Hopefully all the smart brains here on ES can help me figure something out.

2008 Lincoln Continental with a coolant leak. Best I can tell, it is actually coming out at the reservoir cap. This is the leak I can clearly see....there may be another. When I am driving, the heat blows nice and hot. When stopped...no heat. Any ideas on what is going on?

Is it overheating?....if not you probably just need to replace the cap(spring loaded to release pressure) and fill with coolant

the heat stopping could be a vacumn leak or simply air pocket from coolant leaking

need more info, but you can have both the cap and system pressure tested for leaks...or wait till it cools,fill while running at operating temp

[Rumrunner6900]

is it overheating?....if not you probably just need to replace the cap(spring loaded to release pressure) and fill with coolant

the heat stopping could be a vacumn leak or simply air pocket from coolant leaking

need more info, but you can have both the cap and system pressure tested for leaks...or wait till it cools,fill while running at operating temp

Thanks for answering!

It isn't overheating at all.

And playing around with the cap today, when it is on tight, nothing comes out, but when the heat is on high and the cap is off, the coolant pours out of the opening. This is after driving it around for 10 minutes or so.

I was hoping it may be a quick and easy fix, but it sounds like I may have to break down and take it in sometime soon....the weather isn't getting any warmer!

[twa]

when you say' When I am driving, the heat blows nice and hot. When stopped...no heat.'

do you mean it turns to cold air or stops blowing or what?

it has a air blend door behind the dash that is a common problem