Ask a Mechanic

Green Lantern · #1 08-31-2008, 08:15 PM

Summerrain has offered to be the "expert" mechanic here on Talk PA. If you have auto questions, ask away!

spongebob · #2 09-01-2008, 06:29 AM

My two cars have recurring problem with brake rotors warping and need to be turned
down, the brakes are fine put this is a becoming a $ problem. Any ideas.

Summerrain · #3 09-02-2008, 08:49 AM

Okay.... a couple of questions. First - do you let your brakes get WAY low before having them changed? This can really mess up your rotors.

Second, when the brakes are changed - are they using brake cleaner to remove any dust and oil that may have adhered to the brakes?

After having rotors turned down the first time, it would be best to just replace them with new ones. A little more expensive, but worth it in the long run.

Summerrain · #4 09-02-2008, 09:39 AM

Also... I wanted to double-check with hubby on this, but he confirmed what I was thinking - check you calibers to make sure that they are in the correct position and not loose. If they are okay, have your wheel bearings checked.

And, he agrees - if you have turned your rotors once or twice, it is best to get new. He also said that if you are having this problem on more than one vehicle - you may want to reconsider where your brakes are done.

Chase · #5 09-02-2008, 09:58 AM

and make sure you aren't cleaning your wheel when they are hot, sounds silly but i used to be really meticulous with my wheels. if i was in a hurry and wanted to clean the rims i would spray them down and clean them hot, cold water on hot rotors will warp them before you can blink.

young1 · #6 09-02-2008, 11:15 AM

When you do go to get new rotors, look at spending a few more dollars and get the slotted and drilled ones. Most high performance cars use them. Had to replace the rotors on my truck after 12 months. I put the slotted rotors on them and they lasted almost 10 years. Also reduce the amount of times I replaced the brakes themselves

daisy-dog · #7 09-02-2008, 11:20 AM

I once cracked a manifold by washing a car when it was hot.

daisy-dog · #8 09-02-2008, 11:23 AM

Summerrain,

Is it preferable to slow a car going downhill by using the brakes or by downshifting the transmission?

Summerrain · #9 09-02-2008, 11:51 AM

I have a manual transmission. I do both - brake and downshift (keeping an eye on RPMs). You can wear your timing chain/belt by downshifting into a lower gear without letting your RPMs drop. When I know that I am coming to a steep hill, I slow down, shift into lower gear and let the lower gear keep my truck from picking up too much speed.

In an automatic, downshifting is not good for the transmission. In fact, it is best to come to a complete stop before shifting into a lower gear in an automatic.

spongebob · #10 09-02-2008, 03:41 PM

OK thanks for all the tips... truck is 2004 w/30k and car is a 2006 w/35k. Must be the way I drive..

Luray · #11 09-03-2008, 08:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by daisy-dog

Is it preferable to slow a car going downhill by using the brakes or by downshifting the transmission?

I always figured since brakes were cheaper than transmissions, use the brakes. But after spending $600 on new tires recently,

I have no idea anymore what's cheaper than what.

Summerrain · #12 09-03-2008, 08:05 AM

I will be "investing" about $1200 in tires this year for my truck. I got about 30,000 miles on them and they are 30,000 mile tires.... straight off the lot when I bought the truck.

Rotated every 5,000 miles (every other oil change) and worn evenly, but I was driving in the rain the other day and felt some slipping where I normally would be good to go, so I am looking.

spongebob · #13 09-03-2008, 05:09 PM

Rubber got hard... Had the same problem..

Bellatrix · #14 09-10-2008, 07:51 AM

I have a Honda that I bought used. I should have thought about this when I got it but forgot. I recently got the battery changed and now the anti-theft radio doesn't work. Is it worth it to go to the dealership and have then take the radio out to look for the code which will probably cost me labor, or should I just go and have a new radio installed? What a pain to not have a radio. I didn't realize how much I enjoyed it until now.

Summerrain · #15 09-10-2008, 08:12 AM

They can re-program a code into the car's computer for your radio (unless the radio came out of another car, then you will need proof of ownership of the radio).

Summerrain · #16 09-10-2008, 08:15 AM

Try this link....

http://www.radio-code.com/?gclid=CJm...FQZeswodFhjsjQ

Bellatrix · #17 09-10-2008, 11:25 AM

Of course my radio is not cooperating and giving me the easy way to do this. I hate to take out the stereo. They never seem to go back in right. GRRRR Thanks anyway!

Mr Ripley · #18 04-15-2009, 08:17 AM

Hi Summerrain,

I am presently looking for a used car in a specific price range. I unexpectedly found one that I really like, which is odd because I am not a car guy. It is within my cash and carry limit but of course there is a snag.

It has a PA R-title. Should I put it out of my head and keep shopping??

Mr R

Summerrain · #19 04-15-2009, 08:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mr Ripley

Hi Summerrain,

I am presently looking for a used car in a specific price range. I unexpectedly found one that I really like, which is odd because I am not a car guy. It is within my cash and carry limit but of course there is a snag.

It has a PA R-title. Should I put it out of my head and keep shopping??

Mr R

R titles basically means that it is a reconstructed TITLE. Original title was lost and the original owner is deceased/not to be found. Salvage owned? Car was sold at auction maybe? Abandoned? A kit car?

If you can get a mechanic that you trust to look at the car, do so. Reconstructed titles do not necessarily mean that the car was wrecked or anything. But they do devalue the car.

Also - you can check PADOT's website for info...

http://www.dot.state.pa.us/

Carfax would have a report on any accidents the car may have been in.

Mr Ripley · #20 04-15-2009, 11:30 AM

I will look into it further, thanks for your response!!

Mr R