/r/MechanicAdvice

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This is more than a car repair forum!

MECHANIC CHAT:

Join the /r/MechanicAdvice IRC for instant conversations with other users on libera.chat irc network.

PART TRADING:

If you have parts you would like to trade please do so at r/partIt

If possible posts must include the make/model/year in the title or body of the post. If that isn't available, provide all you know and explain why.

All bodywork, accident damage, paint, dent/ding questions. BELONG in r/Autobody or /r/Diyautobody/ Do not ask for an estimate there as it is against the subs rules. Questions of this nature will be removed


RULES

Please Take a Moment To Read The Rules Before Posting

1) Advice Format. This is a subreddit for asking Mechanical questions pertaining to vehicles, engines, etc. If it's got wheels, treads, floats, flies, or has an engine you're good to go and we'll do our best to help. Showing off w/out a question goes in r/justrolledintotheshop legal/insurance questions go in r/legaladvice or r/insurance. Title, salvage, body work, paint work, etc questions also dont belong here. Memes, youtube videos and other non questions are not allowed

No intentionally bad, harmful, or deceptive advice. If we feel a piece of advice is particularly reckless, dangerous, or extremely unhelpful it maybe removed If a post or comment is provided that is not a response to a question, the post may be removed. Please report bad advice to the mod team.


2) Keep discussion friendly, civil, courteous, and professional. We're here to help so being rude won't help. Dont assume a shop is trying to "rip you off." It's okay to ask for a second opinion.

Golden Rule: If you have nothing nice to say, don't say anything at all. Those who demonstrate they cannot follow the rules will be warned and posts removed. Those who continually cause issue will be removed


3) Only one vehicle/problem/incident per thread, and only post once. If you didn't get an answer the first time, or you don't like the answer you got that does not mean you post it again. Do not post asking questions of your own in someone else's post

The only exception is for posting updates, provided it is properly marked as an [Update] or similar.


4) Spam/Self-Promotion/Improper Linking/advertisements. Linking to outside content is not allowed, unless it's germane to the discussion. We allow links, pictures, video, or audio file to help diagnose your problem. Linking for the purposes of promotion (eg offers/coupons/self blog posts/youtube/advertisements/how to) is strictly prohibited and will result in a permanent ban. This is a zero tolerance policy. This isnt a place to post your youtube channel, advertisements, memes, shitposts or business


5) Personal Information. Sharing personal information, or specifics on /r/MechanicAdvice is not allowed. Please do not name the shops specifically (unless part of a chain) This is not a review forum for specific shops.


6) Body Work. /r/MechanicAdvice is a sub for mechanical questions. Questions related to dings, dents, accidents, paint and so forth DO NOT belong here, please post in /r/Autobody r/AutoBodyRepair/ or /r/Diyautobody/ Take the car to an auto body repair shop who can give you a qualified estimate.


Asking for an estimate in r/autobody is against there rules. If you have insurance/total loss questions please ask in r/insurance.


RIP-OFFS, SCAMS, & SECOND OPINIONS

You may ask a second opinion on a quote/repair from a shop. However, please observe rule #1 when asking for a second opinion. It is considered rude to ask, “Is the shop trying to fleece/rip me off?” You wouldn’t ask “Why are all cops pigs?” on /r/AskLeo, ask about Creationism on /r/AskScience, or talk about vaccines causing autism on /r/AskDocs.

Generally there is a good reason why a repair costs what it does. We are more than happy to help you figure out why a shop wants to charge you for a repair, and we will tell you if it is unusually high. We are also happy to advise on how you can save money at the shop. Please read the sticky post on the subject for details.


IMPORTANT

Understand that the assistance you receive is ADVICE ONLY and is given with the understanding that the giver assumes no liability for any damages that occur as a direct or indirect result. It is impossible for a mechanic to diagnose your problem accurately without seeing/hearing the problem with his own senses. Any advice you receive you must use AT YOUR OWN RISK.


OUR PARTNER SUBREDDITS:

*r/Diyautobody * /r/Autobody * /r/Bigroad * /r/RandomActsOfMechanics * /r/howsmytire * /r/PartIt * /r/Justrolledintotheshop * /r/ProjectCar * /r/UserCars * /r/AutomotiveTraining * /r/Hookit * /r/Trucks * /r/AutoDetailing * /r/ToolPorn * /r/DieselTechs * /r/TechniciansAdvice * /r/aviationmaintenance * /r/howsmytire

/r/MechanicAdvice

1,329,258 Subscribers

1

Wrong size or age?

Changing my sparkplugs on my 1.4 mpi volkswagen lupo 2005.

After installing, the sparkplug thats installed wont spark. is this the wrong gauge size, or just age making the tip smaller by sparking? thanks in advance!

1 Comment
2024/05/10
10:43 UTC

1

Vibration under heavy breaking (front brakes)

Like I mentioned above I am experiencing vibration from the front under braking. The discs don't seem warped, measured them and they look just under 0,1 mm from the lowest point to the highest point. Cleaned the "bobbins" and tried my best to clean the pistons. In the video you can hear a faint clunking notice when I switch the direction of turning, could that be the issue? Thanks!

1 Comment
2024/05/10
10:30 UTC

1

2016 335d Xdrive

I’m in the market for a commuting car. I’ve seen a 2016 335d xdrive with 140,000 miles on it. Seems to be very high spec and well maintained (had new small turbo last year)

I will be doing around 100 miles a day. My weekend car is a BMW M3. Is there anything specific to lookout for on this model of car, should I stay away at this mileage?

5 Comments
2024/05/10
10:06 UTC

1

AC gives cold air but hissing noise

The AC seems to throw perfectly cold air and is working fine but there is a constant noise.

When just the fan or heating is running no noise only when AC is running

1 Comment
2024/05/10
10:02 UTC

2

HELP: Landlord is mad and said I have 3 days max to clean this engine/brake oil from garage floor. I need something very strong, kitchen soap didn't work

3 Comments
2024/05/10
10:01 UTC

2

P0045 error code - Holden Colorado 2013

Recently ran over a pot hole and after that got "reduced power mode" and this came up on the OBD reader. Just had the turbo replaced under 12 months ago. Does this probably mean up up for another new Turbo?

1 Comment
2024/05/10
09:59 UTC

2

Both brake light not working.

I'm using a 2006 Rav4 Limited. My park light's working but both brake lights were not. I tried changing the brake light switch but it didnt work.

Traction, VSC, and ABS lights are also ON (maybe it could help with your diagnosis). What should I do next? Please help.

1 Comment
2024/05/10
09:51 UTC

2

Leak

I have a leak from here, check engine was blinking and i did not get much power when hitting the gas. The car was also shaking.

2 Comments
2024/05/10
09:48 UTC

1

Car making odd noise

My 2010 nissan altima coupe just started making this odd noise when im stopped braking at a light. any possible ideas?

1 Comment
2024/05/10
09:42 UTC

1

Pressure fuel return line Mercedes sprinter 2020

Anybody got a clue on the pressure expected on the fuel return line of a 2020 Mercedes sprinter? I want to install a diesel heater with a t piece on the fuel return line just before the tank. Maximum pressure the pump of the heater can handle is 0.5 bar / 7 psi.

Anybody with experience in this field? Tips? Thanks in advance!

1 Comment
2024/05/10
09:26 UTC

1

2006 Jeep Commander 5.7 hemi security light blinking after turning car back on

It runs fine initially but when I restart it after turning it off it shuts itself off. I got two keys that I had re soldered and put new batteries in. I’ve replaced radiator and hoses to fix coolant leak and replaced power steering pump. It runs like every two hours but won’t start up for me after I take the key out. It doesn’t make any sense, I tried playing with fuses and ending up disconnecting radio and now I can’t get it back on.

1 Comment
2024/05/10
09:05 UTC

1

Can’t find a drive shaft need help 1990 Chevy c1500

I’m having issues finding a drive shaft for my truck that fits, it’s been manual swapped but the shaft in it is to short and sticks out way to far on the yoke, I need a 76 1/2 or 77 inch shaft but cannot find one that’s sub 700 dollars or not Custom any ideas?

2 Comments
2024/05/10
08:58 UTC

1

Engine noise ticking?

What’s this engine noise? Thanks

2013 Polo 114K miles

1 Comment
2024/05/10
08:50 UTC

0

Oil light is on until I bring the engine to high rpm.

I have an old vw t4 and recently I’ve noticed the oil light blinks when I start the car. It only stops when I get to high rpm in gear. I don’t know the exact rpm but high enough it wouldn’t be economical to drive like that.

I’ve searched a bit and read it might be a failing oil pump or worn engine bearings. The oil is overfilled a little bit too (mechanic added too much for some reason) don’t know if that can cause the light.

Is there a way to know which it is or is the problem something else?

3 Comments
2024/05/10
08:39 UTC

1

Brand-new battery dead in 6 days

Grand Cherokee Laredo 2002 4.0

Recently bought. Battery was dead. Replaced the battery, used the car for few days, everything fine. Then it stood for 6 days, now the new battery is completely dead, zero reaction. There's some sort of leak in the system obviously. How ducked I am?

3 Comments
2024/05/10
08:27 UTC

1

Lots of sideways movement in gear

I recently got a 2001 Suzuki Wagon R+ and there is lots of sideways movement in gear almost like it’s in neutral and want to get it sorted, I can see lots of people saying it’s worn shifter bushings from Google searches but I can’t for the life of me find any online to buy and fit.

So I wanted to get some more opinions on that vs cables which I can find and if anyone knows if there are parts from other cars that are compatible would be great

5 Comments
2024/05/10
07:59 UTC

1

How many transmission seals for FWD transverse engine?

I know that all, if not that then almost all, FWD transverse engines have an "outputshaft seal" or AKA CV axle seal. One on each side. Other than Trans cooler lines, the Engines rear crank shaft seal, is there another seal I'm just flat out forgetting? My brain keeps trying to tell me that there's another Trans seal in the bell housing area, where you'd find the rear main seal. But that doesn't seem right at all. I suppose a better description of where my brain fart is telling me a transmission seal should be, is essentially the shaft the torque convertor sits on, but the only thing behind that usually is the Trans fluid pump, unless it's a newer Trans that is... but I digress.

For a FWD transverse(sideways) engine, the usual culprits are the pan, Trans cooler lines or either one of the CV axle seals? I'm pretty sure I'm driving myself crazy

2 Comments
2024/05/10
07:40 UTC

0

Money shift on AUTOMATIC bmw 335i. Is it just a valve?

I have a 2011 automatic bmw 335i @125K miles that had a trans failure which caused it to over rev. I’m trying to get an idea how likely the engine seized just due to hitting a valve, or if it’s possible it’s something more serious.

For context, my car is stage 2+ and lately the trans has been acting funny in automatic mode (D). Well today on the highway at 85 mph I gave it maybe 30% throttle and I think a demon possessed my trans as it immediately downshifted to way too low of a gear, tach instantly tapped out at 8K RPM for maybe a second and then the engine shut off. I’m assuming the tach won’t exceed 8K even if the engine does? So who knows how high it revved. For reference the normal max RPM is 7500, but I’ve heard these cars can rev to 8500 somewhat safely, so I’m guessing it must have revved higher than that.

The car didn’t lurch or make any weird noises excluding the screaming RPM’s. It just shut off and then slowed down very quickly displaying a trans malfunction and engine malfunction. The car won’t start, just clicks now. There was a very faint over heating smell of some sort but I think it was coming from the trans. It does still go into neutral.

So my question: How likely is it that it just hit a valve? What else can fail from a money shift? I’m assuming the only other possibility is that it bent a rod, right? The stock rods can handle around 650WHP, so they’re not weak. However is it even possible to bend a rod from over revving with no load on the engine? Surely it would hit a valve before a rod bends, right? Lol. the second it shifted improperly I let off the gas and tried to put it into neutral but couldn’t do it fast enough. I’ll boroscope it sometime next week but I guess I’m just looking for reassurance that it’s just a valve.

I did check MHD (tuning software) for codes and there was like 4-5 valve / cam codes that I think all ended in “short to ground” but I didn’t write them down though. I Cleared the codes and reset the car to stock hoping maybe the car was in a fail safe mode, but nothing changed. I think I can still grab the codes though. It also has XHP which I assume should give me the trans code, but I’m sure it’s just time to swap the trans out if the car is salvageable.

Also, I’m pretty mechanically inclined, I’ve done all the work on all my cars. I’ve done about $15k worth of labor & parts over the last 4 years, so with that said how hard is it to replace the valves?

Thanks!

1 Comment
2024/05/10
07:40 UTC

1

Steering wheel shaking when braking moderately. Not when braking heavily.

Last year I replaced my discs and pads for the best ones that I could source for my car, the brand is Brembo and car is Mazda 2 2018. Only front - rear has drums. Air cooled center, no holes on the surface. After a year (and I started noticing after changing to summer tyres) that my steering wheel is shaking when braking.

So normally I would say that my discs are wavy but:

  1. Why the steering wheel stops shaking when I apply more braking pressure? Last time a car had wavy brake discs the more pressure I applied, the more violent the shaking.
  2. I also don't see how would new Brembos which I hope are good quallity discs get wavy with my relatively calm driving style.
3 Comments
2024/05/10
07:17 UTC

2

Oxygen sensor wire chewed by rodents. Help required.

As the issue mentioned, I'm at Tata service center and they asked me to replace the oxygen sensor and denied any repair for the wire. (Quoted the sensor price around 10k). Do I really need to replace the whole unit or can I get the wire repaired outside? Suggestions appreciated!

4 Comments
2024/05/10
07:03 UTC

1

Ford explorer 2016 not starting or rolling advice?🙏

Hey I bought a ford explorer from a government auction battery was bad so put a new one in but when I try to start it nothing happens it’s like it’s not registering that I’m even trying it’s not a battery issue any input on what it can be would be nice also I want to tow it but it can’t roll and it allows me to put it in but it’s like it’s stuck braked (yes I took off emergency brake) plz any advice for either problem thanks 🙏

3 Comments
2024/05/10
07:02 UTC

1

Squeaking noise

Opel Astra 2007. Start noticing the noise between 10 kmh - 20 kmh (6 mph - 12 mph). Seems to be coming from the right side of the car, but unsure. Any guesses?

1 Comment
2024/05/10
06:55 UTC

1

Squeaking noise

Opel Astra 2007. Start noticing the noise between 10 kmh - 20 kmh (6 mph - 12 mph). Seems to be coming from the right side of the car, but unsure. Any guesses?

1 Comment
2024/05/10
06:55 UTC

1

Is this any good?

Is this oil filter any good?

2 Comments
2024/05/10
06:55 UTC

1

New car battery post and shim have holes and couldn’t start two times.

My last 2 car batteries were from Autozone. The left terminal had a shim both times. Over a month ago, my Honda 2006 CRV didn’t start. No lights were left on. Never noticed it was weak and had driven out of town. Had it jump started. Next day Autozone tested battery/alternator and it was fine. Few days later, I took it somewhere else to get an oil change and battery was bad. Replaced with a Interstate battery.

Two times it did not start. While the battery/alternator was tested at a different shop, they noticed the post and shim were hollow.

I took it back to the shop who installed the battery. The person who serviced the car wasn’t there.

The shim never had a hole with the Autozone batteries. Any idea why the post and shim are hollow? Will it shorten the battery’s life or cause other problems? Done with a drill? Shim looks so beat up now. Have a pic of the old one. Thought at first the battery was a return because another part they replaced, somebody put an old part in the box.

https://preview.redd.it/me7462v5kjzc1.jpg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=9dbd525ec4b5645c7677d05088111059d562839a

https://preview.redd.it/4ny8zqgakjzc1.jpg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=0e6e1628f630c848c3074f73a556e35879129820

1 Comment
2024/05/10
06:29 UTC

5

am i screwed? i hit a curb and my rim is all wonky but i know nothing about cars

9 Comments
2024/05/10
06:25 UTC

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