TROUBLESHOOTING


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So your car has a funny NOISE in it and you don't know what it is HUH ?
Well maybe this page will help you figure out what it is. Also if you have one of those funny NOISES write to
THE MECHANIC and we'll try and figure it out for you.


  1. Q. Do you hear a squealing sound when you start your car or tramp on the gas sometimes. What is this?

    A. You have a loose belt. It might be fan belt or a power steering belt even maybe an A/C belt.
    Lift the hood and check them . To do this pull on the longest part of the belt. If it moves more than 3/4" it needs tighten also check for cracks and worn belts. Replace them a $10.00 belt left go could cost you a lot more or leave you stranded where you DON'T want to be.



  • Q. Did your turn signal indicator light in the dash for either side (left or right) ever quit working?

    A. 9 out of 10 times that's to tell you that your turn signal bulb on the front or rear of that side is blown out and it need's replaced.( Pretty smart car huh !!)

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  • Q. When the brakes are applied you hear a grinding sound and or your brake pedal moves up and down by it's self. What is this?

    A. The grinding sound is telling you your brake pads or shoes are wore out.They need replaced. Hopefully they didn't ruin the brake drums or rotors (for disk brakes). This can get very costly.

    The brake pedal moving up and down when you apply the brakes is usually on front disk brakes (just about all cars have them now) means that the rotors are worped, meaning the sides of the rotors are wavy. To correct this problem you have to get the rotors turned down so they are smooth. BUT this can only be done once or if they are to bad you will have to get new ones.

    P.S. Certain states have Inspection laws which govern this. Check with your mechanic.

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  • Q. When you apply the brakes you hear them Squeaking. What is this?

    A. As long as the brakes are just squeaking and not a grinding sound when the brakes are applied it's just DIRT on the brake shoes. Not much you can do for the squeaking brakes.You can try cleaning them but, it don't last long.

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  • Q. When you are accelerating fast ,Like when you pull out from a stop and you didn,t see that car coming so you have to tramp on it real hard or going up a steep hill and you hear a pinging or a knock.
    Do you know what this is?

    A. It's an Ignition Knock.Usaually this knock won't really hurt anything it's just anoying. In tech terms it's the head viberating against the block.
    To remedy this a simple timing of the engine to factory specs should do it.
    Timing is usaully advanced to far.
    Sometime a change to higher octane gas will remedy this.


    You can write to THE MECHANIC with your comments or questions.
    Or go to my FIX IT YOURSELF CLUB BACK TO THE MAIN PAGE.


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