Dave’s Free Car Repair Advice

Subject:  Problems with BMW 320i 2002

Brian writes:  when driving over 40 mph excessive tyre raw . also a clicking sound from wheels when turning right or in a straight line after some distance. also when approaching a junction and slowing down through the gears some times the car will cut out and a little spluttery when first started any advice would be great thanks

Brian, I need to know if it is an all wheel drive vehicle. I think that may be the clicking sound of the wheels when turning or a straight line of a distance. It sounds like CV joints are dry and need replacement in the front of the vehicle.

Subject:  Water pump in 2002 Stratus

Juli writes:  I have a 2002 Dodge Stratus w/ a bad water pump- the mechanic says it is a three day job due to the fact that thing is somehow connected to the timing chain.

Two questions is this true and how much is this thing going to cost me? And why would Dodge configure a water pump that way causing costly repairs to a relatively new car?

Feeling broke,

Juli

Subject:  engine light

Sandy tells me:  I have a 93 ford Taurus on Sun. the check engine light came on. Well today it came on again and then it started going off and on as the light would go off and on. I did not think I would get home and the exhaust really has a strong smell to it. I checked all fluids and all is good the power steering was a little low.

Sandy, the reason your exhaust smells strange is because the combustion in the engine is not complete for reasons only known to a diagnostic analyzer. In other words you need to have the trouble code traced and have the problem repaired.

Subject:  engine problem

Nelson states:  my 2001 Chevy Lumina sedan has a random misfire with the engine

I need to know if this is at idle or while cruising down the highway. I presume it is at idle because if it is at highway speeds it is more than a misfire.

Nelson, check your intake manifold vacuum or at least check your vacuum hoses for leaks or a loose fitting hose.

Another thing to check is to idle your car at night with a minimum of lighting and see if you can see a misguided spark occurring from the spark plug wires. This can help you identify the problem if it is electrical. But please be careful.