Causes of Brake Squeal
This weekly feature for Warranty Direct about car repair and maintenance is written by Tom Torbjornsen, the popular host of America’s Car Show on satellite radio. Below are some recent Q&A from the America’s Car Show email bag.
Dear Tom,
I own a 2006 Malibu LS. I recently had the front and rear rotors and pads replaced, as well as the rear calipers. About 750 miles later the brakes started squealing. The pads cost $50 each; the rotors were $46 each; the calipers were $79 each. I brought the car back to shop at once and they cleaned the brakes. However, they are still squealing. Any solutions?
Joe from Long Island
Joe,
Brake squeal is a common problem and the result of a high-pitched vibration of the pad/s. Either the pad anti-rattle clips are worn/broken or the pad insulators were not installed at the time of the brake job. Get the vehicle back to the shop and have these checked. Best to you.
Tom
Dear Tom,
I own a 2004 Dodge Stratus with about 12,000 miles. I don’t drive much so it will continue to be low mileage. Should I use synthetic oil?
Michael from Butte, MT
Michael,
Yes, your driving pattern is a textbook case for using synthetic motor oil. When a vehicle sits without being driven much, acid and moisture accumulate in the crankcase, causing erosion of the main and rod bearings. Good synthetic motor oil guards against chemical and moisture contamination because of the chemically fortified base stock. I recommend either AMSOIL or Mobil One, (number one and two).
Tom
Dear Tom,
I recently received a ‘99 Grand Marquis. It has a water leak problem that started recently. After a heavy rain, water fills the floorboard on the rear passenger side. There seems to be no visible trace or trail so I can’t figure out the origin of the leak. It’s baffling. Any ideas?
Don from Omaha
Don,
You will have to water-test the car’s body to find the leak. Get in the car with a light and have someone soak down the body with a water hose at the point where you think the water is entering the vehicle. Use the light to find where the water is coming in, and then seal the leak. It could be entering via a door, a window, or a windshield gasket. Success to you.
Tom
Dear Tom,
I own a 2004 Dodge Durango. When I come to a stop at a light, it just cuts off. It doesn’t happen every time, but it has occurred about 12 times recently, and I never know when it’s going to happen. I took the vehicle to a local transmission guy three times and he put it on a computer, but nothing comes up. Any thoughts?
Susan from Warren, PA
Susan,
Why would you take a vehicle with an obvious drivability/engine problem to a transmission specialist? That’s like going to a brain specialist for a broken arm (just wondering about your logic here). I can’t give you a specific direction to solve the stalling problem. However, I would suggest that you leave the vehicle with a shop that specializes in engine drivability for a few days so they can drive it with a scanner hooked up to it, and the tech can monitor what’s going on when the problem occurs. This is the best course of action given the erratic nature of your Durango’s malady.
Tom
Dear Tom,
I have been looking for my dream car, a T Bucket Roadster. The car is about 90 years old and thus there are no new parts. With this in mind, what would you recommend regarding repairs. Where would I find used parts? Are there remanufactured parts for these cars? I thought I should consider this aspect of ownership before buying the car.
Glenn from Santa Monica, CA
Glenn,
First off, there was no such thing as a “T-Bucket Roadster” 90 years ago. The base vehicle that the T-Bucket was made from had to be something that was not modified (whether it was a pickup or some sort of coupe or sedan). I just want to get a clear understanding of what we’re looking at before proceeding forward with advice. That said, when buying any car (custom, modified or OEM) conduct a stem to stern inspection of the key systems (electrical, drivetrain, powertrain, suspension, brakes, undercarriage, etc). In addition, the inspection might include an engine compression test, electrical values of the charging/starting system, hydraulic test of the trans (if automatic), fluid samples of drivetrain components such as diffferential/s, transfer case, transaxle, and any gearboxes in the drivetrain. I might even go as far as an engine oil analysis to determine internal engine health before making an offer. Finally, if the vehicle is touted to be an original rare piece, do a numbers match analysis to make sure it is indeed original. Consider bringing a vehicle appraiser in before the sale to confirm that the car is what the seller claims it to be. Best to you.
Tom
Dear Tom,
My 2000 Toyota Avalon (90,000 miles) has been a good car for years. However, twice over the past year, the car shut off when I moved the lever from Park to Drive (or to Reverse). I have taken the car to two mechanics and they can’t figure out why it does that. What’s going on?
Martha from Collingswood, NJ
Martha,
Have the drivetrain control module scanned for codes. It sounds like the lockup converter control solenoid is not disengaging the clutch in the converter when you shift gears. This would account for stalling when you change gears. A good transmission shop should be able to scan it for you.
Tom
‘‘Til next time…Keep Rollin’
For more articles by Tom Torbjornsen, visit AMERICA’S CAR SHOW web site: www.americascarshow.com
Tom Torbjornsen is an automotive expert of 37 years. An automotive journalist in good standing with the IMPA (International Motor Press Association), Torbjornsen is the Repair and Maintenance Editor for AOL Autos, Edmunds.Com, At Home Portals and many other websites. Torbjornsen is the auto expert of record for Channel 4 WIVB TV, Western New York’s CBS affiliate. Hear his radio show AMERICA’S CAR SHOW, on the Sirius XM Satellite Radio Channel – Stars Too – Sirius 108 and XM 139; Sunday nights – 10PM – Mid EST. Send your car questions to his website at: www.americascarshow.com
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Filed under: Americas Car Show, Car News, Vehicle Maintenance, Vehicle reliability, Vehicle repairs, Warranty Direct, Wear and Tear
I heard Toyota is in the process of recalling some vehicles as a result of gas pedal problems . My next door neighbor owns a Prius, can the vehicle be used before the recall?
My dream car is the Porsche 911 or the new Nissan GTR. those cars are really great.:-;
my dream car is the Ford GT. that car is truly a muscle car with lots of horsepower`;: