Possible Causes of Scrubbing Noise in Left Rear of Car
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,
There is a scrubbing noise coming from the left rear of my Toyota Camry LE. I had it checked out but they can’t find anything wrong. Please help! It sounds like some part is rubbing against another part. When I drive into my driveway it gets louder. When I am driving down the road, it is not as loud but I can still hear it.
Mary from Philadelphia, PA
Mary,
You didn’t tell me the year of your Camry LE so I could only guess that it is an ’02 or older, because that was the last year Camry was made with an LE trim. Also, that car came with either 4 wheel disc brakes or disc/drum combination. In either case I would check the emergency brake cable to see if it’s frozen. A frozen cable will keep the rear brake/s applied. I would also check the backing plates on the rear, as both types of systems have backing plates that could bend and rub against the disc or drum. Finally, I would check for a bad rear suspension spring or strut that could be causing the body to come down on the tire/s when going over a curb or bump. That’s the best info I can give you because I don’t know the year of your car. Success to you.
Tom
Dear Tom,
I just got back from my local Toyota Dealer after asking what it might cost to repair the passenger side electronic door lock on my 2003 Toyota Avalon. All the other doors lock and unlock with no problem. Their estimate of $450 – $500 seemed high, but not being an expert on this subject, I thought I would ask if this seems to be legit. Is it a lot of labor? Are the parts expensive? Is there another source that you would recommend where I might get another bid? Any help would be appreciated.
Rich from Duluth, GA
Rich,
According to my ALLDATA database, the door lock mechanism is roughly $135. As for labor, it’s only an hour for each door. I would get a breakdown of the repair, specifically the labor. Where do they justify the additional $320? If they stand firm on the estimate given, then they are charging way too much for the lock replacement and I would consult a AAA Approved Auto Repair Facility that specializes in foreign car repairs. You can find one through your local AAA club.
Tom
Dear Tom,
I own a 2002 Grand Prix GTP 40th anniversary edition with 80,000 miles. I recently put new tires on it. Besides, that, the only things I have had to replace on the car are the serpentine belt and a battery. Lately, the ride has been VERY ROUGH! Every seam and small pothole produces a loud noise. It makes me though of Emeril Lagassi as it goes BAM-BAM-BAM down the road. What do you think it could be? I don’t know whom to trust for car repairs. You just never know who is going to take advantage of a situation. Thanks for any help you can give me.
Cookie from Memphis, TN
Cookie,
Your description of Emeril was superb! Have the struts and strut mounts checked. It sounds like they are worn out. I would also check the sway bar bushings because, when they wear out, the sway bar can bang on the underside of the car, especially when going over bumps. As for a shop you can trust, consult your local AAA Club for a AAA Approved Repair Facility in your area. Success to you.
Tom
Dear Tom,
What could cause the heater blower on a 2004 Sable to go on and off when the car hits a bump? Could it have anything to do with the heater wiring?
Kathleen from Hamburg, NY
Kathleen,
The following TSB was issued from Ford on this very issue for your car:
2004 Mercury Sable V6-3.0L A/C – Erratic / Inoperative Blower Motor
TSB 04-15-3 08/09/04
WATER IN THE BLOWER CASE – BLOWER MOTOR
AND/OR RESISTOR FAILURE – VEHICLES BUILT
5/1/2001 TO 12/15/2003
FORD:
2001-2004 Taurus
MERCURY:
2001-2004 Sable ISSUE:
Some vehicles built between 5/1/2001 and 12/15/2003 may exhibit water in the blower case or on the passenger side floor, an inoperative climate control blower motor, a motor that operates on high speed only, and/or a blower motor resistor failure.
ACTION Inspect and seal cowl area and install Rain-Hat Extension Seal. Inspect and replace blower motor and/or blower motor resistor if there is evidence of water/corrosion.
Take it to your local dealer to have this service performed and the rain hat installed to stop water from entering the blower motor case; this will stop your problem. Best to you.
Tom
Dear Tom,
I own a ‘99 Grand Cherokee Limited with a 4.0L. The dealer told me that it has a bad evaporator and needs 2 doors in the dash. The price is a whopping $1250 plus tax! I cannot afford that. The small shop that does work for me from time-to-time wants $1300 just for the evaporator. Where in Cleveland can I turn for a good price? I like the car but I can’t put that much money into it.
Steven from Cleveland, OH
Steven,
Given the labor intensive nature of this operation (6 hrs according to the book) plus the cost of the evaporator ($432) and the cost of new refrigerant and an oil charge, plus evacuation and reclaiming the system, I understand why it is so expensive. Short of doing it yourself, I doubt you will find a better price (much less anyone willing to embark on disassembling your dashboard to replace the evaporator). Try your local AAA club to find a AAA Qualified Repair Facility near you to give you another quote. And remember, cheaper is not necessarily better. The shop must have the equipment, tools, and know-how to perform such an operation… and for that you pay.
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, Auto News, Vehicle Maintenance, Vehicle reliability, Vehicle repairs
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