Q & A #8 With The Auto Specialist
Regular readers of my Auto Specialist column will remember that we discussed car engine problems in the last segment. I also promised to address a reader’s problem that he’s experiencing with his vehicle’s brakes (they’re squealing even though they’re new). In today’s segment, we’ll address the gentleman’s brake system as well as one reader’s concern about her car’s exhaust system. Finally, we’ll figure out why another reader’s vehicle keeps shaking and bouncing even though he recently had new struts installed. It’s another packed agenda, so let’s dig in.
Question: I have a 2007 Chevy Avalanche and just had brand new brake shoes put on the back a couple of days ago. That same day, they started squealing (you can hear me coming a mile away). I’ve noticed that it happens right before I come to a complete stop. I had the shoes installed at an auto repair garage near my friend’s house. I’ve never taken my Avalanche there before. Is the squeal happening because they messed up the brake installion?
Answer: My first thought is that the mechanic who put the brake shoes on your vehicle did so too tightly. That could be causing the drums and shoes to rub against one another. I would suggest taking your Avalanche to another mechanic and asking them to check whether the shoes have been installed too tightly. It’s not hard to adjust them, but definitely have someone you trust take a look.
Question: A few months ago, I bought a used 2006 Honda Accord with just over 30,000 miles on it. It rides great and there are no problems under the hood as far as I can tell. The other day, while I was stopped at a signal, a pedestrian told me that my exhaust pipe was leaking liquid. I couldn’t see it when I returned home. Do I need to take my car to a mechanic?
Answer: Probably not. What the helpful pedestrian probably noticed coming from your Accord’s exhaust pipe was nothing more than water. When you start the engine, it’s common for water to drip for several minutes. It’s condensation and happens all of the time.
Question: I have a 2003 Cadillac CTS with mileage at just over 97,000. If I’m driving on smooth terrain, my car rides perfectly. But, as soon as I drive over a bump or pothole, everything starts bouncing and shaking. It feels like the car is going to come apart! Last year, I had new shock absorbers and struts installed. So, I’m pretty sure the problem isn’t in the suspension system. Should I ask my auto repair guy to check the shocks and struts? Again, they’re relatively new.
Answer: This one is mysterious. If your Cadillac drives perfectly as long as you’re on smooth roads, I’m guessing that your suspension system is fine (as you mentioned). That said, suspensions are tricky. Even though the shocks and struts were replaced last year, they could still be causing the problem. Ask your mechanic to take a ride with you. Drive over smooth and bumpy roads so he’ll understand the issue. I also suggest that you ask him to rotate and rebalance your tires.
That’s it for today’s installment. Next time, we’ll be back with a new crop of car problems that a few of you have written to me about. We’re beginning to put together a nice library of automotive education. Drive safely and let’s continue learning together.
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Tags: Car Q & A, Honda, Honda Accord
