August 18th, 2006
Question:
Hi Kevin:
It is interesting stumbling on this site.
My 1992 Honda Ballade makes a noise in idle running. Pressing the clutch stops the noise. What part of the clutch could this noise be coming from? What could be the cause from your own view?
-Tunji
Answer:
Either the pilot bearing or the throwout bearing. Generally the throwout bearing will make noise when you push the clutch in, but I have heard them make noise when the clutch is out. Sometimes it is just the linkage vibrating too. There are usually some rubber isolators which keep vibration from traveling to the clutch pedal, and if they are worn you can get some noise. Either way, it does not seem too serious. If the noise gets worse, I would have it checked.
Kevin
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July 1st, 2006
Question:
What is a stud? How would one get broken and would it make the steering mess up,pump rack and pinon-95 Nissan Altima
Thank you
Karen
Answer:
There could be a couple of studs on the front of your car. A stud is a threaded piece of metal which is attached permanently to another part of the car. So when tightening the nut, you do not have to hold the back side of the stud. In other words, it’s a bolt which can not turn, thus allowing you to tighten the nut without holding the bolt.
There are wheel studs which go through the axle flange and through your tire. This stud is what the lug nut threads on to and holds your tires in place. Most cars have 4 or 5 studs per wheel. Not likely that this caused a problem with the power steering.
There are also studs which the power steering pump and rack and pinion mount to, both could cause problems if they snapped. These studs could break due to fatigue, or hitting a curb with the tire.
Take Care,
Kevin
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Posted in Drivetrain, Suspension, Wheels and Tires | 1 Comment »
February 6th, 2006
I use this trick when checking out a used car. Since you can not climb under a car and check how much material is left on the clutch disc, you can only guess the condition. Using the following tips you can get closer to an educated guess and hopefully make a good decision.
1. Operate the clutch and observe where the clutch grabs. It should grab about 2″ from the floor. The motion of the pedal should be smooth and even. Make sure you have the emergency brake on when doing any of these tests.
2. Listen for any chatter or squealing when operating the clutch. Is there a grinding noise when the clutch is depressed? This indicates a worn throwout bearing, and will require the transmission to be removed to replace it. You can assume if the throwout bearing is bad, the clutch is not in the best condition.
3. Put the car in 2nd or third gear and let the clutch out slowly. (make sure the car’s emergency brake is on, and you have your foot on the brake) Does the engine RPM decrease and almost stall? If it does, the clutch still has some life in it, and is doing it’s job. If the clutch slips, and the engine does not sound like it’s going to stall, there is a good chance the clutch needs to be replaced.
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