August 11th, 2009
Question:
I have a 2004 ford freestar. They replaced the rotors,pads,tires ect..
I replaced the power steering hoses..
my question..
while driving at higher speeds (over 80kms on the freeway) I hear this high pitched squeal sound coming from the front end. It doesnt do it when I drive under 60km p/h or when I stop, just when I go really fast.
My hubby thought it might be a belt, but I dont know..
help..
Answer:
It could be a belt, but you would hear it at upper RPMs as the van goes through the gears and gets up to speed. It could be the air vibrating some of the body work, if something is loose in the front end. Does the van click when turning sharp left or right? A bad CV joint could be the culprit, but it would be a very loud whining. I would have a mechanic look at it ASAP since at high speeds things happen fast and if its a CV joint, you dont want to chance it.
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Posted in Body, Suspension | No Comments »
July 7th, 2009
Question:
I have a 2004,V8 Dodge Dakota.There seems to be knocking under the front of the truck.That sounds like it is hitting where my feet are when I drive? Please can you help?
Answer:
Two things come to mind, exhaust or suspension. I would lean more
toward suspension. You can lay under the truck and look for the
suspension arm running from the front wheels back to under the
drivers foot well. I would suspect a worn bushing. How is the
steering feel and road manners of the truck? Does it wander on the
road, any pulsating or abrupt movements when braking? All could point
to worn front suspension.
Followup Question:
During braking it does pulsate some. I changed the brakes those are fine. It does pull a little to the right though. Also, when I hit even a small pothole, it almost seems to lose a little control. I have climbed under the truck and grabbed the suspension arm and it seems to be tight. The bushings also look fine. This is why it has me stumped
Followup Answer:
It really sounds like something in the suspension. Without the car up on a lift or jack stands, and a prybar, its tough to spot worn suspension pieces. I would take it to an alignment shop and let them know your symptoms, they should be able to get to the bottom of the problem.
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Posted in Suspension | No Comments »
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 »
