48
votes
Accepted
Dealership says European cars need rotors replaced with every pad change because they use softer metals in rotors
You are right to be skeptical, the 'softer metals in european rotors' is complete horsedung. A bit of rust is completely normal, the rest of your criteria for replacing rotors is right on the money, ...
- 17.1k
17
votes
Accepted
Need advice for changing battery terminals
That the car now cranks and runs correctly tells us that the battery and the cables are conducting electricity acceptably. I see no need to cut and refasten either cable, especially (as you note) the (...
- 3,667
11
votes
Need advice for changing battery terminals
From the images I'm seeing very little corrosion. I think your bigger issue is the clamps themselves seem to be worn out. While you say it is "cheap and easy", you also ask "where do I ...
- 160k
9
votes
Dealership says European cars need rotors replaced with every pad change because they use softer metals in rotors
No, rotors can go through 2 or 3 sets of pads.
But if a stone or piece of grit causes scoring then they need replacing. Sometimes resurfacing is sufficient but often the time needed is more than ...
- 34.7k
6
votes
Dealership says European cars need rotors replaced with every pad change because they use softer metals in rotors
Bull; find a dealer that can make up better stories. Rotors are grey cast iron; now I don't want to lie like your dealer, there may be some nodular or malleable cast iron rotors. It would require ...
- 3,688
5
votes
Do my brakes really need to be replaced due to rust?
Without having seen the backside of the rotor or the thickness of the brake pads themselves, from what I can see I'd say your brakes are far from needing changed, and especially not due to any little ...
- 160k
4
votes
Accepted
Replacing only one front strut?
This sounds to me more like an alignment problem that you need to get checked. To do more diagnosis, I would jack the front of the car up so that both front wheels are just off the ground then turn ...
- 25.5k
3
votes
Shop preference for OEM parts, why?
I haven't worked in or managed a shop, but I have been told in the past that work would not be warranted if I wanted to use my own parts, or if I wanted the shop to try and get cheaper parts. ...
- 13.2k
3
votes
should I add a relay for headlight bulb
It would be prudent to add a relay as manufacturers have been finding ways to reduce total weight and one method has been to use wires of the minimum thickness for each component.
So, fit a relay and ...
- 34.7k
3
votes
New car AWD tire replacement
At 1900 miles, you'll only need to replace one tire.
Make sure the new tire is IDENTICAL to the other three. Ask the shop to measure the tread wear on the other tires, and to shave the new tire if ...
- 8,722
3
votes
Accepted
When to replace tires by tread depth
While 5/32 and even 4/32 does not require replacement, I think it was fair of the service person to suggest getting new ones. The tires are, as they say, on their last leg.
If you have even wear ...
- 160k
3
votes
Replacing only one front strut?
Unless the strut has a fault or has been fitted incorrectly.. Then yes, replacing one strut alone will cause the feelings your experiencing in the cars general performance/balance.
Its best to ...
- 5,067
3
votes
Accepted
Handlebar Internal Weight Bar too long, but is correct part
Looks like that split ring compresses when the weight bar is pushed in the handle bar which then keeps it in place. Have you tried tapping it in with a rubber mallet or something similar?
- 25.5k
3
votes
Having trouble finding socket and wiring harness for xb 2005 left blinker
The part you are looking for can be found in the aftermarket from a company called Airtex. The PN is: AIRTEX / WELLS 1P2139 {#1507} ... You can find it on RockAuto.com. Here is a copy of their picture:...
- 160k
2
votes
Do my brakes really need to be replaced due to rust?
From that photo, I don't see any problem. That whole assembly looks in good condition.
On the left of the photo is the brake caliper. That holds, inside it, the two brake pads (made of a friction ...
- 8,722
2
votes
New car AWD tire replacement
Usually the reason to replace all 4 is because if all 4 tires are worn, then putting on one new tire which will be slightly taller due to it not being worn will cause the awd to "activate " causing ...
- 833
2
votes
Do my brakes really need to be replaced due to rust?
Based on what we can see in the photo, NO. But we can't see the backside of the rotor, or the brake pads. And we don't know how well this was communicated from the technician to the service writer ...
- 31
2
votes
Dealership says European cars need rotors replaced with every pad change because they use softer metals in rotors
"Softer metal" is BS, but BMW and VW both recommend replacing the rotors with the pads. The reason is that they often use ceramic pads which are more abrasive so they wear the rotors more. ...
- 141
2
votes
Dealership says European cars need rotors replaced with every pad change because they use softer metals in rotors
That's not decided by the dealer, it's decided by the "last turn" figure in the spec on the rotor.
If the machinist determines that turning it down to a clean surface will result in rotor ...
1
vote
Dealership says European cars need rotors replaced with every pad change because they use softer metals in rotors
As an European owning both European and US car (and having owned a lot of European cars) I can confirm that rotors of either survive 3-5 pad changes before their controlled size (thickness) goes out ...
- 2,280
1
vote
Accepted
Can I replace a set of 215/60R16 tires with a set of 205/55R16 (all four tires)? Toyota camry
Useful resource here:
Tire Size Calculator
Yes, that smaller size should work and yes, your speedo will read a bit higher than it should due to the smaller diameter of the tires.
- 12.1k
1
vote
2009 Ford Escape Hybrid - Ignition Coils and Spark Plug Replacement
Make sure you use the right torque on the plugs. Over and under tightening can cause significant damage. Follow the intake bolt pattern and torque. Remove plugs when engine is cold. If plugs are ...
- 1,392
1
vote
How to replace the keyless unlock button?
I believe you can just change the switch. In what I've found, it's called Outside Door Handle Passive Entry Switch. The outside door handles either have the hole or not, but don't come with the switch....
- 160k
1
vote
Accepted
4x4 2004 Ford Explorer Sport-trac transmission
If what you're talking about is the support which goes between the transmission and transfer case, then no, that does not need to be replaced. It is a solid piece and should be subjected to no wear. ...
- 160k
1
vote
Accepted
Whistling brakes after pad & rotor replacements
I'd be worried about it. Take it back to your mechanic and have them fix whatever is wrong. It is my belief, according to your words, they've not done something right. Don't mess around with brakes. ...
- 160k
1
vote
best way to R&R engine & trans from 2006 chevy express cargo van?
There’s really only one way to do it. You need to remove the front bumper, headlights, radiator/condenser etc... Remove the radiator support and pull it out the front.
- 10.7k
1
vote
Does anyone have a brake line diagram for a 2000 Monte Carlo SS?
Ben, thank you! Your identification of the Delphi DBC 7 BPMV as the model of the ABS master cylinder did the trick. I found this [article][1]
[1]: https://www.aa1car.com/library/abs_delphi_dbc7.htm ...
- 81
1
vote
Anything wrong with my suspension on this picture?
The issue I would be concerned about is the obvious shiny spot where the rubber suspension stop has hit the frame quite a few times. This an indication of worn struts, springs or both. The rubber stop ...
- 20k
1
vote
Do I have to replace my brakes due to rust or it is not that bad?
Rust on the brakes does not matter unless the car has been sitting motionless for a few decades - otherwise (and in this case) it is simply surface rust that will not effect braking performance at all....
- 6,007
1
vote
Accepted
Is the 2KD engine manual gearbox compatible with a 1KD?
The bellhousing and everything else perfectly fits, and the drive is smooth. what I am not sure is the nitty gritty like the size of the clutch.
- 121
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