A litany of car questions

[Alice S. Fuzzybutt]

I keep having trouble with a very squeaky belt. It only squeaks when it's extremely cold. If it's a bit warmer it doesn't squeak as much. When I need to turn the air on for anything (AC, defrost) it squeaks like a mofo. Last time I brought it into the mechanic they said they couldn't get it to squeak and all the belts were fine.

Well, I'm known by my neighbors and co-workers as the woman with the squeaky car. It's pretty embarrassing. I'm sure this has something to do with the steering since it also squeaks when I steer.

The latest issue is that when I let go of the steering wheel, the car lists to the left. I'm pretty sure the steering and the squeaking are related.

I also need two new rims since the back ones are bent (my car takes a beating driving 6 miles round-trip to and from work in JC). I'd also like to get new tires.

Anyone have any suggestions on what I should deal with first? I only have a certain amt of money set aside for certain work and I'd like to get the most important job done first.

Thanks in advance!

[PapaBear]

The car is going to left because of the rims or the alignment. You need to get that fixed before you use your new tires much, or they will wear out too quick.

[boosterp]

The car is going to left because of the rims or the alignment. You need to get that fixed before you use your new tires much, or they will wear out too quick.

agreed!

[landarch]

The squeaking and the car puylling to the left are unrelated. If you haven't hit any potholes or curbs recently, then the first thing to check would be your tire inflation on the left side. If it is much lower (8-10 pounds lower even) than the right tire, then it will cause the car to pull in the direction of the low tire.

Otherwise, have the alignment checked, which you should do anyway in the event of new tires. They'll last longer.

Your belt sounds loose. The A/C engaging or the power steering pump working puts an incremental strain on the engine. Under normal operation, without a squeaky belt, you can notice a tiny difference in the idle of a car when either one of these are engaged. The belt is either too big (slight stretching due to age and wear) to not slip under the extra stress, or the adjuster pulley (if so equipped) is getting weak and not putting sufficient tension on the belt. On newer cars (late 90's and up) these are spring loaded and wear out over time. Especially on Chrysler products for some reason.....I've had to change more than a few.

Anyway, good luck.

[biggestmexi]

I keep having trouble with a very squeaky belt. It only squeaks when it's extremely cold. If it's a bit warmer it doesn't squeak as much. When I need to turn the air on for anything (AC, defrost) it squeaks like a mofo. Last time I brought it into the mechanic they said they couldn't get it to squeak and all the belts were fine.

Well, I'm known by my neighbors and co-workers as the woman with the squeaky car. It's pretty embarrassing. I'm sure this has something to do with the steering since it also squeaks when I steer.

The latest issue is that when I let go of the steering wheel, the car lists to the left. I'm pretty sure the steering and the squeaking are related.

I also need two new rims since the back ones are bent (my car takes a beating driving 6 miles round-trip to and from work in JC). I'd also like to get new tires.

Anyone have any suggestions on what I should deal with first? I only have a certain amt of money set aside for certain work and I'd like to get the most important job done first.

Thanks in advance!

Okay dokay. If it squeaks worse when you do anything with the HVAC controls, that has nothing to do with the steering. Also does it sound like its from the inside or the outside. And defrost and ac are different. Does it squeak lets say if you have it on high (heat defrost) then switch it to cold A/C and squeaks That could be your AC compressor clutch.

If it INSIDE sounding that might be your blower motor.

You can also go to a auto parts store if you think its the belt and buy BELT DRESSING. its a little spray can that you spray on the belt if you think its the belt. Its cheap and could be an easy fix.

Does it squeak when you are just sitting or only when you are driving? as well?

The car going left......get your new stuff on there and see if that helps if not get an alignment before bad things happen.



edit: it could be a little loose belt or just an old belt. With the weather being cold the belt might get a little bit hard thus making it not grip as easy.

[bubs]

It is most likely like the guy before said. Idler pulley is loose and/or belt is smoked. I highly doubt it is a compressor clutch because it just squeaks more when you actually put a load on it. If you know someone who is a little mechanically inclined and willing to help you, this is a relatively easy job and should cost too much. (depending on the model of car) the steering squeak is most likely from the power steering pump motor pulley trying to grab onto the loose belt. As far as alignment goes, when you take it to a shop, they will 99% of the time tell you to replace the tie rods or ball joints. one of the bullshit ripoffs these guys play. If you can find somebody you trust id take it to them not the name brand tire shop. You also might be able to get the rims bent back correctly depending on whether the rim is steel or not. (another reason to go to a local, trustworthy auto shop) If its aluminum or mag, your s.o.l.
list of importance
1. rims
2. ball joint/tie rod inspection and possible replacement
3. squeaky belt/worn out idler pulley
4. new tires and/or alignment (very soon after inspection)
5. oil change (never hurts)
I dont know where you live but I can recommend some good places around detroit for this service.
Hope this helps

[Death Metal Moe]

Just drop one of these on your rear view and all will be better with the world.

http://www.kpao.org/blog/pine-tree-car-air-freshener.gif

[Alice S. Fuzzybutt]

Today I went to Firestone for an oil change. I asked them to check the belts because of the squeaking. Turns out the alternator belt was ridiculously loose. It cost me $30.

I asked for an estimate on new rims and they quoted me about $100 used each. So I drove to Pep Boys and ordered 4 new rims at about $50 a piece. They'll be in in a few business days. Plus they're having a sale-- buy three tires, get 1 free. My car is 9 years old so I figure this is most likely the last set of tires I'll get for them.

Bubs suggested ball joint/tie rod inspection and possible replacement. I'll see what they have to say. Opinions?

I THINK I'm ok. Is there anything I should consider before I get the work done? Should I get the alignment? JC is RIDDLED with potholes and I figure an alignment will be ruined by the first pothole I hit.

ANOTHER QUESTION: apparently aluminum rims are a thing of the past and metal rims are now the norm. Are metal rims stronger than aluminum rims? JC is RIDDLED with potholes. I'd like to know my new rims can handle it.

Thanks again guys!!!!! You are all helping me out and at the same time I'm learning more about my car. :wub:

[PapaBear]

Go ahead and get the alignment. If the tie rods and ball joints are bad, they'll know when they do the alignment. I can't believe Firestone wanted 100 bucks for use rims! Bastards!!!!

[Alice S. Fuzzybutt]

Thanks Paul! I should just get all that jazz DONE so I know I'm driving a safe car.

I am SO SO glad my car doesn't squeak anymore!!!! YIPPEE!!!!!!

[boosterp]

Today I went to Firestone for an oil change. I asked them to check the belts because of the squeaking. Turns out the alternator belt was ridiculously loose. It cost me $30.

I asked for an estimate on new rims and they quoted me about $100 used each. So I drove to Pep Boys and ordered 4 new rims at about $50 a piece. They'll be in in a few business days. Plus they're having a sale-- buy three tires, get 1 free. My car is 9 years old so I figure this is most likely the last set of tires I'll get for them.

You did good.

Bubs suggested ball joint/tie rod inspection and possible replacement. I'll see what they have to say. Opinions?

This will be done during the allignment process

I THINK I'm ok. Is there anything I should consider before I get the work done? Should I get the alignment? JC is RIDDLED with potholes and I figure an alignment will be ruined by the first pothole I hit.

Alignments are very important to tire wear, braking, and just overall safety.

ANOTHER QUESTION: apparently aluminum rims are a thing of the past and metal rims are now the norm. Are metal rims stronger than aluminum rims? JC is RIDDLED with potholes. I'd like to know my new rims can handle it.

The aluminum bends since it is softer and costs a crapload to repair. Metal is the only way to go.

Thanks again guys!!!!! You are all helping me out and at the same time I'm learning more about my car. :wub:

:thumbup:

[Alice S. Fuzzybutt]

Thanks for everyone's in put! Hopefully (fingers and cat digits crossed) this will be the last big-ticket item for a while. Granted, it's a 2000 Elantra, but I never had any major issues with it other than just normal wear and tear.

Let's see, last May I dropped a grand for a new timing belt, all new breaks, an oil change, and a tune up.

In September I thought I had a muffler problem but it turned out my mounts were bad and the engine blocked moved every time I put the car in gear. That made the exhaust pipe loose, so the noise. That cost about $500.

I figure the new rims and tires will cost me about $600. While I'm at it, I'll have them replace my wiper blades.

I like Hyundais. I've owned two. No major problems whatsoever. While I was at Firestone, I overheard other people's car issues; oil leaks, transmission issues. I haven't had any of that. (Knock on wood!)

The NEXT issue is my driver's side window. It goes up and down but doesn't align right. It will be SO nice NOT to have to open my car door to give my credit card to the guy at the gas station. That's the thing with Hyundias; the little things go wrong.

Anyway-- THANKS AGAIN FOR ALL YOUR INPUT!!!!! :clap:

[Alice S. Fuzzybutt]

Update on my car.

They called me during the week to tell me that my rims and all the accessories were in. So I went to Pep Boys today with the plan of having the new rims and new tires put on.

OF course, there has to be a snag. The rims they ordered (the $50 ones didn't fit; it was a bit off). I did the dumb thing of telling them to put the new tires on and do an alignment. Three hours later I got my car. It no longer drifts to the left.

I have to go back Monday to order the new rims (which are $80 a piece; still better than Firestone). They're going to give a 10% discount for my trouble. Oh wow-- $32 in my pocket. BUT I got the tires with a rebate (buy 3 get the 4th free).

I'd say, all said and done, it will cost me $850. I know my car is 9 years old, but I'm ok with it. I went through 2 tire blow outs with my last car and I was lucky that I never lost control. I only have 68,300k on my car. I plan on driving it as LONG as I can... no matter HOW unfashionable it may be!! :laugh:

This is what my car looks like, but mine is white:

http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k203/petrina_02/800px-Hyundai-Elantra-wagon.jpg

Oh-- and when they put the rims on the alignment will be free of charge. No mention of, err, rods and cones and err, flanges.

And, I know it's a lame car, but I think it's cute!

[boosterp]

Update on my car.

They called me during the week to tell me that my rims and all the accessories were in. So I went to Pep Boys today with the plan of having the new rims and new tires put on.

OF course, there has to be a snag. The rims they ordered (the $50 ones didn't fit; it was a bit off). I did the dumb thing of telling them to put the new tires on and do an alignment. Three hours later I got my car. It no longer drifts to the left.

I have to go back Monday to order the new rims (which are $80 a piece; still better than Firestone). They're going to give a 10% discount for my trouble. Oh wow-- $32 in my pocket. BUT I got the tires with a rebate (buy 3 get the 4th free).

I'd say, all said and done, it will cost me $850. I know my car is 9 years old, but I'm ok with it. I went through 2 tire blow outs with my last car and I was lucky that I never lost control. I only have 68,300k on my car. I plan on driving it as LONG as I can... no matter HOW unfashionable it may be!! :laugh:

This is what my car looks like, but mine is white:

http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k203/petrina_02/800px-Hyundai-Elantra-wagon.jpg

Oh-- and when they put the rims on the alignment will be free of charge. No mention of, err, rods and cones and err, flanges.

And, I know it's a lame car, but I think it's cute!

Even with the bit of a price increase you still did good Petrina. :thumbup:

[PapaBear]

I've never heard of anyone giving a free alignment. That's awesome!

[denko]

The car is going to left because of the rims or the alignment. You need to get that fixed before you use your new tires much, or they will wear out too quick.

it wasn't in this case but it could do that if there is significant difference in the tire pressure from left to right, aluminum wheels like to leak.

[biggestmexi]

ANOTHER QUESTION: apparently aluminum rims are a thing of the past and metal rims are now the norm. Are metal rims stronger than aluminum rims? JC is RIDDLED with potholes. I'd like to know my new rims can handle it.


Metal = aluminum.....

by metal they more than likely mean steel wheels.

Most car nowadays come with alums. they are lighter. easier to turn (less spun weight) easier on the engine.

since you have such small wheels it should matter anyway.

Steel and alum are about the same. with the tires that you have (large sidewalls) you should not have to much of a problem with bent rims. it would be the same with both. The tires absorb most of the bounce.

[Alice S. Fuzzybutt]

Well, I got my rims today. (HOORAY they were the right size!!!). Not sure how I feel about them. They're not "flashy" but they look odd on an older car. And, to be honest, I didn't realize they wouldn't be covered by my crappy and cracked hub caps (I miss them!)

I don't know what brand they are. They have a little bit of detail on them (like three indentations above each spoke) and a fancy "S" in the middle.

I guess it will take getting used to until the get dirty. :-)

I actually made out really well. The four tires (plus all the labor and the alignment) cost me $412. There was a rebate-- buy 3 get the third free.

And even though the rims were more expensive than the original ones I had ordered, they didn't charge me extra since they ordered the wrong size. I got a free alignment today (although I had already had one last week) and the labor today only cost me $40.

So, after all is said and done, four new tires and four new rims cost me about $600.

Not bad for a girl. :tongue:

[biggestmexi]

So, after all is said and done, four new tires and four new rims cost me about $600.

Not bad for a girl. :tongue:

that is an extremely good deal.

nice job.

My tires for my car in the summer will be that much or more. Just tires.

[Alice S. Fuzzybutt]

nice job.

Thank you! I try! It also helps that I drive small. insignificant cars. :laugh:

Hopefully the tires (40k) and rims will last until I run the car into the ground. That's just how my family did it.

Does anyone know a good URL where I can find info about what needs to be done at mileage intervals (like, get the timing belt replaced around 65k, etc.)? I read I was supposed to replace my shocks at 65k but I haven't had a problem with them.

[biggestmexi]

Thank you! I try! It also helps that I drive small. insignificant cars. :laugh:

Hopefully the tires (40k) and rims will last until I run the car into the ground. That's just how my family did it.

Does anyone know a good URL where I can find info about what needs to be done at mileage intervals (like, get the timing belt replaced around 65k, etc.)? I read I was supposed to replace my shocks at 65k but I haven't had a problem with them.

Thats usually a lot of bs. My car 114000+ miles on the shocks and have never had them changed.

I would google search routine automobile maintenance.

Most of the same things are the same from car to car being that they have the same major components most of the time.

Timing belt would be a good thing to replace at 100000 though. Although that is a very expensive job. So you should start saving now. Also if you wait till it breaks it could cause more problems. But i would get some quotes to see how much that job is so you could keep some money for it.

Just in case.

[Thebazile78]

P- the maintenance schedule isn't in your car's manual? My car's manual has a suggested/required maintenance schedule in there ... check the index for help finding it.

Also, if you no longer have the manual, rather than Googling maintenance schedules, try finding a copy of your car's manual online.