February 2024

Learn why replacing the boot doesn’t fix a rack and pinion leak When the high-pressure seals wear out in a rack and pinion steering gear, you’ll see power steering fluid leaking out of the bellows-style boot. The fix requires replacing the steering gear assembly. But many DIYers refuse to believe that, thinking they can fix a rack and pinion leak simply by replacing the boot. Here’s why that won’t fix the leak. The wet boot is a symptom, not a cause The boots don’t hold any pressure. Their only job … Read More
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Learn how to buy a brake job without getting ripped off There are lots of unscrupulous repair shops out there and those places prey on uninformed consumer when it comes get new brakes. If you don’t want to get taken advantage of, you need to learn the tricks of the cheaters’ trade and just say no to brake job rip offs. Here’s what you need to know to buy a brake job. Avoid all chain and franchise operated shops Chains and franchise shops do an awful lot of advertising and … Read More
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Learn the typical cost to replace a worn or damaged turbocharger Like any mechanical component, turborchargers can eventually fail, most often due to lack of proper maintenance, and need replacing. It’s an expensive part and an involved repair. I”ll walk you through typical turbocharger replacement cost scenarios. Turbocharger replacement cost is at least $2,000 and up The turbocharger itself is the single biggest costThe turborcharger itself is often the biggest expense, typically ranging from $800 to $2,500 for most common automotive applications. The large variance in price depends on the … Read More
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Learn what a P0141 code means, the most common causes and how to fix the code A P0141 code is defined as O2 Sensor Heater Circuit Bank 1 Sensor 2. Bank 1 is the bank of cylinders that has the #1 cylinder. Sensor 2 is the downstream sensor located after the primary catalytic converter. That sensor is used to monitor the converter’s efficiency. It’s a generic code, so it means the same thing on all brands. More about the P0141 code All oxygen sensors must reach about 700°F to give … Read More
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Learn what a P1345 code means, the most common causes and fixes A P1345 is defined as Camshaft Position Correlation. In the old days distributors were driven off of a gear on the camshaft. That camshaft was driven by a chain or gear from the crankshaft and that allowed the distributor to deliver spark at just the right moment in time with the piston position. In this case, the ECM is seeing a problem that makes it believe the camshaft is out of time with the crankshaft. How does it … Read More
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Learn what a P0030 code means, the most likely causes, and how to diagnose and fix the problem A P0030 code is defined as an HO2S Heater Control Circuit (Bank 1 Sensor 1). This is a generic code, as opposed to a manufacturer-specific code, and it pertains to the heater circuit for the upstream oxygen sensor. The upstream oxygen sensor is located before the catalytic converter and is used to monitor oxygen in the exhaust stream, as opposed to the downstream oxygen sensor which monitors catalytic converter efficiency. Why the … Read More
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Manufacturer Specific U Codes for GM List of Manufacturer Specific U Codes for GM. U2000 Invalid BFC Transmitted SPI Data U2001 Invalid IPC Transmitted SPI Data U2002 SPI Data-In Low U2003 SPI Data-In High U2004 SPI Data-Out Low U2005 SPI Data-Out High U2006 SPI Clock-Out Low U2007 SPI Clock-Out High U2050 SIR PPS/CPS Communications Link malfunction U2100 CAN Bus OFF U2100 CAN-BUS Communication Malfunction U2102 More Controllers on Bus than Programmed U2103 Fewer Controllers On Bus Than Programmed U2104 CAN Bus Reset Counter Overrun U2105 CAN Bus Error ECM U2105 … Read More
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Learn how long it takes for flat spots on tires to smooth out If you leave your car parked unused for a month or longer, it’s not uncommon for flat spots to form on your tires. Then, once you start driving you might feel a vibration as the flat spot touches the road. In most cases the flat spots on tires smooth out within about 20 minutes of highway driving. It’s the warm-up from driving that removes the “set” of flat spotting. What causes flat spots on tires Most modern … Read More
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Learn why not driving for a month or more causes tire flat spots Tire flat spots are a common issue when your vehicle is parked in one place and not used for a month or more. This is more common if you’ve driven the vehicle, warmed up the tires, and then park it in cold weather. This is caused by the warm nylon cap in the tire cooling down and taking a “set.” Later, when you drive, you’ll feel a thumping from this flat spot. In most cases, the flat … Read More
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