Post: #1

Car ownership and repair have become prohibitively expensive. Most car problems can be solved with a little kno-how, the right tools, and the confidence to take your car apart knowing you can put it all together again. This thread is where car owners who do their own repairs or just want an experts opinion on a particular car issue can post a question. I have been in the car auction for 15 years and I have been tinkering with motors since I was 15 years old. I do all my own work on all the cars I buy and sell. If anyone has car questions or needs advice on repair or purchase or just general automotive information, I would be glad to avail my expertise. Obviously other experienced mechanics are invited to chime in even if we disagree.
No question too big or to small.

Post: #2

I do my own backyard repair and have been wrenching for years as well. I don't consider myself any sort of expert at all and generally just google shit that is wrong and follow instructions, crack open a Chilton manual, whatever.

Anyway I have a 2007 GMC Yukon Denali that makes a loud POP sound most of the time when I make a sharp turn from a stop with the wheel cut. Sounds like it's coming from the front driver's side wheel. Sounds like a typical CV axle issue, but I installed a brand new driver's side CV axle last year and it still makes the sound. I suppose I could try changing the passenger-side as well but wondering if anyone think's it could be something else like a pitman arm or some shit like that.

It's only when the wheel is cut all the way and it's only when moving from a stop. Only pops once. Like I said, really just sounds like a CV axle binding up.

Post: #3

Yeah, usually CV axles make more of a clicking sound when they fail. Usually CV's make noise when turning one way and not the other. Could be control arm, tie rod ends, or sway bar links, possibly even your power steering rack. Some cars like my BMW 740IL have two control arms. Did you use a quality OEM part or the cheapest axle you could find?

Post: #4

I've got a 4th Gen eclipse, and I have this weird clicking noise from the driver rear tire during breaking. When I slow down using the brakes, it makes the noise, almost like the brakes are grabbing but there's a cyclical timing to it. Thought it was the wheel bearing, but it makes no noise during normal driving. I just had he brakes done last year, I think I got hosed on that job.

Post: #5

(09-24-2016 02:54 PM)AboveAverageJoe Wrote:  Did you use a quality OEM part or the cheapest axle you could find?

I used a cheapo Autozone axle, but I read reviews and watched videos where they said the Duralast axle was surprisingly a good quality part for the cost. I don't think the replacement axle is the issue as it did not solve the issue. I mean it was a part that was good to replace but it wasn't the problem. Wondering if there is a way I can easily check what steering component that could be instead of blowing all kinds of money rebuilding the entire driver's side steering assembly.

Post: #6

(09-24-2016 04:06 PM)lex the impaler Wrote:  I've got a 4th Gen eclipse, and I have this weird clicking noise from the driver rear tire during breaking. When I slow down using the brakes, it makes the noise, almost like the brakes are grabbing but there's a cyclical timing to it. Thought it was the wheel bearing, but it makes no noise during normal driving. I just had he brakes done last year, I think I got hosed on that job.

Is it your parking brake? Or possibly some corrosion on the rotor?

Try going real slow in the parking lot and pull up on the parking brake a bit, do you hear anything?

Alternatively one of your rotors maybe slightly warped and out of round.

Post: #7

(09-24-2016 04:06 PM)lex the impaler Wrote:  I've got a 4th Gen eclipse, and I have this weird clicking noise from the driver rear tire during breaking. When I slow down using the brakes, it makes the noise, almost like the brakes are grabbing but there's a cyclical timing to it. Thought it was the wheel bearing, but it makes no noise during normal driving. I just had he brakes done last year, I think I got hosed on that job.

Warped rotor homie. Lube the caliper slides good when you change it.

Post: #8

Is this even possible anymore? I grew up watching my dad in the garage keep our Skylark, Cutlass and LTD in driving shape. Todays cars seem built to be only repaired by real techs, with specialized tools. What can you possibly repair on a new car these days?

Post: #9

Um, no they are still built out of pretty much the same nuts, bolts, and the like.

You might need a code reader but there are USB ones available.

Most of your common stuff you can do in your driveway with only a few hand tools.

If anything I would say its easier because you can search for symptoms specific to your car on the forums.

Post: #10

Thanks for the tips. Will have it checked out.

Post: #11

DIY is the way to go, I am a trades person but I often dabble on other trades.

You can google stuff now thats amazing info and expert help is a click away.

As long as you can use basic tools and be careful I think its manly to be fixing shit up

Post: #12

(09-24-2016 04:06 PM)lex the impaler Wrote:  I've got a 4th Gen eclipse, and I have this weird clicking noise from the driver rear tire during breaking. When I slow down using the brakes, it makes the noise, almost like the brakes are grabbing but there's a cyclical timing to it. Thought it was the wheel bearing, but it makes no noise during normal driving. I just had he brakes done last year, I think I got hosed on that job.

Is that a RWD or AWD vehicle?

Post: #13

(09-24-2016 04:28 PM)General Stalin Wrote:  

(09-24-2016 02:54 PM)AboveAverageJoe Wrote:  Did you use a quality OEM part or the cheapest axle you could find?

I used a cheapo Autozone axle, but I read reviews and watched videos where they said the Duralast axle was surprisingly a good quality part for the cost. I don't think the replacement axle is the issue as it did not solve the issue. I mean it was a part that was good to replace but it wasn't the problem. Wondering if there is a way I can easily check what steering component that could be instead of blowing all kinds of money rebuilding the entire driver's side steering assembly.

Never, ever, ever use Duralast parts. Most mechanics won't even warrantee their work if you bring them Duralast parts. Next time try to get an OEM or remanufactured part. Only buy fluids at Autozone, never parts. Walmart actually has the cheapest fluids.

Post: #14

(09-24-2016 09:03 PM)ms224 Wrote:  Um, no they are still built out of pretty much the same nuts, bolts, and the like.

You might need a code reader but there are USB ones available.

Most of your common stuff you can do in your driveway with only a few hand tools.

If anything I would say its easier because you can search for symptoms specific to your car on the forums.

I recommend everyone who owns a car to own an ELM 327 and Torque Pro. ELM 327 is a bluetooth OBD-II reader and Torque is the app that goes with it. It is better than many hand held scanners under $200 for about $10. This unit is available on Amazon and E-bay.

For someone that wants more than reading and clearing codes, I recommend CRP-123, made by Launch. It can do transmission and ABS codes, which no other scanner in that ($150) price range do. It is also available on Amazon. One thing that the Torque app can do is read O2 sensor waveforms in real time, which helps because many different problems can set off O2 sensor codes.

Post: #15

Even if the newest cars need special techs to work on them. Plenty of us have older vehicles and the knowledge of how to keep them running is extremely valuable. I'm oftener surprised at the amount of videos on YouTube. I punched in 02 Nissan Frontier passenger side valve cover gasket repair and lo and behold a video came up of someone doing that exact repair. So do yourself a favor and get a basic set of auto hand tools and dive in.

Post: #16

Harbor freight has very cheap, yet decent tools that will hold up for any DIY-selfer. As well as many youtube videos and forums for your specific vehicle. Google is your friend. The forums are golden, often you can find someone who has done the exact repair you need done and has provided a write-up with pictures and neccessary tools.

I feel the biggest stumbling block most people have is their confidence level. People are afraid of taking their car apart and being unable to put it back together again. That is understandable, which is why reading about another non-professional doing the job will give you confidence. I liken it to cooking, once you start doing it you realize it is not so complicated, just more about having the right tools and following the proper steps.

At the least, every man should be able to change his oil, spark plugs, brake pads, and fluids. Once you start with the basics and get your hands dirty your confidence will increase and so will the difficulty level of the jobs you feel are within your purview.

Another way to learn is going to a pick-n-pull junkyard to get your parts. You can learn how to properly do the job first by removing the part there. If you break something or have trouble at least its not your car that you are learning on.

Post: #17

Simplest DIY you can do to keep your car running reliably is to learn how to change the oil and filter, and while you're at it, change the air filter each year as well (often needs no tools at all for the air filter!). This alone (annual oil and filter changes) will keep your car healthy for a long time. If you are wise enough to be driving a Toyota, that is all you will need to do most years.