Q: I have a 1996 Cadillac Deville, which was purchased new. It has 61,000 miles on it and is in very good condition except for the shocks. The dealer wants $2,000 to replace the computerized air shocks. My question is: Can I replace the existing shocks with a good regular shock at around $1,000, and somehow safely bypass the computer? Two exhaust dealers and the Caddy dealer said they would get back to me. I have not heard from anyone yet. Can you help me?
A: There is actually a bypass kit made for your car. Relays need to be changed and just a bit of wiring work. The whole job can be done for under $1,300. Strutmaster makes just the kit you are looking for. If your local repair shops don't want the work, I am sure you can find a knowledgeable repair shop in your area that wants to work with you. It's not a very difficult job.
Q: We have a 2006 Nissan Altima with a noise coming from the right front wheel. We had new tires put on all four wheels, then the noise started. The noise was not there before the tires were installed. I had two different mechanics look at the car. Neither came up with a solution. Bushings were replaced on the right wheel and rear stabilizer bar; noise can only be heard if hitting a bump in the road. Can you please help?
A: You said in your letter the noise started after the tire install. Did you go back to the tire dealer and request a tire replacement? Overly aggressive tires can cause noise. However, Nissan has recognized an axle problem in some of their models. The cure for the axle noise problem is to remove the axle, clean the splines and lube the splines. Of course when the axle is out, check the hub bearing for smooth turning and tightness.
Q: I have a 2007 Buick Lucerne, bought new. On cold days, 40 degrees or colder, and rainy or slushy days, a screeching noise comes from the inside when stopping or driving slow. The windshield wipers are running. The dealer checked out the wiper motor and said it was OK. I wonder if it was the brakes. Any experience with this problem, especially on Lucernes? There's no problem in the spring, summer and fall — only in rainy, snowy, slushy and cold weather.
A: A look in the ALLDATA information system brought up no tech service bulletins for this problem. However, I do have a few ideas. It's possible that when you had an oil change performed on your car, the technician did not put the plastic snow shield back in place. Therefore, snow and slush is getting onto the drive belts, making for a noisy belt during inclement weather. Not only is this annoying, but it can cause the serpentine belt to pop off when you are driving.
Larry Rubenstein is a master technician who owns a North Shore service station. Write him care of the Gloucester Daily Times, 36 Whittemore St., Gloucester, MA 01930, or send email to scanauto@aol.com.
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