Auto Scanner
Larry Rubenstein
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Q: I read about the 02 Nissan Altima 2.5L catalytic converter problem in your column last week. I found a solution online, which is to put in an after-market manifold for headers and this will eliminate the pre-cat. Do you think that this will eliminate the problem in a 2003 Nissan Altima 2.5L?
A: I can't tell you whether or not it will work for the 2003 Altima. I can tell you to tread very cautiously. Altering your car's emissions system can lead to big fines.
Q: On my Dakota, I noticed a clicking sound from my right front tire when I turn. I quickly researched this, and my understanding is that it's a bad CV joint. How much would it cost to replace it? I'm going to be heading out on vacation for a couple of weeks and wanted an estimate before I leave.
A: If the bearing is gone, figure on around $150 for parts and labor plus sales tax for a new axle.
Q: Two years ago, I bought a used Caddy with new Michelin all-season symmetry tires 225/60 r16. They now have 15,000 miles on them. I recently had an oil change, and the manager said I would soon need new tires. I told him that they were only 2 years old, and he said the technician who inspected them reported they had dry rot and that he looked at them and agreed. I looked at them, and they looked fine. I then had a state inspection, and no mention was made of any problems with the tires. Is it possible the 2-year-old tires are failing so soon?
A: You need to look at the date code on the tires. If the tires are falling apart and they are less than 4 years old, you should see a Michelin dealer in your area. The problem is, however, you did not buy the tires, they came with the car. The Michelin dealer may do something for customer satisfaction. If no help is given, I would stay away from Michelin tires.
Q: I have a 1997 F350 pickup with a 351 engine. I have replaced both exhaust manifolds four times, once on the driver's side, three times on the passenger's side, and this one cracked again. The converter is about 1 year old. Another problem is that I keep having power loss. The truck will run fine, then it's almost like I lose a few cylinders. It could last a minute or 10 to 15 minutes, hot or cold. Lately, it's a lot worse when it's wet out. I've checked codes, replaced MAF sensor on fire wall, cap, wires, plugs, rotor, fuel filter, TPS, coil. The truck has about 130,000 miles, and it's in good shape but has had a hard life. Any suggestions?
A: Everything you tell me leads to a lean mixture problem. Scanning the computer will show you have a lean condition when monitoring the long- and short-term fuel trim. The excess heat caused by the lean condition is the reason you are going through exhaust manifolds. A few things that could cause the lean condition are low fuel pressure and volume, an erroneous reading by the oxygen sensor that may be setting the fuel lean. A clogged fuel filter, a failing fuel pump, an in-tank fuel filter that is getting clogged or even an old fuel filter that is reducing the fuel flow.
Car Care Tip No. 1: When an oil change is performed on your car, be sure to ask the technician to look under the car for leaks.
Car Care Tip No. 2: If you use a canned tire inflator for an emergency flat, let the repair person know what you have done. It will help prevent personal injury.
Larry Rubenstein is a master technician who owns a North Shore service station. His column appears sporadically. Write to Larry at Gloucester Daily Times, c/o Auto Scanner, 36 Whittemore St., Gloucester, MA 01930, or send e-mail to scanauto@aol.com.
