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Question: 1999 Oldsmobile Silhouette Premiere  mileage: 79,000. Both my brother and I have 1999 Olds Silhouette Premiere Vans. He lives in Virginia and I live in Florida. His Olds mechanic told him his rear tires had some coupling and it is happening because a rear-end alignment has NOT been performed. My mechanic today said I have some coupling in my rear tires but they are wearing evenly. He said our model only has a front-end alignment- NO REAR-END ALIGNMENT. I'm completely confused. I didn't think a rear-end alignment was necessary unless it has 4 wheel drive or AWD. Our vans do have traction control but I don't see how that would matter.

Answer: There is a way to adjust the rear alignment. It must be done with an aftermarket adjustable shim kit.

Question: 1997 Oldsmobile Silhouette  mileage: 148,000. If been having a problem with my minivan that at first appeared to be cv joint problems, at about 35-40 mph when accelerating the van vibrates a little and makes a knock or clonking sound but stops if I let off the accelerate or press down harder, I took it in to the shop but was told the cv joints were fine and possibly had torque converter problems. At the trans shop apparently after driving the vehicle I was told the would have to pull the trans and check it out the damage or repairs could be minimal but can run up to $1500. I wont say I don't trust the shop but the van really doesn't seem that bad to me and maybe I can do something to prolong the life of the transmission instead of spending so much at this time to fix it. Questions: do you think I need to get this check as soon as possible or can it wait? (2) My van has a computer that tells me when something is wrong and I haven't been alerted to any problems. (3) If need be what can I expect to pay for labor and rebuilding of my transmission (worst case)

Answer: With 148000 miles, if the CV joints or the transmission has not been replaced, your problem could be either one. Although you had the CV joints inspected and found them to be okay, we would suggest taking a real close look at the CV joints again as it sure sounds like CV problems to us.

Question:  1996 Oldsmobile Silhouette  mileage: 135,000.  We're in the UK running a number of American vehicles between us. We have a problem with the Olds at idle and low speed running in top gear.  It's a 3.1 3-speed auto and it appears to drop out 1 or 2 cylinders at idle.   We've done all the standard stuff and think we've eliminated ignition problems.  We also think we've traced it to cylinders at the belt end of the engine.  Certainly the front one and maybe the rear too.  If you allow the engine to idle, too long you get a fault code for rich exhaust presumably because the cylinders that are out are dumping fuel down the exhaust.  Then other notable symptom is when you drive on a light throttle, if the van gets into top gear below 2000 rpm the thing judders and shakes violently, again we assume this is because it's running on less than all six?  We did have a problem twice where the EGR valve jammed fully open which gave a very exaggerated version of similar symptoms but after cleaning and checking we think this is ok.  Any ideas - because we're really beaten so far?

Answer:  Assuming you have done a compression check and it is okay, then the next thing would be a new set of plug wires.  If this does not cure the problem, check to see that all of the injectors are working properly.

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Answer:    Normally an engine will “throw a rod” if it gets low on oil.  Just replacing gaskets should have nothing to do with your problem.  Whether or not it is the mechanic’s fault depends on which gasket was replaced and when the problem occurred.  If the oil pan gasket was the one replaced and the mechanic failed to refill the crankcase with oil, the engine would fail within a very short distance (under 2 miles).

Question: 1994 Oldsmobile Silhouette van  mileage: 144,000. When I make a turn through a puddle of water, the steering gets very stiff. Now, as I drive I can feel a shake in the steering wheel. Any ideas?

Answer:  Check the drive belt for the power steering pump. It may need replacing.

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