Answer: It is easier to replace a wheel bearing than to rebuild the transmission. Replace the drive axle first then go from there. at eAutoPartStore.com there are about $69.00

Question: 2002 Audi A4 Cabrio Quattro mileage: 40,000.  I am hearing a kind of humming noise coming from the back of the car sometimes.  After a while it gets really bad and the car starts to slow way down and you have to push the gas pedal all the way to the floor and the car stumbles for a while and then it starts running all right.  It seems like the fuel filter might be plugged up and if that is right, could you tell me where it is at.

Answer: Your stalling problem may be cause by the fuel pump.  Replacing it and the fuel filter should fix your problem.  The fuel filter should be located in the back by the gas tank.

Question: 2004 Hyundai Accent mileage: 50,000.  It has been making a bad whining or squeaking noise when I turn the steering wheel to turn, almost like "shrieking" We looked under the hood and my husband thinks that it has something to do with the pulley coming out of the side of the power steering pump, but he's no mechanic.  What do you think?

Answer: It sounds like you have a lose multi rib belt and/or a bad drive belt tensioner. Replace with new as needed to recheck system.

Question: 2006 Dodge 1500 Ram  mileage: 5,000   My left front wheel makes a noise as if it's rumbling when I turn left.  Occasionally a high pitch squeal accompanies it, but not all the time and that is generally heard when driving straight, not during the turning process.  The rumbling can be felt when the brakes are applied at a slow speed (i.e., inching forward at stop light) but there is no consistency, it doesn't happen all the time.   Once the rumbling starts, it continues through the left turn and then once the wheel was been straightened out for a while.  Any suggestions on what it could be?

Answer:   It sounds like the front brake pads are just getting broken in. Most brake pads have a break in period.

Question: 2002 BMW 325i Sedan mileage: 56,000.  I took my car to have the front brakes done.  When I got my car back, there was a noise, which I can't quite describe.  Best I can describe as squeaking/loose.  The noise gets louder especially when I make a turn or speed up.   It seems to originate from the passenger side of the car.  I took my car back to the mechanic.  He said he checked it over but could not find anything wrong with it.  I got a second opinion with the same result...HELP.

Answer:  Sometimes the repair shop that performs the repairs use sub standard parts (not OEM - original equipment manufacture) On higher end cars and trucks you have to use the best. You can find them at eAutoPartStore.com for less then you think.

Answer: It sounds like your thermostat maybe sticking which causes the engine to run hotter than normal.  Replace as soon as possible.

Question: 2002 Toyota Camry mileage: 50,000.  I recently had my front brakes repaired, replaced rotors and new pads, by a dealer.   Within a week, when I press the brake pedal, there is knocking that sounds like it comes from the front under carriage.  It stops when my foot is removed from the brake pedal and it stops at speeds above 50 mph.  Almost like a rotor is out of alignment.  It is not constant but when I push the brake pedal.  In addition, once I take my foot off the brake pedal, there is a light humming noise.  Any suggestions?

Answer:  It sounds like the brake rotors are having a warping issue, return to the dealer to explain the problem to repair as needed under warranty.

Question:   2000 Plymouth Neon mileage: 48,235.  Right after (my) break-in (approx. 2200 miles) period I took the car back to the dealer because I thought the engine was a little noisy.  They told me that the sounds the engine made were normal.   I really was not sure but I do know that different engines make different noises.  So, I let it ride.  A short time ago, the engine started making a VERY LOUD noise intermittently.  It only does it below 20 degrees f. and randomly intermittently.  When I first start the car it is fine for approximately 6 to 10 seconds, then it makes a noise like a REALLY LOOSE connecting rod bearing for approximately 5 to 10 seconds, then it goes away and may not reoccur for days.  Anybody have any ideas?  P.s. I am a motorcycle mechanic so I am somewhat familiar with the internal workings of the engine.

Answer: It sounds like you have a rod bearing that is starting to failed, disassemble to replace rod bearings as needed. Also you will, need a oil pan gasket to do the job.

Question: 2002 Chevrolet 1500 Silverado Z71 mileage: 34,000.  We bought a Chevy Silverado Z71 a couple of months ago; we noticed that we can hear it shifting from 2-3 on the up shift.  When we took it in the garage, we were told that this is normal for this transmission.  Something they called driveline clunk.  We also hear a clunk when the accelerated is pushed and then released real fast.

Answer: We are guessing that the universal joints in the driveline may need to be lubricated.   In addition, the differential may have excessive wear.

Question: 2003 Pontiac Grand Prix  Mileage: 40,000.   Bob and Ken: Just recently, I started noticing a noise emanating from the steering column every time I turn the wheel.  It sounds as if it is coming from the area where the steering wheel connects to the steering column.  The noise reminds me of a clicking egg timer, only the frequency of the "clicks" is determined by how quickly or slowly the wheel is turned.   Also, the noise remains constant regardless of the temperature or how long the car has been driven.  I am hoping you may have an idea as to what may be the cause of this problem and how I can go about taking care of it.  Thanks for your time and your advice.

Answer: Your noise is most likely coming from either the turn signal switch or the steering wheel lock pin has a problem. Disassemble to inspect replace broken parts replace as needed.

Question: 1992 Chrysler Caravan, mileage: 54,000.  Bought car from dealer at 37,000.  Front struts had already been replaced.  After 15,000 miles, developed a front end "clunk" at low speeds (10 - 15 mph) when passing over "dip" in pavement, or pulling up driveway apron (not as obvious when passing over a "bump").  Dealer checked and said sway bar links were worn and replaced same.  Noise still there.  Dealer then replaced front struts again.  "Clunk" still there!  Dealer acknowledges there's a clunk, but says he does not know what the problem is.  Now the steering feels a little "squirrelly" when pavement is wet.  Can this be a tie-rod going bad?  Dealer claims everything is "safe"; they said they even checked floor pan to see if it was a drumming noise.  I KNOW the clunking noise is there, and it wasn't there when the car was new (to me), or I wouldn't have bought it!

Answer:  Sounds like the sway bar links are bad, and need to be replaced.

Question: 2003 Ford Ranger mileage: 42,000.  Any time I step on the gas and make a demand on the engine the truck makes a lot of noise.   It sounds like a roar coming from an engine that is like a jet air plane.   I test-drove a truck with the very same eng.& trans.   To me it sounded a lot quieter.  The service man at Ford said that they could not find any thing wrong.  HELP

Answer:  The problem you describe is probably caused by the radiator fan clutch. Replace as needed to recheck system.

Question: 2004 Toyota 4x4 Tundra mileage: 28,000. I have a high-pitched metallic chattering coming from the front of my engine. It gets louder with Rpms and when the clutch is depressed, it quiets right up. It does not sound internal but sounds as if it is coming from the fan belt area. I originally thought it was the water pump and replaced it. Not so. It may be the fuel pump but I can't isolate it. Any suggestions?

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