Repair Topics / Car Tire

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Car Tires Questions and Answers

This category contains featured questions as examples. They relate to most vehicles.

Question: 1998 Mitsubishi Eclipse, mileage: 138,000. While I was changing my tire I cross-threaded a lug and broke off one stud. My question is on my model can the stud be knocked out and a new one pressed in or is it part of the axle like some similar cars.

Answer:   The wheel studs press out and press in from the opposite side.

Question: 1997 Dodge Caravan, mileage: 120,000.  How do I straighten out my wheel alignment?

Answer: This is not something you can do yourself; it takes technical equipment, which wheel alignment places have.

Question: 2002 Chrysler 300M, mileage: 95,000.  Get noticeable front "wheel wobble" after backing car down home driveway ramp to street where front wheels "bounce" in gutter while turned. "Straightens out" after one or two blocks.  Mechanics can't "see" anything, did brakes, checked 6,000 mi. tires.

Answer:   You probably have some worn front-end components, i.e. lower ball joints or tie rod ends.  An alignment service center should be able to check out your car and find the problem.

Question: 2002 Ford Mustang Colt, mileage: 75,000. It looks like the back wheels are locked up. Cannot drive backwards and driving forward produces smoke and loud squealing noises. Is this a problem with the brakes locking up or could it be the back axle?

Answer: Remove the rear wheels and brake drums and inspect. If ok, your could have a rear differential that has failed.

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