Topic Wiki

List of mechanics that have been recommended by DDfers:

Brooklyn
Empire Auto Center
485 Utica Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11203
(718) 756-6050

https://maps.app.goo.gl/wh8Mei7zwZPLJKHQ6

Ashers Auto Repair
3901 16th Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11218
Phone: (347) 240-7921

Lakewood

Betzalel Brezner 845-558-5547

Kuntri
Bruce’s Garage, Liberty

Tools that AutoZone lends for free:
https://www.autozone.com/lp/loan-a-tool


Author Topic: Car Repairs Master Thread  (Read 177910 times)

Offline beeweegee

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Car Repairs Master Thread
« on: January 26, 2014, 06:51:54 PM »
I searched for a thread about car repairs, and didn't find anything, so I figured I'll start one.

I just had my timing belt and water pump replaced on my 2003 Hyundai Sonata. As I drove it home from the mechanic, I noticed a very rough idle, as well as poor acceleration. I did a little research online, and it seems that that is a common problem after replacing a timing belt if you are off by a tooth (in your timing). I obviously will take the car back to the mechanic tomorrow morning for him to adjust it, but in the meantime, can I drive the car? Will it damage the car in any way? I've driven a little so far, and it seems like it's okay, but I need to drive an hour away tonight, and want to make sure it's okay for the car.
Anyone know? Thanks!

Offline Super Speed

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Re: Car Repairs Master Thread
« Reply #1 on: January 26, 2014, 09:13:28 PM »
I searched for a thread about car repairs, and didn't find anything, so I figured I'll start one.

I just had my timing belt and water pump replaced on my 2003 Hyundai Sonata. As I drove it home from the mechanic, I noticed a very rough idle, as well as poor acceleration. I did a little research online, and it seems that that is a common problem after replacing a timing belt if you are off by a tooth (in your timing). I obviously will take the car back to the mechanic tomorrow morning for him to adjust it, but in the meantime, can I drive the car? Will it damage the car in any way? I've driven a little so far, and it seems like it's okay, but I need to drive an hour away tonight, and want to make sure it's okay for the car.
Anyone know? Thanks!
I guess the same way you did your first research you can do this as well! :D


Offline Aaaron

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Re: Car Repairs Master Thread
« Reply #2 on: January 26, 2014, 09:26:04 PM »
In short, yes, driving with the timing off can cause your pistons to grind on your valves.  Make sure you have the mechanic run a compression test after he corrects the timing.

Offline beeweegee

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Re: Car Repairs Master Thread
« Reply #3 on: January 27, 2014, 12:07:28 AM »
I guess the same way you did your first research you can do this as well! :D
I tried  :) Harder to find a clear answer to that one...

Offline beeweegee

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Re: Car Repairs Master Thread
« Reply #4 on: January 27, 2014, 12:09:57 AM »
In short, yes, driving with the timing off can cause your pistons to grind on your valves.  Make sure you have the mechanic run a compression test after he corrects the timing.
Okay, thanks. Even if the car seems to be more or less behaving?

Offline Twin

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Re: Car Repairs Master Thread
« Reply #5 on: January 27, 2014, 02:52:09 AM »
I have a 2001 car and the fan/heat won't turn on when it's really cold outside. I think it has its moods but realize that if it's really cold outside it won't work. 

Offline smee123

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Re: Car Repairs Master Thread
« Reply #6 on: January 27, 2014, 08:30:26 AM »
I have a 2001 car and the fan/heat won't turn on when it's really cold outside. I think it has its moods but realize that if it's really cold outside it won't work.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Actuator thats what it was in our car

Offline fruma2113

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Re: Car Repairs Master Thread
« Reply #7 on: January 27, 2014, 10:19:20 AM »
I have a 2001 Ford Taurus that currently needs 2500-3000 in repairs- rear tires, rear struts, oil leak and anti freeze leak need fixing, and a new ABS pump- what are some things to consider when deciding to put in the work or look into leasing a new car? (I can't afford to buy a car)

Offline henche

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Re: Car Repairs Master Thread
« Reply #8 on: January 27, 2014, 10:21:56 AM »
I have a 2001 Ford Taurus that currently needs 2500-3000 in repairs- rear tires, rear struts, oil leak and anti freeze leak need fixing, and a new ABS pump- what are some things to consider when deciding to put in the work or look into leasing a new car? (I can't afford to buy a car)

That is very doubtfully worth it. What's the blue book value of the car after you fix it? Would you buy it for 3k--I wouldn't.

Take the 3k and either lease a car, or buy a newer used car.

Offline Super Speed

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Re: Car Repairs Master Thread
« Reply #9 on: January 27, 2014, 10:29:33 AM »
(I can't afford to buy a car)
Even with financing?


Offline henche

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Offline Sowhat

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Re: Car Repairs Master Thread
« Reply #11 on: January 27, 2014, 10:54:04 AM »
That is very doubtfully worth it. What's the blue book value of the car after you fix it? Would you buy it for 3k--I wouldn't.

Take the 3k and either lease a car, or buy a newer used car.

I think you need to consider this further.  After you invest the $3k, is the car ready to go?  If it is, you may be better off because any car that you buy for $3k, isn't going to fare much better.

Offline beeweegee

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Re: Car Repairs Master Thread
« Reply #12 on: January 27, 2014, 01:55:37 PM »
I have a 2001 Ford Taurus that currently needs 2500-3000 in repairs- rear tires, rear struts, oil leak and anti freeze leak need fixing, and a new ABS pump- what are some things to consider when deciding to put in the work or look into leasing a new car? (I can't afford to buy a car)
Who gave you that quote? Was it a professional mechanic? You can sometimes find a local guy who either is a starting mechanic or a yeshiva guy with a lot of free time who is very experienced with cars, but would charge a fraction of the price for the labor (which is generally the main expense).

Not to take away from the experience of real mechanics, as you can't compare a handy yeshiva guy to someone who has been doing this for years on hundreds or cars, but if money is tight, SOMETIMES this can be the way to go.

Online moko

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Re: Car Repairs Master Thread
« Reply #13 on: April 06, 2014, 08:12:55 PM »
I just changed my front brakes and rotors myself and found jacking up the car, putting it on jack stands, and removing the wheel were more work than actually swapping the brakes and rotors (total time 30 min)

Offline notanonymous

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Re: Car Repairs Master Thread
« Reply #14 on: April 06, 2014, 08:27:58 PM »
I just changed my front brakes and rotors myself and found jacking up the car, putting it on jack stands, and removing the wheel were more work than actually swapping the brakes and rotors (total time 30 min)
You should have used a hydraulic jack and impact drill.

Online moko

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Re: Car Repairs Master Thread
« Reply #15 on: April 06, 2014, 10:11:03 PM »
You should have used a hydraulic jack and impact drill.
I used a hydraulic jack but my impact drill wasn't powerful enough i think u need an air compressor. My lug nuts were stuck pretty hard

Offline notanonymous

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Re: Car Repairs Master Thread
« Reply #16 on: April 07, 2014, 02:07:28 AM »
I used a hydraulic jack but my impact drill wasn't powerful enough i think u need an air compressor. My lug nuts were stuck pretty hard
Breaker bar...you just need torque.

Offline notanonymous

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Re: Car Repairs Master Thread
« Reply #17 on: April 07, 2014, 02:08:13 AM »
Call chaverim next time
;-)

Offline yid

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Re: Car Repairs Master Thread
« Reply #18 on: April 07, 2014, 02:24:24 AM »
I have a 2001 Ford Taurus that currently needs 2500-3000 in repairs- rear tires, rear struts, oil leak and anti freeze leak need fixing, and a new ABS pump- what are some things to consider when deciding to put in the work or look into leasing a new car? (I can't afford to buy a car)
if you are in an adventurous mood then drive to the bronx and shop around for a cheap mechanic

Offline efflpetzel

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Re: Car Repairs Master Thread
« Reply #19 on: April 07, 2014, 08:26:10 AM »

if you are in an adventurous mood then drive to the bronx and shop around for a cheap mechanic
how would he know who's cheap & who's just ripping him off