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05-18-2010, 04:30 PM | #1 |
Mad Scientist at Large
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: Portland, OR
Posts: 14,793
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Been having some trouble with the ride lately, and since my knowledge of car mechanics is somewhat less than quantum mechanics (now that'll show me what to study) I was thinking I could tap the collective wisdom of the Tank.
Make/Model '96 Plymouth Neon Symptoms Brakes squeak in wet weather, and feel a bit mushy. If you turn the wheel too hard left or right, or jam the accl, you feel resistance in the steering and you get this god-awful squealing sound. In most cases you can let off the steering and accl, and it'll go right, but in some cases it'll just stay like that until the engine goes off. If you wait awhile and restart, you'll find the squealing has stopped, but now the power steering is gone and you have to turn the car on pure arm muscle. Used to have a really stand-up guy at the dealership who'd fix the car properly, but the place closed down last year and the place that took over officially is as crooked as a political convention. Last time I was there they tried to convince me the air conditioner compressor was what caused the steering to go out, and they had to replace it, which I knew had to be BS. I didn't have a choice though, as they'd kept me waiting until Mon morning and I couldn't miss work. Right now I'm looking around for an honest mechanic (harder to find than clear Wraith in the wild) but I could use some advice in the meantime. Is this some major flaw with the power steering belt, or is it something a shot of WD-40 can fix? |
05-18-2010, 04:42 PM | #2 |
Hisstank.Com General
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: Connecticut
Posts: 9,031
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This is your first problem
The noise that it's making when you turn/mush brakes. I would say that it's the bearings on your car. Happened to a car of mine years ago, and had to have the quarter axles replaced :| I don't think your A/C compressor is going to cause problems with power steering. WTF, they might as well have tried to say your flux capaciter needs to be replaced....
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05-18-2010, 04:42 PM | #3 |
EQ-Viper
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: Canada
Posts: 4,343
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The guy at your dealership could be telling a half-truth about the AC compressor being part of the problem. The steering belt popping off the steering pump and AC unit (where it attaches) is a fairly common problem in older model Neons, from what I've heard.
But yeah, your best bet is to go find a mechanic you trust for a second opinion. EDIT: Also, if you can find it, this book can really help you get around the workings of your car. Last edited by zuludelta; 05-18-2010 at 04:46 PM.. |
05-18-2010, 04:44 PM | #4 |
Nipple Connoisseur
Join Date: May 2009
Location: Jacksonville, FL
Posts: 22,389
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Sound like the serpentine belt needs replacing dude. And as far as the brakes, you may just need a brake job. Sounds like those rotor may be a bit worn out. Hope that helps!
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05-18-2010, 04:46 PM | #5 |
Golden Grenadier
Join Date: May 2008
Location: Western New York
Posts: 16,594
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Quote:
^^^^^^^This. There is one belt to rule them all in that model car...and if it slips or a bearing on one of the pully are shot you'll have all sorts of problems. |
05-18-2010, 04:46 PM | #6 |
Banned
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: On the 50 Dollar Bill
Posts: 2,120
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I can't help you. I once poured oil into the windshield fluid container.
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05-18-2010, 04:50 PM | #7 |
Crimson Guard
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: Sol System
Posts: 2,433
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Quote:
Check your brake fluid for the "mushy brake" issue. That or take the tire off and see if you can tell how much pad is left on the brakes. If the brakes are worn low you should be able to change them yourself for around $20. If the rotors are grooved out you might be able to take them to O'Reilly's to have them "turned" depending on how bad they are. Last edited by Brcall; 05-18-2010 at 04:55 PM.. |
05-18-2010, 04:51 PM | #8 |
endlesssummerofthedamned
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Midway, PA
Posts: 3,773
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Does this have serpentine or individual belts? If the belt is worn/glazed or loose, it will squeal, especially when wet. The bearings in the pump pulley could be the problem also, if they are deciding to go. Assuming the fluid level is correct and bled properly, I'd check the condition of the belt and listen closely to the squealing - does it sound like the belt, or is there a metallic grinding beneath that could indicate the bearings?
It's hard to determine the problem from a description, because there are so many things it could be, and need to be eliminated out one by one. Hope this helps.
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05-18-2010, 04:53 PM | #9 |
Crimson Guard
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: Texas
Posts: 2,007
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Quote:
that happened to my truck as well. had to replace the upper and lower ball joints.
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05-18-2010, 04:53 PM | #10 |
Mad Scientist at Large
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: Portland, OR
Posts: 14,793
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I know, I wanted to buy my nephew's Honda Civic. It only had 300,000 miles on it (stop laughing, for a Civic that's nothing), but the pillock went and crashed it, so I had to settle for a hand-me-down from my mom (and like my mom, it's a bit arthritic).
Exploring options, but if I can keep the Neon running on the cheap then it'll keep me from selling Joes. >.> |
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