Problem Reports

The engine wiring can degrade because the insulating material falls off leaving the bare wire exposed. This can cause many problems depending on which wires are exposed and what they touch.

Due to wear of mechanical parts in the control head, the buttons on temperature control assemblies work erratically or not at all. These control heads need to be replaced for this concern or when the display screen starts to fade out.

The tie rod ends, idler arm, and/or drag link components of the steering linkage may wear prematurely. Please keep in mind the wheel alignment should be checked and adjusted when any of these items are replaced.

Due to wear of the internal drive gear, the speedometer can stop working.

The lenses for head lights may become opaque (cloudy or hazy) as a result of sun exposure. This can reduce the effectiveness of the lights. Our technicians tell us plastic polishes can improve the clarity of the lenses, but replacement of the lamp housings is necessary to regain full intensity of the lights.

High mileage vehicles may develop a transmission fluid leak from one or more of the oil seals.

 

The emissions air injection pump can seize, causing a loud squealing noise followed by smoke from the drive belt. If the engine is not turned off, the belt will break, turning on the alternator/battery warning light.

The lower control arm bushings can wear and crack, leading to irregular and premature tire wear. Worn Ball joints can also cause similar tire wear problems. I some cases it may be necessary to replace the lower control arm, including bushings & ball joint to correct this concern.

A worn steering dampening shock can cause a fluid leak at the front of the vehicle. If a leak is noted from the dampening shock, our technicians tell us that it should be replaced.

A knocking noise from the front end can be caused by cracked strut tower bushings.

Vehicles with automatic level control that ride harshly in the rear (no give in the suspension) may have one or both dampening actuators which have failed. It is commonly recommended the actuators be replaced in pairs.

The sunroof may not work correctly due to failed components as a result of age and wear. Repairing a sunroof can be labor intensive and very costly.

Due to age and sun exposure, the interior wood trim cracks and the finish gets a cloudy haze. Replacement if the trim would be the most common solution to the problem.

The brakes may begin to squeak at about the 50 percent wear point. This is due to the size and material used for the brake pads and rotors.  The brake rotor surfaces become uneven, causing a lip to form at the outer edge. This will generally require replacement of the rotors when the pads are worn (pad life varies depending on driving style and terrain).

A vibration felt through the center floor of the vehicle can be caused by cracked and/or shredded driveshaft flex discs, resulting in excessive driveshaft movement. If not repaired, damage to the driveshaft center support bearing, transmission, or differential can occur.