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CAR TIPS |
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POWER STEERING SYSTEM noises usually come from a worn steering pump, bad fluid or air getting into the system. The fluid must be air free, or the pump will produce a humming or buzzing noise either all the time or just when turning. Old or contaminated power steering fluid can also cause pump noises, as can restricted hoses or hoses that allow air to be sucked into the return side. A loose belt will make a squeal when turning the steering wheel to full lock.
POWER STEERING SERVICE (flushing and replacing fluid) should be carried out every 30,000 miles for mostly city driving or 60,000 miles for mostly highway driving, regardless of time passage. Power steering fluid becomes contaminated and "worn out" through accumulation of hours of operation, not passage of time (like brake fluid). Flushing the old fluid out of the system will increase the service life of the steering gear as well as power steering pump and hoses, saving money down the road.
BELT DRESSING is at best, only a temporary fix for squealing belts; perfect only for used car lots. Belt dressing usually contains petroleum products as well as silicones and it usually causes more problems than it cures. The silicone can get sucked into the engine and ruin your oxygen sensor and leaves a slick coating on the pulleys that causes problems for the next belt. If a belt squeals, find the root cause, don't just dress the symptom.
BRAKE FLUID is very hydroscopic, it
absorbs the moisture out of the air like a sponge. When moisture mixes with
brake fluid it creates a caustic acid and lowers the fluid boiling point. The
acid will rust or corrode metal brake parts and dirt and debris that flakes off
can wreak havoc on the Anti-lock Brake System. A lower boiling point can result
in the moisture boiling off after heavy braking, especially on a very hot day
and creates air in the system which will cause diminished braking ability.
Brake systems should be flushed and refilled every 3 years on non ABS
systems and every 2 years with ABS. Never use brake fluid out of a container
that has been left open to the air for a long period. Be very careful to never
allow oil of any kind to get in the brake system as it will ruin all of the
rubber components in the brake system.
Integrity, Quality and Exceptional Service.
Wayne's Garage
27 E 27th in Eugene, Oregon
333 Q Street in
Springfield, Oregon
