The Car Thread ... !

[MatthewLTL]

It looks like Bunn beat me to this. I had a suspicion the caliper could have been seized. That's strange though that the car did not pull to one side. Seized calipers can be very dangerous.

Pads are shot. Rotors very well be too. Honestly I'd do them while you're in there. If they're original you're probably nearing the point of replacing them anyways, especially on the front.

Rotors are actually not original, they haven't been original since 2001. The rotors were factory warped and the pads were factory-junk. I have no clue if the current rotors are OEM or not though (how would you know?).

Historically speaking transverse would be considered "abnormal". FWD is a *relatively* new development but now pretty mainstream. Generally speaking, trucks and truck based SUVs have longitudinal engines, along with RWD sedans, which these days is primarily sports sedans. Cars and car based SUVs go with the fwd/transverse setup.

You'll probably need some metric sockets if you don't have them. You might need a brake key (basically a large Allen wrench fitting), and maybe a brake caliper tool to remove the calipers (draws back Pistons).

The entire car is metric, I also have to replace the valve cover gasket which is held on by atleast a dozen of 10mm bolts. i do have allen wrenches. Being that it's the Driver's side caliper that is what i will replace. Spark Plugs, wires, valve cover gasket, brake pads, caliper and a rotor (possibly) will cost enough as it is. That is assuming I can even GET my grandpa to pay for it.

 

[MatthewLTL]

I've always used a couple of 2x4s and a C-clamp, but a dedicated tool would likely make the job a LOT easier.

Some have even used just a C clamp or even a screw driver and a hammer..

 

[A.Goldberg]

Rotors are actually not original, they haven't been original since 2001. The rotors were factory warped and the pads were factory-junk. I have no clue if the current rotors are OEM or not though (how would you know?).


The entire car is metric, I also have to replace the valve cover gasket which is held on by atleast a dozen of 10mm bolts. i do have allen wrenches. Being that it's the Driver's side caliper that is what i will replace. Spark Plugs, wires, valve cover gasket, brake pads, caliper and a rotor (possibly) will cost enough as it is. That is assuming I can even GET my grandpa to pay for it.

Well considering your car is a 2000 or 2001 and the replacement brake parts are 2001, it's quite negligible, assuming 45,000 miles weren't put on the car in-between that time. I suspect your rotors are probably ruined from the seized calipers. Usually seized rotors will cause rotor damage, especially if the car has been driven with the seized caliper, which it sounds like it has been. I imagine you burt your way all the way through the pads down to the rotor unfortunately. If not scored, you'll likely have warpage from the excessive heat.

Brake keys tend to be much larger in diameter than allen wrenches, we're talking ~8mm size usually, that's nearly 1cm or 1/3 of an inch. That won't be found in your standard allen wrench set.

I just a quick google for you... this is what you need to do the brake pads.
http://www.daewooclub.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?tid=4988
They're suggesting a 7mm brake key, 19mm socket, and some other odds and ends.

 

[A.Goldberg]

Also note, brake keys are usually "allen bits" meaning they attach to a socket wrench. I'm not sure a conventional allen wrench will provide adequate leverage and stability.

They're pretty cheap though:
http://www.homedepot.com/p/Husky-3-8-in-Drive-7-mm-Hex-Bit-Socket-H3DHBS7MM/202913543

 

[Cnasty]

Anyone here own a Jeep Renegade or Jeep Cherokee? In line for a new SUV for the family and dont want to pay Grand Cherokee pricing but love the form factor of these 2 vehicles and was looking for real world thoughts.

Thanks

 

[AustinIllini]

Anyone here own a Jeep Renegade or Jeep Cherokee? In line for a new SUV for the family and dont want to pay Grand Cherokee pricing but love the form factor of these 2 vehicles and was looking for real world thoughts.

Thanks

The interior on the new Cherokee is the best in its class. The problem is, reliability is a mess for the new ones. You'll pay a lot more in repairs than you should for a car in this class. I would look for the Subaru Forester (standard awd), Honda CR-V (best in class), or the Ford Escape instead.

 

[Cnasty]

The interior on the new Cherokee is the best in its class. The problem is, reliability is a mess for the new ones. You'll pay a lot more in repairs than you should for a car in this class. I would look for the Subaru Forester (standard awd), Honda CR-V (best in class), or the Ford Escape instead.

But those other models you mentioned are just so ugly IMO. I love the look of the Renegade in a Limited model. I prefer the Grand Cherokee over the Cherokee but they are pretty pricey. The CRV is alright, the Escape slightly better. They also seem a lot smaller than the Cherokee and more in line with the Renegade.

I havent seen those reliability reports you are mentioning. Can you share? Thank you

 

[AustinIllini]

But those other models you mentioned are just so ugly IMO. I love the look of the Renegade in a Limited model. I prefer the Grand Cherokee over the Cherokee but they are pretty pricey. The CRV is alright, the Escape slightly better. They also seem a lot smaller than the Cherokee and more in line with the Renegade.

I havent seen those reliability reports you are mentioning. Can you share? Thank you

The ZF nine speed auto is terrible in the jeep. I believe it has been recalled twice in the Cherokee alone.

 

[A.Goldberg]

Anyone here own a Jeep Renegade or Jeep Cherokee? In line for a new SUV for the family and dont want to pay Grand Cherokee pricing but love the form factor of these 2 vehicles and was looking for real world thoughts.

Thanks

I've been hoping to get a Grand Cherokee diesel someday soon. The price is pretty heavy though. The new Cherokee is pretty nice, the styling is funky, but aside from reliability issues everyone I know that has purchased one loves it (though all 4 people I know have had major problems). I saw the new Renegade a month ago in person. I'm not too impressed. I'd stick with the Cherokee if you're going the Jeep route, but honestly, depending on your needs, I think there are better options out there.

Edit: Two had transmission issues, one had the front diff explode, another had major electrical issues. 2 of them actually had other "minor" electrical problems that had to be sorted out. I'd stay away personally.

 

[Cnasty]

Edit: Two had transmission issues, one had the front diff explode, another had major electrical issues. 2 of them actually had other "minor" electrical problems that had to be sorted out. I'd stay away personally.

Wow,I thought I looked in a lot of good spots for research but seems I may have missed this but your real world data is even more important. Thanks for that.

I love the look, price, and offering the Renegade brings. Its that little urban SUV with a little edge to it, enough room for my small family, and looks fun as hell to drive. I prefe the styling offerings of it over the Soul, Juke, and others. Just wary of buying a new line with no history and other feedback to go on.

 

[A.Goldberg]

Wow,I thought I looked in a lot of good spots for research but seems I may have missed this but your real world data is even more important. Thanks for that.

I love the look, price, and offering the Renegade brings. Its that little urban SUV with a little edge to it, enough room for my small family, and looks fun as hell to drive. I prefe the styling offerings of it over the Soul, Juke, and others. Just wary of buying a new line with no history and other feedback to go on.

I'd just be very weary of the drivetrain issues. My sister recently looked at nearly all of the small SUVs. Her last car was an 07 Grand Cherokee. The final option came down to the Rav4 and Forester. The Jeeps reliability was too much in question to buy another, especially after dismal reliability with the 07 GC. The Rav4 ended up having a nicer interior and better value for the money. The Forester on the other hand has a better AWD system and the quicker turbo. The Rav4 is limited to the 2.5L. It's a great car, has decent power, super luxurious for something of its class.

The CRV was disliked because of its soccer mom look/feel, though its not a bad car. The Rogue was too big and ugly. There were a few other options, but generally all the mainstream compact SUV's are very competitive with each other. They're a huge part of the market right now. The cool part about the JC is that you can get a low range transfer case, probably not something you need, but an option no one else offers in the class.

The Renegade, particularly the cheaper models, have a pretty hideous cloth interior. Furthermore, the "SINCE 1941" embossed into the dashboard ins't a good look. It's trying to mix classic american ruggedness with a modern, italian-inspired interior. They're also very, very small.

 

[venomgt95]

I saw this Vintage Mini in my town last Friday

 

[Cnasty]

I'd just be very weary of the drivetrain issues. My sister recently looked at nearly all of the small SUVs. Her last car was an 07 Grand Cherokee. The final option came down to the Rav4 and Forester. The Jeeps reliability was too much in question to buy another, especially after dismal reliability with the 07 GC. The Rav4 ended up having a nicer interior and better value for the money. The Forester on the other hand has a better AWD system and the quicker turbo. The Rav4 is limited to the 2.5L. It's a great car, has decent power, super luxurious for something of its class.

The CRV was disliked because of its soccer mom look/feel, though its not a bad car. The Rogue was too big and ugly. There were a few other options, but generally all the mainstream compact SUV's are very competitive with each other. They're a huge part of the market right now. The cool part about the JC is that you can get a low range transfer case, probably not something you need, but an option no one else offers in the class.

The Renegade, particularly the cheaper models, have a pretty hideous cloth interior. Furthermore, the "SINCE 1941" embossed into the dashboard ins't a good look. It's trying to mix classic american ruggedness with a modern, italian-inspired interior. They're also very, very small.

Thank you for this feedback. Reason I am leaning more to Dodge/Jeep is that I have a very good connection at a dealership that is family so I have bought my last 4 cars from there (Dodge Ram, love it, Dodge Charger,enjoying it but need a bigger car for growing family). So my options for an SUV/Small SUV are Dodge,Jeep, Ford, and Chevy.

I prefer to stick with him versus venturing out elsewhere just because of the amazing customer service and always great deal but it does limit my options.

 

[A.Goldberg]

Thank you for this feedback. Reason I am leaning more to Dodge/Jeep is that I have a very good connection at a dealership that is family so I have bought my last 4 cars from there (Dodge Ram, love it, Dodge Charger,enjoying it but need a bigger car for growing family). So my options for an SUV/Small SUV are Dodge,Jeep, Ford, and Chevy.

I prefer to stick with him versus venturing out elsewhere just because of the amazing customer service and always great deal but it does limit my options.

I understand that. My parents good friends own a dealership chain so in the past they've purchased the majority of their vehicles from them. Luckily they have a pretty diverse selection of dealers.

 

[MatthewLTL]

Well considering your car is a 2000 or 2001 and the replacement brake parts are 2001, it's quite negligible, assuming 45,000 miles weren't put on the car in-between that time. I suspect your rotors are probably ruined from the seized calipers. Usually seized rotors will cause rotor damage, especially if the car has been driven with the seized caliper, which it sounds like it has been. I imagine you burt your way all the way through the pads down to the rotor unfortunately. If not scored, you'll likely have warpage from the excessive heat.

Brake keys tend to be much larger in diameter than allen wrenches, we're talking ~8mm size usually, that's nearly 1cm or 1/3 of an inch. That won't be found in your standard allen wrench set.

I just a quick google for you... this is what you need to do the brake pads.
http://www.daewooclub.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?tid=4988
They're suggesting a 7mm brake key, 19mm socket, and some other odds and ends.

This will be the 5th time the brakes have needed work. I have no memory of when the rotors were last done. This will be the 3rd time the capilers have been replaced.
I discussed what happened with my grandpa, I even told him that I need to do the valve cover gasket too. He said "we'll be taking it in let him (the mechanic) take care of it.
So It will stay parked and not be driven until it gets fixed (hopefully i don't blow the brakes out as i limp it to the shop).

Here is what I'll have the mechanic do:
Replace the Driver's side caliper, pads and rotor if needed.
Replace the Timing Belt and Camshaft Position Sensor.
Replace the Valve Cover Gasket
Flush the Power Steering System.
Replace the Fuel Filter (if needed)
Install the 2 new used tyres on the front
Check the suspension to see what needs work on it.
Have 2 vacuum hoses replaced.

I can do the plugs myself and unless it is suggested by the mechanic and my grandpa says to have them done, I will do them myself (at this point I have no clue if the car needs it)

EDIT: My guess is that this'll be another $1000 job

 

[A.Goldberg]

This will be the 5th time the brakes have needed work. I have no memory of when the rotors were last done. This will be the 3rd time the capilers have been replaced.
I discussed what happened with my grandpa, I even told him that I need to do the valve cover gasket too. He said "we'll be taking it in let him (the mechanic) take care of it.
So It will stay parked and not be driven until it gets fixed (hopefully i don't blow the brakes out as i limp it to the shop).

Here is what I'll have the mechanic do:
Replace the Driver's side caliper, pads and rotor if needed.
Replace the Timing Belt and Camshaft Position Sensor.
Replace the Valve Cover Gasket
Flush the Power Steering System.
Replace the Fuel Filter (if needed)
Install the 2 new used tyres on the front
Check the suspension to see what needs work on it.
Have 2 vacuum hoses replaced.

I can do the plugs myself and unless it is suggested by the mechanic and my grandpa says to have them done, I will do them myself (at this point I have no clue if the car needs it)

EDIT: My guess is that this'll be another $1000 job

You should not drive with a seized caliper. Just get it towed. It's not worth risking doing more damage to the car. Towing might cost some money but may cost less than the potential damage you might incur. If you're cruising along and the brake seizes completely, you might have some major problems.

Valve gasket covers generally are quite easy, depending on how complicated the intake manifold is usually. If they're in there doing the other work, they might as well do it.

You replace brakes on each axel, not side to side. No responsible mechanic will fix just one side.

 

[808?]

I saw this Vintage Mini in my town last Friday

Right hand drive on a Michigan plate?

 

[MatthewLTL]

I saw this Vintage Mini in my town last Friday

why would they put the MI plate OVER the euro plate? y not just remove the plate in the back?

You should not drive with a seized caliper. Just get it towed. It's not worth risking doing more damage to the car. Towing might cost some money but may cost less than the potential damage you might incur. If you're cruising along and the brake seizes completely, you might have some major problems.

Valve gasket covers generally are quite easy, depending on how complicated the intake manifold is usually. If they're in there doing the other work, they might as well do it.

You replace brakes on each axel, not side to side. No responsible mechanic will fix just one side.

I have been driving it for 3 years on a bad caliper, other than the brakes blowing out or the tyre blowing I aint sure what else can happen. (Perhaps the smoking happened because i had it running with no IAC plugged in?)

 

[AustinIllini]

why would they put the MI plate OVER the euro plate? y not just remove the plate in the back?

Probably doesn't look right. I dunno.

 

[A.Goldberg]

why would they put the MI plate OVER the euro plate? y not just remove the plate in the back?


I have been driving it for 3 years on a bad caliper, other than the brakes blowing out or the tyre blowing I aint sure what else can happen. (Perhaps the smoking happened because i had it running with no IAC plugged in?)

Was the tire that blew the tire on seized caliper? Uneven tire wear for one thing, I'm sure your rotors are toast. Had you addressed the issue in the first place your chances of rotor issues would be far less. Rotors are not cheap to replace either. From a safety standpoint you won't be able to control your car as well. They have been known to start a fire. Excessive heat can screw your wheel bearings. Screwed wheel bearings probably means new hubs with most cars these days ($$$) and the potential of your single wheel completely locking up while driving.

I suspect your repair bill on this car just for the items you mentioned far exceeds its value at this point to be honest. Even assuming cheap parts and average 3rd party labor costs. That's taking just assuming your list of items.

 

[MatthewLTL]

Was the tire that blew the tire on seized caliper? Uneven tire wear for one thing, I'm sure your rotors are toast. Had you addressed the issue in the first place your chances of rotor issues would be far less. Rotors are not cheap to replace either. From a safety standpoint you won't be able to control your car as well. They have been known to start a fire. Excessive heat can screw your wheel bearings. Screwed wheel bearings probably means new hubs with most cars these days ($$$) and the potential of your single wheel completely locking up while driving.

I suspect your repair bill on this car just for the items you mentioned far exceeds its value at this point to be honest. Even assuming cheap parts and average 3rd party labor costs. That's taking just assuming your list of items.

As I stated in a previous post this brake problem was mechanic negligence. Spent over $1000 in the brakes after they blew in march 2013. Told them the caliper was seized, I even rushed it in when i literally couldn't go above 15MPH on the highway (had the pedal to the floor it literally wouldn't go past 15). they claimed it was the hose so they replaced the hose, problem went away and came back several months later.

EDIT: the tyre DIDN'T blow. That was a example. any way to just disable the driver front brake? (just to make it safe to drive to the shop)?

 

[venomgt95]

Right hand drive on a Michigan plate?

Yep. Right Hand drive. Ive also seen an old Citroen Ami 6 in the same spot.

 

[MatthewLTL]

Taking into account of what A.Goldberg said, I am looking at a local (ish) dealer, I have my eye on a 1988 Chrysler Lebaron Convertible. here is the specs:

1. Model: 1988 Chrysler Lebaron Convertible Leather Loaded
2. Type: Convertible
3. Mileage: 129,000
4. Transmission: Automatic
5. Passengers: 4
6. Exterior Color: White
7. Interior Color: Red Leather
8. Engine Size: 2.2L Turbo
9. Fuel Type: Gas
10. Cylinders: 4
11. Drive: Front Wheel Drive

1. A/V/Entertainment/Phone: AM/FM Cassette
2. AC/Heat: A/C
3. Convenience Items: Carpet, Clock, Console, Cruise Control, Floor Console, Guage Cluster, Intermittent Wipers, Power Door Locks, Power Mirror(s), Tachometer, Trip Odometer, Trunk Access
4. Doors, Glass, Roof, Mirrors: Convertible Soft Top, Power Windows, Rear Defrost
5. Drivetrain: Front Wheel Drive
6. Engine, Fuel: 4 Cylinder Engine, Gasoline Fuel, Turbocharged
7. Mechanical: Front Disc/Rear Drum Brakes, Power Brakes, Power Steering
8. Seating: Arm Rest w/Storage, Bucket Seats, Leather Seats, Rear Bench Seat
9. Transmission: A/T
10. Wheels/Tires: Alloy Wheels, Aluminum Wheels, Radial Tires

I would obviously install my Daewoo's CD Player inside this thing.

 

[A.Goldberg]

As I stated in a previous post this brake problem was mechanic negligence. Spent over $1000 in the brakes after they blew in march 2013. Told them the caliper was seized, I even rushed it in when i literally couldn't go above 15MPH on the highway (had the pedal to the floor it literally wouldn't go past 15). they claimed it was the hose so they replaced the hose, problem went away and came back several months later.

EDIT: the tyre DIDN'T blow. That was a example. any way to just disable the driver front brake? (just to make it safe to drive to the shop)?

It doesn't really matter how the problem occurred, it sounds like the mechanic was incompetent. I would not continue to use them in the future if they cannot diagnose a problem like that. You honestly should have sought out an answer. You might try to unseize the caliper (google it), but I suspect after years that might be difficult. If the tire on the affected wheel is the one that needs replacing, that is probably why. I'm not sure if you disable a single brake- not a smart idea though maybe smarter than driving with a seized caliper.

Chrysler Lebaron? Always makes me think of "Dark Fantasy" by Kanye West- "I saw the devil in a Chrysler LeBaron". Interesting choice

 

[yg17]

1998 LeBaron? You'd be trading in one money pit for another.