The difference between aligning and balancing wheels
Q . OK, so here’s a silly question. I know the difference between aligning and balancing the wheels, but what always confuses me is, should I do one or both when my tires are rotated?
A. No silly questions, balancing tires gives the car a smooth ride with no vibrations. Alignment keeps the wheels straight and minimizes tire wear and can improve handling. If the tires are wearing smoothly and the car is free of any vibrations at highway speed, neither may be needed. In my own vehicles, I will usually have the alignment checked if it has been a practically bad pothole season. I will have the tires balanced if I feel a vibration. So, the answer is if all seems good, just rotate the tires.
Q. I have a 2011 128i BMW with 60,000 miles on it and keep it immaculate. I average 4,200 miles a year. Last year I heard a noise in my steering wheel like a squishy sound and brought it to BMW, which put a clockspring in and sent me on my way. Within two minutes the noise was back. I brought it back to be told it was lubed and now good. Again, same thing, after the third time they gave me a loaner and had it for 14 days. Again, same noise. I was told after seven visits the car with 60,000 miles was supposed to make that noise. Since then, five other mechanics looked at it I was told it is the steering rack, the steering column, and now a gimbal boot. I don’t even know if the car is safe to drive. I’ve spent more than I should have, but the noise is beyond annoying. Short of an exorcism, any ideas?
A. I have a couple of thoughts. None of those thoughts are the noise is normal. If the noise is going over bumps, replace the sway bars bushings. BMW a few years back came out with an improved part to solve a squeak/squawk noise. Looking at the steering shaft diagram, there is a shield (perhaps a gimbal boot) that also could be causing a noise. As for the car being safe to drive, I would think after seven or more repair shop visits, if there was a worn part that would affect safety it would have been discovered. I would demonstrate the noise to the shop and only pay for a repair after a thorough road test with a mechanic to make sure the noise is gone. If that doesn’t work, then maybe contact Ghostbusters.
Q. I want to clean the inside of the rear window on my car. My car’s owner’s manual (you always say check the manual) says don’t clean with any window cleaner. What should I use?
A. Curious not sure why it would say not to use window cleaner, unless the manufacturer is worried about too much liquid or scratching the rear window defroster grid. I would use SprayWay or Invisible Glass window cleaner. In this case, I would use a microfiber cloth and spray the cloth to avoid oversaturation.
Q. My 2014 Toyota Avalon came with Michelins, and ‘ve had several different brands since, Toyo, Yokohama, and Bridgestone. Could you recommend a good brand, not Michelin (wasn’t happy with the ride), that would serve me well for the next 40,000 miles?
A. Most tires are pretty good these days, but some are better than others. Two I would look at are Goodyear Assurance and a little cheaper, but still good are the Kumho Majesty 9 Solus. Looking at several sources both have excellent ratings and long tread life.
Q. I have a 2013 Ford Escape and the remote start doesn’t work after AAA replaced the battery. Why did this happen?
A. When AAA Road service replaces a battery, our roadside technicians use memory-saving techniques to keep any setting. These settings include radio presets, alarm setting and engine drivability. Chances are when the battery failed, the voltage was so low, the remote start lost its programming.
Q. Would you recommend replacing the rotors when doing the brakes versus having them machined either on the car or on a lathe?
A. There was a time when brake rotors had plenty of extra material and machining was the most efficient way to
restore brake function. Now brake rotors are thinner and when resurfaced tend to go out of round sooner. To me, spending money on brake rotors when replacing brake pads is money well spent.
Q. After reading your column, I’m still wondering about changing fluids, not just topping off. Don’t spark plugs need changing at some point? What about fuel injectors?
A. You are correct some fluids need changing on a regular basis, but if they can’t be changed due to time, money or other reasons, at least keep all fluids full. Yes, spark plugs last anywhere from 35,000 to 100,000 miles depending on the vehicle. Other items such as timing belts have specific repair/replace intervals. The best advice is to follow the vehicle owner’s manual.
Fuel injectors are not something that need periodic replacement but can benefit from TopTier fuel or a quality fuel additive. Readers, if you have specific questions about your car, just email me (jpaul@aaanortheast.com) your question with the year make and model and I will try to help.
Q . I have a problem with my 2012 Ford Explorer and need some help to hopefully solve my problem. The backup camera is extremely hazy when viewed and just plain useless. I’ve wiped away any dirt that might be on the exterior lens but that accomplishes nothing. Any suggestions as to what I can do to restore it so it can be used? The car has over 220,000
miles and runs extremely well, except for this vexing problem.
A
. More than likely the lens on the camera is deteriorated from 220,000 miles of road debris. You can purchase a new camera online from $60-$100 and the repair is pretty straightforward and can be accomplished in less than an hour.