I took the car over to my mechanic this morning. In his back alley. He's a friend.
He was going to change the oil and look for "death metal" in my oil filter. We didn't get that far. I suggested it might be the pcv valve. Yes, from youtube. S he pulled off the hose over it and sure enough, there's oil even hanging off the back end of its nipple.
Ah ha! I was actually very happy. That's the least of all the problems excessive oil consumption could be caused by.
I asked him also to check the wheels. I thought one of the bearings was bad. He has a nice hydraulic jack and easily jacked up each wheel to check. It was the front wheels that caught his ear though. There was friction when turning. Was it from the rotor? He thought at first the rotors were warped. They were certainly scored, although the brake pads are good. I listened too. There was play and clicking but it was from the front passenger side outer axle joint. I need a new front axle, maybe both sides. And two rotors, due to all the scoring on their surfaces.
Anyway, then I went to O'reilly's to get a pvc valve. They're cheap. But they have to order it. It will come later today. He has me written in for Tuesday to replace the axles and rotors. The rotors are easy and don't take long, but I don't know how long it takes for an axle.
I'm happy to know what is wrong and that it is quite fixable, all of it. Now I don't have to worry on the freeway when I know something isn't right in the drive train but I don't know what it is. That makes me uneasy.
I am so glad to read that the problems are fixable. And relatively cheap.
ReplyDeleteNot entirely cheap. Axle's aren't cheap parts but its sure cheaper than finding another car! And peace of mind now is priceless. I wasn't sure what was going on with the drive train, felt sometimes like a wheel might fall off, not sure why it felt that way. I've never had a failed axle joint before though, so it was new to me.
DeleteSound like great guy.
ReplyDeleteHe is a kind man, a veteran, issues like we all have, but honest as can be and a good mechanic.
DeleteYou're wise to take care of everything. Sometimes axle or bearing problems can lead to serious things when you're buzzing down the freeway.
ReplyDeleteI know my car really well, which is why I like to stick with it. I've never had a failing axle bearing before, so I didn't know what might be wrong, although I thought maybe a wheel bearing. I would not want to have a failure with cats aboard on the way to a clinic. It's been a great car and I've used it like a truck.
DeleteI too am glad that you will be able to get your car fixed and don't need a new one at this point.
ReplyDeleteMe too!!!
DeleteWhat a relief. You deserve better fortune, my dear. Oh, and I want to let you know that we adore our Chevy Volt. The battery range is 54 miles and it can be switched to run on gasolene. :D
ReplyDeletesounds wonderful and economical!
DeleteHow impressive that you were able to diagnose the PVC valve! Back alley mechanics are the best!
ReplyDeleteThanks. When something isn't working I'm immediately on youtube, looking for answers. I love youtube. I find the possible solutions and also hacks to do things less expensively and easier too. Those youtube DIY'ers are the best! Also I try to watch how things work videos constantly, to learn, so I can fix things when they go bad.
DeleteThanks to your diligence it sounds like your car will keep chugging along for a while.
ReplyDeleteI hope so, it goes in today, in about an hour.
DeleteOh, so relieved that it was the easiest one. That'll put your mind at ease, for sure.
ReplyDeleteWell, I'm hoping it is only that. Crossing fingers the replacement PCV will help immensely.
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