Low-mileage car fails inspection due to steering leak
Q: I am the original owner of a 2004 Nissan Sentra with only 40,000 miles. The car failed the New York state inspection because of a power steering fluid leak. I went to the dealership where I purchased the Sentra and they had to replace the power steering rack unit. The total cost was $964. Does the cost seem reasonable? Would a leaking power steering system cause an inspection failure?
Dominic A: A state inspection includes the safety of the vehicle. A power steering system with leaking issues classifies as a safety failure. The reason being that if the power steering fluid goes low enough you could lose power assist and lose control of the car, resulting in an accident. Secondly, the fluid leak could also present a fire hazard. The cost of the replacement is correct.
Q: I own a 1999 Chevy Colorado pickup. The gas gauge does not work properly. It goes to full when the key is turned off and to empty when the key is turned on. Why is the gas gauge showing inverted readings?
Fred A: Some GM vehicles have had problems with both the fuel sender and dash cluster. Vehicles built since 1996 have computers that can read what the fuel level is via a factory scan tool. And in your case with the Chevy, that would be with a Tech II tool. The factory scan tool has much more capability than generic multi-use scan tools. A technician with the factory scan tool can identify where the fault lies.
Q: I own a 1998 Lincoln Mark VIII with 76,000 miles. About nine months ago I hit a small bump in the road and the suspension changed. The car feels like there are no shocks. The ride is very hard and uncomfortable. I went to the dealer and they adjusted the suspension and said this is the best they could do. The ride is still very hard. We would like to keep the Lincoln, but cannot drive it like this. Can you help?
Gregory A: For your 1998 Lincoln, I would recommend converting the air suspension over to a regular coil-spring suspension system. There are a few companies that offer conversions. The cost of the conversion should run you about the same as what you would pay for an air suspension repair.
Q: I own a 1999 Lincoln Continental. The rear of the car sits too low. Are there any inexpensive options to make the repair?
Kari A: Your nine-year-old vehicle has an aging air suspension system. A simple inexpensive coil spring conversion is all you would need in order to bring the car back to normal condition.
Q: I own a Dodge Caravan with 140,000 miles. I have always changed the oil and filter every 3,000 miles and topped off the oil between changes using 10W30. I'm starting to hear some knocking noise after driving on the freeway. I assume this is from normal wear. Should I switch over to heavier oil?
Kris A: Yes, with the high mileage and the slight knocking sound, a switch to high mileage oil with a heavier viscosity would bring big benefits. However, make certain to use "high mileage oil" because it has a different combination of additives, and in most cases, reduces engine oil consumption without any side effects.
Junior Damato is an ASE-certified Master Technician. E-mail questions to info@motormatters.biz. Mail questions to: Auto Doctor, 3 Court Circle, Lakeville, Ma., 02347. Copyright 2008, Motor Matters. The Auto Doctor