|
|
|
Bob,
I own a 1990 Ford Escort with 56,000 miles. It has recently developed a thump that I feel in the floorboard, apparently coming from the front axle. It is especially noticeable when coasting. My dad (more of a car guy than I am) suggested that it might be the CV joints. I recently had the brakes replaced and mentioned it to the mechanic, but he said he wouldn't be able to tell anything without costly disassembly. Whaddya think?
Finally (this may win the award for stupid car questions), is there any fuel economy advantage to shifting into neutral to take advantage of the natural acceleration of a downward slope? (It DOES accelerate when not hindered by the gears.) Is there any structural damage caused by shifting back into DRIVE when traveling this fast?
Tim
Tim,
One quick and easy way to tell if the CV joints are bad is when you do a slow full wheel turn. If you hear any clicking in either direction, then the CV joints needs to be looked at. The next thing to look at would be the boots on the ends of the CV joints. If they are intact and not ripped or torn, then all should be okay. What you might want to look at would be the tires themselves. They might be out of balance causing the thumping that you feel...
As far as the transmission thing, if the car you are talking about has an automatic transmission, then it is not recommended to do this. You see, when you put the car in neutral, the pump stops circulating the fluid. This could lead to premature transmission failure.
Good Luck!
Drive Safely!
Bob, The Auto Answer Man
If you have a question for Bob send it to: AskBob@stretcher.com. He's able to answer many of them personally and we'll include the best questions in future issues of The Dollar Stretcher.
Take the Next Step
Sign up for our free weekly eNewsletter Surviving Tough Times.
Looking for an answer to a frugal living question? Click here to ask a Dollar Stretcher Stretchpert!
To subscribe, check the newsletters you wish to receive, enter your email address and then click Subscribe.
Each month one TDS reader will win $100 just for telling us your favorite time or money saving idea. It could be you!
Click here to share your idea.
Recent winners are:
- Michelle from NC
- Matt from CO
- Joan from CT
- Joanne in New York
|
Money problems? Struggling with credit card debt? What you need to know about bankruptcy? Trouble repaying student loans?
|
Copyright 1996 - 2012 "The Dollar Stretcher, Inc." All rights reserved unless specifically noted.
Contact the Dollar Stretcher at:
Dollar Stretcher
PO Box 14160
Bradenton FL 34280
Voice 941-761-7805
Fax 941-761-8301
"The Dollar Stretcher, Inc." does not assume responsibility for advice given. All advice should be weighed against your own abilities and circumstances and applied accordingly. It is up to the reader to determine if advice is safe and suitable for their own situation.
| About Us | Privacy Policy | Writer's Guidelines | Sponsorship | Media | Contact Us |
Dollar Stretcher Community
Forums
Blogs
Also In This Week's Issue
In The Dollar Stretcher Community
Reader Favorites
Newsletters
Email
Print
Contact Editor
RSS Feed
Share
Leave a Comment
