Leaking Power Steering Pump

Dear Dr. Jim
 
MY POWERSTEERING HAS A HUGE LEAK. AND IVE BEEN FILLING IT AND KEPT DRIVING. IT STOPPED WORKING AND IS STILL Hard TO turn.
 
I was driving this morning and my car started making this squealing noise like the belt was squealing. Then it started to smoke and it still drives but I am not sure what is wrong with my Pontiac Grand Prix GT 2000, 3.8L.
 
Heather in Vegas Town

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Dear Heather
 
I am sorry to hear this, about the squealing and smoking.  Right away the squealing says that your power steering pump has frozen up.  Probably caused by driving your car when the pump is empty of oil.
 
The smoking is bad, bad.  Next your belt will break because of the friction that also caused the squealing.  By this time it probably has already broken and you were forced to get another power steering pump and a new belt. 
 
A suggestion about replacements.  First, always buy a new belt.  It will last a long time if nothing gets dry and freezes, causing belt friction when it slips.
 
Next though, you have three choices about finding a pump replacement.  Most times the ones you will get either from (1) the dealer or (2) an auto parts place will be a rebuilt pump.   This is perfectly okay, possibly better than the factory new pump.
 
Your third place (3) is from a 'junk yard', more likely called a "Used Auto Parts" business.  I like to find one still in the car as then I will better be able to evaluate its quality.   Try to find one that has recently been replaced.  Those won't be as greasy and messy as the older original ones. 

If you find one very recently replaced then probably the belt had also been replaced at that time and it will be almost as good as new.  This third option WILL BE A LOT CHEAPER, perhaps 1/4 to 1/3 of the rebuilt price.

Also negotiate with the junk yard that the pump should work and if it doesn't you will be allowed to find another one there or get a refund.

The sales person for every option here will want your old pump returned so it can be rebuilt.  If you haven't taken it off yet and can't bring it in right then they will charge you a CORE CHARGE.  That charge will be refunded to you when you get your old pump to the sales place.

I put a rebuild automatic transmission in my 1987 Chevy Tahoe pickup and it lasted longer than the original, still was going when I sold the truck.  I paid $50 for the transmission and $50 to a mechanic for labor of putting it in my truck.  Replacing it at the dealer would have cost me over $1500 for a rebuilt transmission job.  Prices are higher now than back in the late 1990's.

I hope this helps,

Dr. Jim
 
BTW, any time a car is leaking fluid you should find out the cause and have it corrected as soon as practical.  Often driving a car low in fluids can end up costing MUCH MORE than just fixing the leak. 

If it leaks or runs low on motor oil it could ruin the engine and you would have to buy a replacement using my three options that I gave for the water pump. 

YES, you can even buy a used engine at the 'junk yard'.  Same goes for most any replacement part.

So, keep on keep'n on, and till then, "Please ask your question or leave your comment now!" (Just ask me and you will remain anonymous)

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Wanted: Gift Suggestions for Shade Tree Mechanics

Dear Dr. Jim

I am writing you for some suggestions for Christmas and birthday presents.

What I have in mind would be items that shade tree mechanics might be needing to keep the family car in good shape.

They fix my car too, Ima Goode, Indiana resident

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Dear Ima,

There are over ten thousand nice items in various auto parts stores and catalogs.  I would recommend without blushing NAPA Auto Parts stores.  There probably is one near you, we have three close by located in three different towns in three directions from our home.

You can do mail order or shop on line from most of these companies as well.  NAPA provides me with a calendar every year.  Check these of mine (link).

What to buy?

1.  Shop around at the stores

2.  Go on the Internet

3.  Try from this list I got from eMail.  They may laugh at the idea of some too  (I won't vouch for every item on this list):

"Automotive Gift Suggestions... Just in Time for Last Minute Christmas Shopping!

If you have an "automotive minded" person in your life, these gift suggestions should be considered.

1. Tire Air Change Kit. This kit comes with everything you need to change the air in your tires. This highly recommended but often overlooked maintenance item is much easier now. Remember to change your air every 3000 miles or twice a year. $25

2. Blinker Fluid. You knew it existed but, WOW, is this stuff hard to find. 4oz bottle. $12

3. Synthetic Blinker Fluid. Better yet! 4oz bottle. $24

4. Light Bulb Filaments. Why throw away a perfectly good turn signal or stop light bulb when you can just install a new filament? Premium Filaments, made in the USA! $1 each.

5. Manifold Heat. Yes, your exhaust manifold should be HOT. If it's not, you may need this item. Sold by the pound. $3.50

6. Steering Wheel Gaskets. All SIZES available! Email for specific application. From $9.99

7. Tie Rod Tensioner. Is your tie rod limp? Tension it with T-50! $14.99

8. Alternator Batteries. (4 required, replace them all!) From $2.99

9. Fan Belt Buckles. Specify brass or chrome. Gold available special order. $14.99

10. Muffler Bearing Manual. Print version $59.95

11. Muffler Bearing Manual. CD version $49.99

12. Universal Muffler Bearing Tool Kit $105.59

13. Muffler Bearing Hi Temp Synthetic Lube (the only kind we sell!) $40.24

14. Muffler Bearings From $19.95

15. Muffler Bearing Gasket Kits From $9.99

16. Momentum (required for tackling some off road obstacles). Sold by the lb-ft/sec $0.50

17. Microsoft Windows Eliminator. If your car or truck begins to run poorly, (long time to start, frequent crashes, etc.), it's computer, (ecm, ecu, black box, etc.), may have become infected with this nasty computer virus. This product will safely remove the virus. $199

18. Mirror Image Flipper Film. Did you know that the image you see in your rear view mirrors are reversed! This is a manufacturing flaw that the auto companies have kept secret for years as the recall would cost BILLIONS! This film can be cut and placed over any mirror to correct the image. Now you'll be able to read signs in the rear view mirror! $5 per square ft."

Some of our readers may have suggestions of their own too.  Caveat, I will not vouch or check donated suggestions out.  As with all donated and Internet help, I would ask your regular certified mechanic about all suggestions, even mine.

Ima, I hope this helps,
as usual, Dr. JIM

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How to drive in the fog is need of newly moved couple

Dear Dr. Jim

For the last several mornings I have woken to find I am the only person who exists in the world. I look out my window and there is nothing beyond my balcony but white. The harbor and the entire town are gone — completely devoured by the fog.

As beautiful as I make this sound, this fog is a terrible nuisance to say the least. Neither of us are used to driving in stuff like this, but we do have to go to work in the morning. Also we have to come home, sometimes after the fog has set in

Dr. Jim, what do you suggest we do? My husband is very macho and just goes out, turns on all the car lights he can (we do have fog lights on one of the cars) and heads out. He drives with one foot just above the brake pedal ready to stop. And he has one hand just above the horn, ready to warn anyone who might even look like he will get in our way.

That isn't my style, I am a timid driver. Some days I can't even pull out of the driveway, I am so afraid a car unseen might be coming along. Other days I just plain stop on the side of the road and cry.

This can't go on, please help us.

Scared Silly in Seattle

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Dear Mrs. SSS

I can help you with this like I have helped all the others.

First off, buy some polarized sun glasses. All you have to do is go to your favorite General Dollar Store. Do not buy the rather inferior $4.00 sun glass, instead get the more expensive six or eight buck ones.

More important however, is the fog adaptation conditioning situation. After a year or two you will fully accept the fog as as necessary and okay to live with coastal experience. I personally have put up with the fog now for 56 years here in the Gulf Coast area.

The biggest concern to you should be to drive defensively in the fog.
1. Always use your low beam headlights. Fog lights too if you have them.
2. Do not attempt to text while driving in the fog.
3. Be aware of other cars that may not have their lights on. It may not have seemed necessary a half mile back for them and now when they are in the fog they have neglected to turn those lights on.
[BEST JUST TURN THEM ON AND LEAVE THEM ON.]
4. Physically turn your head lights on as the regular daytime driving lights do not turn on your tail lights. PARKING LIGHTS ARE NOT SUFFICIENT.
5. Stay home until the fog burns away if possible.
6. Do not ride with anyone you do not trust. Even if they offer candy, liquor, or drugs.
7. Tune your radio to soft music if you can stand it. If that makes you nervous (it does me) tune in a classic rock station if you live close enough to civilization to pick up one of those stations.
8. Pay attention to what your husband tells you.
9. Do not talk back to your husband, he has both your interests at heart.
10. Try to get back home in the evenings before the fog sets in.

These are pretty good ideas for the both of you if your macho hubby will heed them. If he won't, at least you can set a good driver example.

It won't hurt you one bit to cry a little about the frustration. You do need to relieve your tension in some way. Crying and listening to music seem to help.

If you have found friends at your new home, call them on the phone. That gets your mind off the foggy stuff too. Warning, please don't text while driving in the fog. Save that for sunny days.

Hope this helps,
it should,
Dr. Jim


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Overeating man can't control his eating or his car

Dear Dr. Jim

I am having trouble with my car. Could it have a mind of its own?

Every time I pass by a MacDonald's it wants to turn in. Several times it has done that on its own, just drove in and parked.

Most of the time this happens I don't know in advance until we are in the lot, parked.

When I do realize in time to avoid that place the steering wheel often pulls beyond my strength. Then, once more I am parked in the lot.

I could drive back out but I just don't have the will power to do that. So I go in and have a couple of cheeseburgers, fries, and a drink. Most times I finish with a hot fudge sundae since they are on the dollar menu right now.

Please help me, Dr. Jim. I am gaining weight. Things are out of control.

Happy Meal Hank in Freesburg, Virginia

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Dear H M Hank

This is one of those rare occasions where I cannot possibly believe what I am reading. A grown man, I assume, taken over by his car. A machine at that. Machines will not rule.

Having said that, most times I would trash a letter like yours.

However I sense a problem here. It is a genuine call for help. Help for an over-eater.

Please do not delay, but call your local OverEaters Anonymous as soon as possible.

Do not pass go but please pass the MacDonald's. I feel you are stopping at other fast foods as well even though your favorite may be MacDonald's.

Please read about Overeaters Anonymous on their Web site (link). When you are ready click on the top in the header, the "find a meeting" button.

I found twelve meeting locations within 25 miles of my home. They were meeting every day of the week! Even Saturday mornings. At the bottom, in red are these words, "You do NOT have to register to ATTEND any OA meeting."

I hope this helps,

Dr. Jim

And please do take advantage of these Overeating Anonymous people!

So, keep on keep'n on, and till then,
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Her husband has uncontrolled blog rage as well as controlled road rage

Dear Dr. Jim

Please, Dr. Jim, I need help FAST!

My husband has uncontrollable rage when he gets on his computer and uses the Internet with his (sic) glob.

He is prone to violent 'madness,' the doctor and I made him stop driving because he had the worst case of road rage ever. It is a wonder no one got killed then.

I am open to any suggestions.

Harried Wife in Kudzu Tennessee

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Dear H. W.

I feel really sorry for your predicament, but more sorrowfully yet for your dear hubby. Having rage is like being an alcholic or having cancer, one can control it but it can never be cured.

He is working with BLOGS, not GLOBS. Blogs are mainly a social network of online friends, some are political (or other favorite cause like religion, etc) in nature. Actually Ask Dr. Jim (blog) is a blog.

Let's get to it.

First, is he ever violent towards you? You don't seem worried but if it happens leave immediately until you two get professional help.

Second, I am a firm believer that there is such a thing as BLOG RAGE. This is a relatively new phenomenon, mainly because blogs are so new.

Third, you should consult a professional again, probably the one he trusts who worked with you both in the road rage situation.

Fourth, I believe you and the doctor may have to take away the keys to his computer (literally there aren't keys, so cut the plug off) of his computer away from him like you did the car.

Fifth, please read some online items about the newest of rages, blog rage (click here). I have found about 6,780 articles for you and the other readers. [For some articles about controlling road rage, click here.]

Please get action very soon before someone does get hurt.

Dr. Jim.

p.s. H. W, you are invited to keep on reading stuff on your computer, it is a wonderful learning tool. Perhaps this drastic action I suggested may not be necessary or at least not be permanent. Leave that to the doctor/professional.

Writing the blog(s) helps him keep his mind going, just pray he gets it going in the right direction. Dr. Jim



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Robert wants to know how to save gas

Dear Dr. Jim

I am tired of these high gasoline prices.

Could you please give me a blueprint for saving gas?

Frustrated, Robert in San Diego

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Sure Robert, that will be easy for me.

First I would caution you not to do it. It isn't safe for the general public to save gasoline. There have been too many fires started that way, gasoline fumes escape ever so easy and then seem to find their way to a ignitor (like a light switch sparking, someone lighting a cigarette, etc.).

Second, there are a lot of people giving advice right now on how to save on gasoline expenses.

My best advice for you would be to move out of San Diego where prices are among the highest in the U.S. Why don't you move to Texas where they make gasoline, it is much cheaper over there. Texas generally has gas for fifty to seventy-five cents less than your town.

If you don't want to move, try doing most of these items I found by doing a Google.

I hope this helps, perhaps I will see you around here in Texas!

Dr. Jim


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Car's idler pulley bearings -- Stupid wife, ignorant husband, have argument about theirs

Dear Dr. Jim

My wife and I have been arguing about this, I hope you can tell us who is correct.

Our car was making screeching noises from under the hood. The repair shop diagnosed the problem as being with the idler pulley bearings.

The car was repaired to the tune of $568.40 so obviously those people did find the problem and correct it. Whether it was the idler pulley bearings or not, we have know way of knowing. They did fix our car, that is for sure.

Our argument is about the idler pulley bearings. Miss Know-it-all Mechanic-not says Simple, those are for when the car is resting, being idle. If it doesn't have good bearings then the car has no idea of where it is or where it is supposed to go after the rest is over. Period.

That is plain stupid, cars never know where they are, they just go where people tell them. I understand automobile mechanisms pretty well and know the idler pulley is to keep the engine running or pulled along when it is idling. Bearings keep the car straight as how to run when it gets busy again.

Thank you, Dr. Jim, for settling our argument.

Dave, the car hunk and affectionado of Burbank

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Dear Dave

If it helps, you are no closer than your wife to a correct definition. So please don't brag about this to your friends or your reputation as a car affectionado will tumble a little.

The idler pulley has nothing to do with the car at idle, it keeps a belt tight enough to not slip while turning the other pulleys. Those are located at the front of your engine and go around and around when the car engine is running.

If the idler pulley bearings get hot, they may freeze up making the pulley stop rolling with the belt. In turn, the belt wears quickly while rubbing against the stopped idler pulley and soon will begin fraying and break in a short time.

The stopped pulley can also stop the belt, causing wearing and breaking to occur very rapidly. The belt driven water pump pulley stoppage causes overheating that will ruin your engine. Head for your repair facility before it stops ASAP to prevent engine and other damage!

Why is it called an idler pulley? Because it doesn't have a load to pull. It just goes round and round, happily and idly along, not pulling a load and doing no work at all.

One word of self-protection here: ASK FOR THE REPLACED PARTS. Garages are required by law to give you--you must request this in the repair request--whatever they replace (it is yours) instead of throwing old parts away. This way you can see for yourself what went wrong.

After you look, be sure to turn them back in for a refund if you were charged a 'core charge.' This means the part can be rebuilt, often you were getting a rebuilt item in the repair. Rebuilding is especially common for water pumps and alternators.

I hope this has helped. Remember now you two, no name calling (I'll do that). Modern automobiles are complicated machinery and even the mechanics have to go back to school when new innovations are introduced.

Dr. Jim



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Busted flat and slipping in Beverly Hills

Dear Jim

I have a 1987 Chevy Pickup with a problem. The motor revs up too fast while going up hills or starting out. It has the feeling that the tires are slipping but they in fact aren't. The dealer wants to install a newly rebuilt transmission for about $4800. What do you suggest?

I might add my pickup is a faithful workhorse with only 300,801 miles on it.

Frustrated G.K. in Beverly Hills

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Ok, G.K, this is a dilemma which could end up as a no-win spending spree.

I researched the value of your truck and found it to be about $1475. (see Note 1) It would seem fool-hardy to spend much more than that to keep your truck going good.

I would recommend for you to do these steps in the following order if you want to keep this truck. If and when the problem is corrected consider yourself lucky and stop.

Buy a can of Heavy Duty Transmission Gunk and put the whole can in. Not really the can, just all of the contents.

Change out all the transmission fluid and the filter.

Buy and install a used ($130), rebuilt ($275), or new ($640) torque converter.

Buy and install a junk yard transmission, complete with torque converter. Be sure to change out the fluid and filter. I have located one in nearby Culver City for $300. E-mail me again and I will give you their phone number and referral info to get it for this price.

Buy a newer used pickup. Check the Kelley Blue Book (see Note 2) for an estimate on prices. Avoid buying on eBay unless you can inspect the vehicle before you buy it.

√√√ To solve your problems fast, I would recommend getting the used transmission. My backyard mechanic will change it out in your driveway for $180 cash.

Remember the old adage, "Treat Your Baby Like A Royalty." (see Note 3)

Notes:
1. Kelley Blue Book - Private Party Pricing Report (link)
2. Kelley Blue Book -- Used Cars for Sale (link)
3. ... Treat Your Baby Like A Royalty (link)


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