When replacing brakes, do I need to do anything to the rotors or other parts? | Car Doctor
Q: I am replacing brake pads on my car that are about 75% worn. The rotors look fine, and the car stops smoothly. Is there anything I need to do to the rotors or other components other than installing the new brake pads?
A: If you are happy with the condition of the rotors, you may just have to knock rust off the edge. If you are removing the rotors, make sure there is no rust under the rotors up against the hub. It is always best to put the rotors back in the same orientation on the hub.
Clean and lube the caliper slides, and follow the brake pad kit instructions for proper break-in. This procedure is sometimes called burnishing or “bedding” the brakes. Typically, it involves four or five moderate to aggressive stops from 40 mph down to 10 mph in rapid succession without letting the brakes cool. Then, five more stops from 35 mph down to 5 mph.
Finally, drive around for a few minutes without coming to a complete stop, which helps the pads cool and cure.
Airbag sensor in Lexus seat is broken. Is a new $3,100 cushion the only fix?
Q: I have a 2011 Lexus ES350. The airbag light is illuminated on my dash, and the passenger airbag light flashes "off." I took the car to a Lexus dealership, which replaced the ECU (Electronic Control Unit), but the problem was not resolved. I was then told I need the cushion assembly (part # 710001-33T20-C2) for the low price of $3,100. An auto cushion company said I can buy a used seat from a junk dealer and have its cushion removed to replace my original. Do you advise this? It is amazing that regular local mechanics won't even touch this job, and I am at the mercy of the dealership.
A: A used seat cushion could be an option, but I would worry it might have the same issue as your car and since the car was likely in crash, it may not be operational. You could try a body shop for replacement, since, unlike a regular repair shop, they deal with airbags and sensors on a regular basis. The mat inside the seat is not replaceable, but there are companies that may repair them. I had a tech on my radio show from a company called UpFix (upfix.com), and one of their businesses is airbag repairs. Your shop would pull out your cushion and send it to them for repair. Perhaps check with UpFix to see if they work with any shops in your area. Other than that, the very expensive Lexus seat is the only option.
Can I salvage a 1985 Mercury Marquis that's been idle for 15 years?
Q: My grandmother’s neighbor in Florida has a 1985 Mercury Grand Marquis in her driveway. It has been sitting for years. As far as I know, it hasn’t been driven for more than 15 years.
I’m a fan of "Vice Grip Garage" (VGG) on YouTube and watch the host drag cars out of fields and drive them hundreds of miles home. I would like to do the same thing. What do you think? I want to drive back to Rhode Island.
A: Derrick, the host of "Vice Grip Garage," is a talented mechanic and makes these rescues look easy. Keep in mind you are dealing with old gas, most likely stuck brakes, a seized fuel pump, old tires and driveline seals that have dried up and could start leaking. Add this to a possible host of cooling system problems. If you have the time, tools, budget and at least one good friend with a truck, it could be an interesting adventure.
2014 Murano's sun visors won't stay up
Q: I would appreciate knowing if I can repair or replace the sun visors on my 2014 Nissan Murano. It seems as if the springs won’t keep the visors up all the way, and I would like to find out if this problem can be fixed without being too costly. The interior of the car is still in good condition, except for this annoying problem, which is a potential safety issue.
A: This is a fairly common issue with this model. I have seen people epoxy the plastic piece that rotates in the attachment clip to provide more tension.
You can purchase aftermarket visors for about $30 each, which should provide many more years of use. The installation is fairly simple: just a few screws and a wiring connection for the vanity mirrors.
Should I upgrade the ignition and generator on my 1958 Pontiac?
Q: I have a 1958 Pontiac that, generally, runs quite well. The guys in the local Pontiac club tell me I should switch the ignition system to an electronic style and the generator to an alternator. What is your take on this?
A: With a solid-state ignition system, you never have to worry about ignition point wear/burn, and the ignition spark is generally stronger. The problem with generators is that they don’t do a good job at charging the battery at an idle. Changing both would certainly be an improvement. That being said, cars performed just fine for nearly a century with this old technology. If it is working well, you could certainly keep using it.
If you do replace the distributor and generator, clean them and store them in bags. If you ever sell the car, the new owner will likely be delighted to get the old/original parts.
John Paul is the AAA Northeast Car Doctor. He has more than 40 years of experience in the automobile industry and is an ASE-Certified Master Technician. Write to John Paul, The Car Doctor, at 110 Royal Little Drive, Providence, RI 02904. Or email jpaul@aaanortheast.com and put “Car Doctor” in the subject field. Follow him on Twitter @johnfpaul or on Facebook.
This article originally appeared on The Providence Journal: When replacing brake pads, should the rotors be adjusted? | Car Doctor
