Q-Last December I bought a new 1991 Honda Accord. The odometer now reads 800 miles. One day, while I was inspecting the bottom of the car, I discovered rust. I took it to the dealer for further inspection. A service adviser told me the lower control arm had rusted. He didn`t know what to do about it. Later, the service manager said it was normal for that part to rust. Do you think it`s normal? C.Y., Crete
A-The undercarriage is subject to rust. However, because you didn`t tell me how rusted the control arm is, I can`t tell you whether you should be concerned. Surface rust is nothing to be concerned about, but a part that is weakened by rust should be replaced. Because the service manager says the rust he sees is normal, I can`t disagree. To be sure, go to another garage for a second technical inspection. If that technician feels the integrity of the part is questionable, it should be replaced.
Q-I have a 1978 Ford Granada with a 6-cylinder engine and 145,000 miles. I hope to get 200,000 miles out of the vehicle. The body isn`t too rusty, and I keep up with the usual maintenance. I replaced the water and power steering pumps. The fuel pump, alternator and electronic ignition module have not been replaced. As preventive medicine, should I replace those parts? C.F., Bensenville
A-I don`t like to tell people to replace something that isn`t broken. The parts you mention will leave you stranded when they break. It`s likely they will falter because of the car`s age. The most likely part to die first will be the alternator. I`ll bet if you were to take the unit apart the brushes on the commutator are worn almost to oblivion. Next, the fuel pump actuator arm probably has excessive play and the diaphragm is about to burst. As for the electronic ignition module, it isn`t an item that wears. It works or it doesn`t, much like a radio or television. Replace the alternator, then the fuel pump and if the module quits, replace it.
Q-When I turn the steering wheel in my 1976 Cadillac Eldorado, it seems to bind. The binding is especially noticeable after a drive on the expressway. A couple of mechanics have inspected the car, but are not sure of the cause. A dealer mechanic says to replace the hub bearings, idler arm and ball joints. What do you think? E.G., South Holland
A-I don`t think the steering linkage or hub bearings are the cause of what you call binding. I think the steering gear or the power steering pump may be the source. Describe what you feel to a technician. He should inspect the power steering belt and fluid in the pump reservoir. Then he should check the hydraulic pressure output of the pump. Also, he should check the steering gear for play. Perhaps the power steering fluid needs to be flushed or the steering gear, belt or pump need to be replaced.
Q-I have a 1985 Cutlass with a factory-installed sunroof. My uncle told me to rub mineral oil on the rubber gasket to prevent deterioration. However, after I put mineral oil or Armoral on the gasket, it stuck to the sunroof. Should I use something else or leave the gaskets alone? P.C., Mt. Prospect
A-Don`t put mineral spirits on rubber weatherstrips and gaskets. It makes the rubber sticky. Automotive grade silicone spray lubricants can be used to prolong the life of the weatherstrips. You can use the spray on the door and trunk rubber strips, too. Now that mineral spirits were applied, the strips may need replacement.
Q-I purchased a used 1984 Ford Crown Victoria from a south suburban Ford dealership. When I did, I also purchased an extended mechanical service contract. The car has been in for repair so many times for things that were not covered by the policy it`s ridiculous. I got fed up with the dealer and took my car to an independent repair facility. He tuned the engine and discovered two EGR (exhaust gas recirculation) sensors needed replacement. The independent technician said that if I took the repair bill to the dealership I might get reimbursed for the cost of the sensor replacements. I took the bill to the dealer and was denied any reimbursement. I think they didn`t want to reimburse me because I didn`t have the car fixed by them. What do you think?
M.N.G., Cicero
A-The EGR sensor and valve are covered by the federal emissions warranty for five years or 50,000 miles. Your car is six years old, so the warranty won`t cover that repair. The mechanical service policy you purchased may pick up the tab. Discuss that with the dealer. Mechanical service policies or (I don`t like to use the term) extended warranty policies don`t cover every repair on a car. It`s important to read the policy to find out what it covers before you purchase it. If you`re not sure what the policy covers, get a specimen copy and ask a technician or service manager to read and explain the policy to you before you decide to buy it. Some people think these policies are insurance policies, but they are not. They are similar to the policies you buy when you purchase a new appliance such as a refrigerator or garage-door opener. Mechanical service policies or extended warranties are not regulated by the Illinois Department of Insurance.
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Readers may send technical questions about cars and trucks to him at Dr. Gizmo, AAA-Chicago Motor Club, 999 E. Touhy Ave., Des Plaines, Ill. 60018.
