Q: I have a 1991 Olds Cutlass with 170,000 miles, and it’s starting to show its age. Mechanically sound, but things are starting to go. Most serious is a power steering fluid leak. A local shop quoted a starting price of $500, but it could be a lot more to fix. What do I risk if I just live with it? I can still steer without the power assist.
— D.D., Windsor, Conn.
A: If the power assist goes out completely, you will still be able to steer the car. But be ready to muscle the steering wheel until you can safely park the vehicle. You didn’t tell us where it’s leaking so we can’t offer any advice on repairs.
Q: My used 2006 Suzuki Forenza’s no longer pumps out windshield wiper fluid. If it costs an arm and a leg to correct, is it worth it? I only drive about 4,000 miles a year to the doctors and shopping. I’m on a fixed income and I’m aware that garages have high labor costs. Please give me your input.
— R.K., Kissimmee, Fla.
A: From our source, we see that the windshield washer pump costs less than $20 and the labor guide suggests 0.8 hours. If the local hourly rate is $75 per hour, that would come to $60 for labor. Add $20 for parts and you get away for under a C-note.
Q: I have a question regarding alternators. Several times in the past my alternator died unexpectedly. I got stuck in the most inconvenient places and faced a really expensive repair, since the car was immobile and I had to fix it in the nearest garage regardless of the price. Is there a reliable way to determine when it’s the right time to replace an alternator? My Acura TL is approaching 150K miles.
— D.S., Chicago
A: There are some signs that an alternator is failing. One is a battery that does not seem to have a sufficient charge. Perhaps it dies some morning during cranking because the alternator did not fully charge it. You could keep an eye on the voltage gauge; it should read 14 volts or higher during charging. You could have a technician test its output using an oscilloscope to look for failing diodes. Sometimes, they even make whining noises before they die.
Q: I have a 2011 Dodge Caravan that, when starting off, makes a wrenching noise somewhere in the passenger side door(s). The mechanic said it is the panels shifting. I have never heard of this before. I had my other Dodge for eight years with nothing like this. By the way, the noise is continuous while driving. Any thoughts?
— D.K., Chicago
A: This is actually fairly common. Sometimes the front door makes noise, sometimes the sliding door makes noise and sometimes both make noise. There is an old saying that the squeaky wheel gets the grease, but in this case the grease should go on the sliding door rails and both door strikers.
Q: I have a 2007 GMC Savanna 1500 passenger van. The air conditioning is not very cold. Once they replaced a valve recharged with refrigerant and after a couple weeks again not blowing cold. Went back again and they said a connection or tee in the line was corroded and changed the piece. Again after a week or two not blowing cold air. Went back this spring and they said they cannot find the leak. They used a sensor gun to detect leak but told me cannot find it. Where is the A/C refrigerant going?
— C.G., Long Grove, Ill.
A: GM was having issues with the positive battery cable rubbing on the metal A/C line causing a leak. This should be relatively easy for a tech to spot since it is on the top of the line near the accumulator. If that is not the problem, the leak may be in the front evaporator, the rear evaporator or both. These are very difficult to access to check for leaks.
Q: I thought I should write and tell my experience with PermaPlate Clearplate protective film. All very good! I bought a new 2008 Mercedes-Benz E-Class diesel in early 2009 and bought the film for about $1,200. It covers the front leading surfaces including the mirrors, bumpers etc. I have since taken two cross continental trips and the car looks perfect! No nicks, pock marks, etc. and road bugs are easily wiped off.
— B.F., Hinsdale, Ill.
A-As mentioned in a recent column, we had no experience with protective films, but stated that they can be pricey. Thanks for the feedback.
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