February 1, 2007
Q. I have a question for a 1988 Mercedes 300 series wagon. Hydraulic fluid is leaking from both rear shocks as well as the pump in the front. Does that mean the shocks and the pump have to be replaced? Is the car drivable without fluid in the shocks? What would happen? The power steering seems fine. I'd really appreciate your thoughts.
A. You Mercedes Benz uses a hydraulically adjustable suspension system. As these systems start to wear it is not unusual for them to start to leak. Driving the car without fluid in the system will most certainly seize the pump and make the car undriveable. Be advised the parts to repair this system are quite expensive.
Q I have a question regarding my 1993 Volvo 850 GLT with 80,000 miles. I've had many repairs done by different mechanics trying to fix an antifreeze leak. The radiator was replaced, as was the overflow tank but the car is still overheating and leaking fluid. It appears to be coming from the right front side where the reservoir is located. I don't notice a leak when adding fluid, but when the car is hot the antifreeze boils and comes out of the overflow tank. Could the tank be faulty if it is leaking? Is the thermostat defective? I've done a ton of work to this car and am contemplating selling it but I want this overheating problem fixed first.
A. The first item to rule out is a leaking cylinder head gasket. A simple test can be performed to determine the engine is not leaking coolant internally. Once the repair shop has determined the engine is sound, the cooling system should be checked for leaks. In addition to pressure-testing the cooling system, the repair shop can add a dye to the coolant and be able to accurately trace the coolant leak back to its source.
Q. I plugged my cell phone charger into the cigarette lighter in my Honda Del Sol and apparently there were pennies stuck in it. This overloaded and melted the socket and wires just after the socket connection. Smoke started and the fuse never blew, but it actually melted. Now my reverse lights stay on all the time and the gauges and taillights are out. I tried changing the fuses and they keep blowing. This is even after I cut out the cigarette lighter wires to the furthest point I can see. I don’t care about the cigarette lighter but I can't drive the car with reverse lights on, no taillights and no gauge lights.
A. With this much damage, I think you are going to need to go from the fuse box forward. You could un-tape the wires and find the damage, but it may be more practical to purchase a partial wiring harness to repair the damage.
Q. I have a 2002 Honda Odyssey that I love nine months of the year. But during the three months of winter I hate it if there's any snow on the road. It is so light and has such a big footprint that it just slides all over the road and can't make it up even a mild incline. I have no confidence in it if there's even the smallest amount of snow. Is there something I can do to improve its performance? Will real snow tires work, along with sandbags in the back? Or do I need to buy an SUV?
A. I have driven many Honda Odyssey minivans and found them to be competent all-weather vehicles. You certainly could try four snow tires; this will help improve traction to help you get going and slow for a stop. One of my favorite snow tires is the Bridgestone Blizzak. This tire offers great winter-weather handling, especially on icy roads. Once the snow tires are installed, have the wheel alignment checked. If it is out of specification, the handling will certainly suffer – especially on slippery roads. Keep in mind that even the best vehicle with the best tires needs to be driven with care in winter weather.
