Automotive Troubleshooting

Squealing noises: how often do you see or hear a car going by that is making an obnoxious squeal as it roars by? do not ignore this if it starts on your car! a squeal could point to a fan belt/serpentine belt or on newer automobiles it could even indicate problems with the serpentine belt tensioner pully. Lets start with basics here first start the car and observe your voltmeter on cars without built in gauges they perhaps have a battery light that comes on is gauge less then 12 volts? if yes please shut your car off and check for proper belt tension if belt is tight I am looking closely at the alternator. If you happen to be an electrical genius and have a volt/ohm meter we are going to set the meter to DC voltage and read across positive and negative terminals with motor running. if you are showing between  12.8 - 13.8 volts alternator is OK and we should now observe the Tensioner pulley for proper operation more so, is the serpentine belt struggling or noisy against the Tensioner if you answer yes, replace if no is your answer you may have already adjusted the belt and solved your problem. I want to talk automotive electrics here as a voltage drop is a significantly bad thing that can possibly damage engine subsystems/engine management apparatus namely electronic fuel pump, engine ECM (engine management computer) or your TCM(transmission management computer) a battery on a newer car should read 13.4-13.8 volts with engine running. if you are reading 10 volts at battery all components are working harder creating more heat to get same job done as if it was receiving 13.8 volts (electric fuel pump replacement in a suv as of 2009 books at around 450.00 total repair and alternator for usually 100.00 or less keep your electrical system in great shape with proper charging system maintenance **See your mechanic for recommended upkeep suggestions**....

Another sound often unknown especially on trucks is the whistle or whine of an electric fuel pump if thinking of buying a used suv or gm truck,suburban,blazer or Tahoe walk behind the vehicle with the engine running do you hear an electronic whistle sound emitting from rear bumper area? if you do its worthwhile to get it checked out first as this can be in some instances a spendy repair WARNING: when buying the part do not skimp buy the premium part as the cheapest fuel pump will go out again soon guaranteed. 

Brake noises-  this is the final area of noise related problems i would like to touch on briefly as it's common to misunderstand what you are hearing beneath your wheels. if you hear a light,scratch like sound comming from your car's wheels i would highly recomend to "spray out" your wheel area and observe water draining off if it's in fact black in color then brake dust was the culprit causing noise. now if you hear a chirping sound when applying pedal pressure thats the warning crikets built into pads and shoes it's time for brake service at that point. I recomend pricing new rotors or drums depending on what your vehicle is equipped with its almost cheaper to order new rotors/pads or drums and shoes as opposed to "turning down" your old rotors or drums a little investigating saves you in the checkbook. sound advice before getting brake service done would be to check the Better business Beaureu for negative feedbackregarding the shop of interest you can also check a website out at: WWW.ripoffreport.com click the link in your city to see the business standing on there.