Q: I have a Nissan pick-up truck and the alternator is not working. I checked for a few obvious things and replaced the alternator with a rebuilt unit from the local parts store. The truck is better but the voltage drops to about 11.5 volts after it runs for a while.
I have owned this truck for many years and I know this is not normal. Any thoughts?
A: I would return the alternator to the parts store and have it retested. Some aftermarket electronics are high quality and others are poorly made. I was talking with a shop owner recently who had a customer with a Toyota who put in two alternators himself (same manufacturer) and neither worked correctly. Out of frustration the owner of the truck took it to his local shop. They tested the charging system and replaced the alternator with a factory unit and the truck is as good as new.
Sometimes you get what you pay for.
Q: I have 2013 Fiat 500. I generally like the car but it makes a racket going over bumps in the road. I have had it looked at and was told everything looked fine. I'm considering trading it for a new model. Before I do, do you have any advice?
A: I suspect something was overlooked in the suspension when the shop did its inspection. The most common issue is the front strut jounce-bumpers. These rubber bumpers sit inside the spring to cushion the suspension when you hit a bump. Since the car is five-years old — and considering the labor to replace the bumpers — you may want to replace the entire strut assemblies. If you plan to keep the car, it would be money well spent.
Q: I have a 2012 Mini Cooper. When it was in for service, the shop told me the water pump is starting to leak. The car doesn't have that many miles on it. To say I'm disappointed in an understatement.
The shop told me I'm looking at $550 to $600 to replace this. Am I just being ornery or is this to be expected in a six-year old car?
A: I, too, think things should last forever, but they don't.
Regarding the water pump in your Mini, there may be some relief. There was a successful class-action law suit which resulted in a warranty extension on the water pump for 7 years or 84,000 miles which ever comes first. At this point, go to the Mini dealer and have them check the VIN code and see if your vehicle was part of the warranty program. It is possible you could get the car repaired at no cost.
Q: I recently purchased a used 2010 Volvo V-70. It is a great car and fits my needs as a boater since I'm always bringing stuff to my boat. The problem is the brakes make noise, I have had them checked and the pads, rotors and calipers are all good. I spoke with the original owner of the car and she said the brakes have made noise since day one and she just got used to it. So far I haven't got used to it, any suggestions?
A: Brake noise is caused by the brake pads vibrating. This can happen from poorly fitting brake pads, brake hardware and — what I think is wrong with your car — poorly fitting caliper mounting bolts.
Have your repair shop look for a technical service bulletin that describes brake noise. Volvo has an updated part that should quiet the noise.
Q: I have 2004 Mitsubishi Eclipse Spider that I keep at my Daytona, Florida, house. When I was there recently, there was water running out from under the dash after driving with the air conditioner on for several hours. It was raining. Could this be an air conditioner problem or a windshield leak?
A: The problem is most likely the air conditioner drain is clogged with pine needles and other debris. A repair shop needs to check and clean the drains. In some cases I have seen some shops drill and access hole into the climate control evaporator case and to vacuum out the accumulated debris. Mitsubishi, at one time, issued a technical service bulletin describing one possible solution.
Have your repair shop reference TSB number 12-55-002 for additional information.
— John Paul is the AAA Northeast Car Doctor. He has over 30 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. Saturday mornings at 8:30, tune in to John Paul The Car Doctor at wrolradio.com. Follow him on Twitter @johnfpaul or on Facebook.