Couple of problems
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Posts like a Corvette
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 1,445
Likes: 0
From: Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
Couple of problems
Well, I have a bit of money coming in and I want to fix some nagging problems with the '96. I was just wondering what was involved with each one.
The passenger side front tire is moved back a good inch or so. I didn't curb the car, but I would assume that is what happened. I was told to look at the control arm. Is this something I could fix myself? A part I could pick up at the yard?
This is what I'm talking about:
Next problem. My rear struts have to fill up all the time...so I must have a bad leak. Also, when the rear of the car is full of passengers the ride SUCKS big time. It'* hard and bouncy and you can feel every bump. I havn't a clue when it comes to suspension so I don't know at all whats involved with this problem.
Third, if I drive the car hard for a while the engine smokes. It comes from somewhere around the front exhaust manifold. I'm confident nothing major is wrong, since I havn't lost a drop of coolant since the day I got the car, the exhaust smells and looks fine, and my oil looks fine. The temp never gets dangerously high and it has never overheated. I am assuming this smoking is being caused by a bad valve cover gasket causing some oil to get on the exhaust manifold and to burn off. This is my best theory.
Comments and help is greatly appreciated. Thanks!!
The passenger side front tire is moved back a good inch or so. I didn't curb the car, but I would assume that is what happened. I was told to look at the control arm. Is this something I could fix myself? A part I could pick up at the yard?
This is what I'm talking about:
Next problem. My rear struts have to fill up all the time...so I must have a bad leak. Also, when the rear of the car is full of passengers the ride SUCKS big time. It'* hard and bouncy and you can feel every bump. I havn't a clue when it comes to suspension so I don't know at all whats involved with this problem.
Third, if I drive the car hard for a while the engine smokes. It comes from somewhere around the front exhaust manifold. I'm confident nothing major is wrong, since I havn't lost a drop of coolant since the day I got the car, the exhaust smells and looks fine, and my oil looks fine. The temp never gets dangerously high and it has never overheated. I am assuming this smoking is being caused by a bad valve cover gasket causing some oil to get on the exhaust manifold and to burn off. This is my best theory.
Comments and help is greatly appreciated. Thanks!!
Senior Member
Posts like a Turbo
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 259
Likes: 0
Re: Couple of problems
first off - the front wheel - You should take it to an alignment shop and have them check the alignment of the front suspension and to see any damages on the front-end.
Second - Jack up the rear and put the car up on stands and take the rear wheels off and spray the shocks with soapy water and fill up the rear suspension with air to see where or which shock is leaking.
Third - see if your oil cap is leaking oil and also any valve cover leaks or any oil leaks around the exhaust system. I would recommend to change the valve cover gaskets and make sure they dont leak after replacing them.
Second - Jack up the rear and put the car up on stands and take the rear wheels off and spray the shocks with soapy water and fill up the rear suspension with air to see where or which shock is leaking.
Third - see if your oil cap is leaking oil and also any valve cover leaks or any oil leaks around the exhaust system. I would recommend to change the valve cover gaskets and make sure they dont leak after replacing them.
Originally Posted by captainmiller
Well, I have a bit of money coming in and I want to fix some nagging problems with the '96. I was just wondering what was involved with each one.
The passenger side front tire is moved back a good inch or so. I didn't curb the car, but I would assume that is what happened. I was told to look at the control arm. Is this something I could fix myself? A part I could pick up at the yard?
This is what I'm talking about:
Next problem. My rear struts have to fill up all the time...so I must have a bad leak. Also, when the rear of the car is full of passengers the ride SUCKS big time. It'* hard and bouncy and you can feel every bump. I havn't a clue when it comes to suspension so I don't know at all whats involved with this problem.
Third, if I drive the car hard for a while the engine smokes. It comes from somewhere around the front exhaust manifold. I'm confident nothing major is wrong, since I havn't lost a drop of coolant since the day I got the car, the exhaust smells and looks fine, and my oil looks fine. The temp never gets dangerously high and it has never overheated. I am assuming this smoking is being caused by a bad valve cover gasket causing some oil to get on the exhaust manifold and to burn off. This is my best theory.
Comments and help is greatly appreciated. Thanks!!
The passenger side front tire is moved back a good inch or so. I didn't curb the car, but I would assume that is what happened. I was told to look at the control arm. Is this something I could fix myself? A part I could pick up at the yard?
This is what I'm talking about:
Next problem. My rear struts have to fill up all the time...so I must have a bad leak. Also, when the rear of the car is full of passengers the ride SUCKS big time. It'* hard and bouncy and you can feel every bump. I havn't a clue when it comes to suspension so I don't know at all whats involved with this problem.
Third, if I drive the car hard for a while the engine smokes. It comes from somewhere around the front exhaust manifold. I'm confident nothing major is wrong, since I havn't lost a drop of coolant since the day I got the car, the exhaust smells and looks fine, and my oil looks fine. The temp never gets dangerously high and it has never overheated. I am assuming this smoking is being caused by a bad valve cover gasket causing some oil to get on the exhaust manifold and to burn off. This is my best theory.
Comments and help is greatly appreciated. Thanks!!
Junior Member
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 0
Likes: 0
From: Purgatory
Third, if I drive the car hard for a while the engine smokes. It comes from somewhere around the front exhaust manifold. I'm confident nothing major is wrong, since I havn't lost a drop of coolant since the day I got the car, the exhaust smells and looks fine, and my oil looks fine. The temp never gets dangerously high and it has never overheated. I am assuming this smoking is being caused by a bad valve cover gasket causing some oil to get on the exhaust manifold and to burn off. This is my best theory.
DINOSAURUS BOOSTUS
Expert Gearhead
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 41,391
Likes: 30
From: Enfield, CT
I would suspect valve cover or lower intake gasket seepage. Most likely valve cover gaskets.
As for the suspension being back. That might be remedied by putting the car in the air..loosening the subframe bolts and moving it. Very good chance..or the whole suspension on that side took a hit and should be obvious to a garage.
As for the suspension being back. That might be remedied by putting the car in the air..loosening the subframe bolts and moving it. Very good chance..or the whole suspension on that side took a hit and should be obvious to a garage.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
