What people keep running into with mechanical issue
Complaints tagged mechanical issue, each raised by more than one person. One-off posts are not included.
10 recurring problems · 69 people · 4 forums we read
Raised more than once
Most people first.
- 32Why are my brakes squeaking and shaking the floorboard?Squeaking combined with a pulsing pedal, floorboard vibrations, and loose shaking at high speeds makes it difficult to figure out if the problem is a stuck component, failing brakes, or a suspension issue. This uncertainty leaves drivers unable to identify the exact mechanical failure causing the pedal to pull back, click, or feel loose when pressed.
- 12Car making weird noises after getting servicedNew rattles, clatters, or pops appearing immediately after a mechanic visit usually stem from loose components or unfinished reassembly during the repair. This unexpected transition leaves drivers questioning if their vehicle is actually safe to drive and worried that the shop made a mistake.
- 5Smoke and oil leaking from engine bay after drivingOil leaking from components like the power steering rack and pinion can drip onto hot exhaust parts, causing smoke to billow from the engine bay. This leaves drivers worried and uncertain about what is causing the issue or how to diagnose it safely.
- 4How to fix a car part dragging behind the gas tankWashers have sheared off or bolts have rusted and broken, causing components like the charcoal canister behind the gas tank to detach and drag on the ground while driving. This leaves the part hanging down and coming apart underneath the vehicle.
- 4New clutch slipping or not fully engaging after replacementEven with a new clutch and machined flywheel, the clutch remains slipping as if riding the friction point, making it impossible to transfer power to the wheels or engage the brakes. The pedal lets you change gears or rev without moving, requiring custom modifications to the slave cylinder rod and spacer to fix.
- 3Is it safe to drive with a noisy AC compressor pulley?A noisy or squealing AC compressor pulley with play risks seizing up and destroying the serpentine belt and surrounding components. This sudden noise leaves drivers unsure whether the play is normal, whether to replace just the moving part or the entire assembly, and if they can safely keep driving.
- 3Engine stalls or seizes while drivingAn engine may suddenly seize or violently sputter while driving due to a severe mechanical failure like a blocked powertrain under load, or a massive vacuum leak on a carbureted engine. This sudden loss of power leaves the car completely unable to start or turn over.
- 2Turbo charge hose collapsing on accelerationThe turbo charge pipe collapses inward almost fully under high throttle, which restricts airflow and causes a sudden loss of boost. This issue triggers an amber drivetrain warning and prevents the engine from maintaining power during hard acceleration.
- 2Steering wheel locked and push button start won't workThe steering wheel lock can engage tightly against the locking mechanism, preventing the ignition from recognizing the release signal when pressing the start button. Turning the wheel firmly to the left or right while pressing the start button usually relieves the pressure, allowing the steering column to unlock and the vehicle to start.
- 2How to disconnect a stuck driveshaft with straps offA stubborn driveshaft remains wedged in the yoke even after removing the retaining straps, catching on an internal clip that makes prying and hammering ineffective. This blockage stalls differential work and leaves the part completely stuck.
Comes up alongside
Topics that keep appearing on the same problems — not topics with similar names.