Does my car need a new ball joint?
Q. I have 2009 Toyota RAV4 with 53,000 miles on it. Recently I was at the local Toyota dealer and they told me my vehicle was going to need to lower ball joint at a cost of $500. What do you think of this and is there a reputable shop that I can get a second opinion?
A. It is possible that the ball joints are worn, although I am surprised at such low mileage, but it has been a very bad winter with challenging road conditions which can accelerate wear. AAA has Approved Auto Repair shops in most areas that certainly are qualified to inspect the steering and suspension system.
Q. I am considering a luxury car and have been looking at Cadillacs, Lexus, Audi and Volvo. I’m not a sporty driver so I don’t need a very powerful car but would like all-wheel-drive, luxury features as well as the latest in technology. I like the Audi and the Volvo for their superior all-wheel-drive systems. One car that I have been reading about is the Hyundai Genesis; it seems to have all the features I have been looking for. I’m not a snob but what do you think of this Genesis?
A. Recently I drove a Genesis and found the car to be not only has an economic advantage over its competitors but also a very nice car to drive. The other advantage of the Genesis is that it is a full sized car that due to its price advantage competes in the mid-sized luxury market. The front and rear seating is very comfortable for 4/5 adults and the ride is comfortable and quiet. The all-wheel-drive system is available with only the V-6 engine, but that engine is certainly up to the task for any driving conditions. Regarding luxury and technology, the interior surrounds the passengers in soft leather and premium looking trim. Regarding technology there is just about every feature that I could think of; with the exception of a night vision camera. In my opinion the Hyundai Genesis is a great car for the smart buyer that is more concerned about the substance of the car that the name badge on the hood.
Q. I recently put a new battery in my nine-year old car Hyundai Sonata and once installed the car started and ran fine but the check engine light was on. I had the code checked at the local auto parts store and the code was a P2610. I asked the guy at the parts store and he told me I was going to need a new computer, could that be true?
A. Some cars will generate this code when there is an error in the car’s computer internal timer function. Basically the time exceeded a calibrated time limit. This most likely happened when you replaced the battery without keeping the cars memory “alive’’. Since this happened as soon as you replaced the battery I would clear the code and not give it too much concern.
Q. I was replacing the drive belt on my old truck (it fell off) but I am having a hard time installing the new belt it just doesn’t seem to fit. I have the directions for the belt and have compressed the tensioner but I can’t get the belt to fit, help!
A. You may have the wrong belt; I have seen slight differences between model years when the replacement belt may just be an inch shorter. This slightly shorter belt can make the installation impossible. At this point have the parts store check belt option up or down from the year of your truck or if it is a very helpful part’s store that happens to have a belt gauge (Dayco makes one) look for a belt slightly larger than the one you are trying to use. .
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