'97 Basic Maintenance & studdering

[lyssajo]

I don't know much about cars and have been taken advantage of at car places twice in the past year.

I just went to get my alignment fixed and oil changed last night. They checked both front and rear alignment and made an adjustment on two things (I don't know what, I have some printoff of what they did). The car still goes severally to the left when I let go of the wheel and I thought that an alignment check would fix that. Should it have been? Or is the problem somewhere else?

I also have a check coolant light that comes on and I don't know what coolant is. I thought all the fluids were checked when you got an oil change. Should I have been told fluid was empty somewhere or is that something I do myself? If coolant is something like anti-freeze, I can do that.

And my car studders when it's idle and sometimes when it's moving. I thought that was due to the need of an oil change and now I'm thinking it's because of coolant...could it be something else?

I need help! Please, any information would be greatly appreciated!

[A. Souphound]

Originally Posted by lyssajo

I don't know much about cars and have been taken advantage of at car places twice in the past year.

I just went to get my alignment fixed and oil changed last night. They checked both front and rear alignment and made an adjustment on two things (I don't know what, I have some printoff of what they did).
I also have a check coolant light that comes on and I don't know what coolant is. I thought all the fluids were checked when you got an oil change. Should I have been told fluid was empty somewhere or is that something I do myself?
And my car studders when it's idle and sometimes when it's moving. I thought that was due to the need of an oil change and now I'm thinking it's because of coolant...could it be something else?

I need help! Please, any information would be greatly appreciated!

"The car still goes severally to the left when I let go of the wheel and I thought that an alignment check would fix that. Should it have been? Or is the problem somewhere else?"
It sounds like the left front brake caliper is sticking causing the brake to drag. Sometimes a good indicator of this is the amount of brake dust on a wheel. Jack up both front wheels and rotate the wheels..should be the same effort unless a brake is dragging. If caliper is dragging, remove & replace caliper, brake pad, and have the rotor turned. If the problem is the brake, I suggest having both front wheels done.
Yes, Anti-freeze is coolant: Since the light came on, you are loosing coolant, and should look for a leak.
Engine studders: How many miles has it been since a tune-up was performed?

[lyssajo]

It sounds like the left front brake caliper is sticking causing the brake to drag. Sometimes a good indicator of this is the amount of brake dust on a wheel. Jack up both front wheels and rotate the wheels..should be the same effort unless a brake is dragging. If caliper is dragging, remove & replace caliper, brake pad, and have the rotor turned. If the problem is the brake, I suggest having both front wheels done.
Yes, Anti-freeze is coolant: Since the light came on, you are loosing coolant, and should look for a leak.
Engine studders: How many miles has it been since a tune-up was performed?

I just had my brakes replaced in Sept, along with rotors, wheels, rods, and drums (I did find out from a friend that those things did need replacement)...how long do brakes last?

So if I were to buy a coolant, would I have to know something about it? I mean, I really no nothing about cars.

Ummmm...tune-up...I take my car in for check-up or repairs probably every 6-7 months. I asked them to check out everything back when my brakes were replaced - hence all the other things being replaced or fix. My car has about 112,600 miles on it.

[A. Souphound]

Originally Posted by lyssajo

I just had my brakes replaced in Sept, along with rotors, wheels, rods, and drums (I did find out from a friend that those things did need replacement)...
I mean, I really no nothing about cars.

- hence all the other things being replaced or fix. My car has about 112,600 miles on it.

"...how long do brakes last?"
I'm not suggested the brakes are worn out....but a brake caliper can stick (fail to retract) about any time.

"....So if I were to buy a coolant, would I have to know something about it?"
If you know what brand is in your radiator now, it would be good to use the same brand. Generally the Name Brands will mix without any problem. When you buy the anti-freeze just mix it 50/50 with water and that will give adequate protection against freezing.

"Ummmm...tune-up...I take my car in for check-up or repairs probably every 6-7 months. I asked them to check out everything back when my brakes were replaced"
Generally speaking the shop would not do a 'tune-up' unless you informed them of some driveability problem like you are having now. With that mileage, a tune up (sparkplugs, wires, distributor cap etc.) is due.

[lyssajo]

Thanks Souphound. I called the car place and mentioned some of what you said and they are going to take a look at the car again. I'll also mention a tune-up.

[A. Souphound]

Originally Posted by lyssajo

Thanks Souphound. I called the car place and mentioned some of what you said and they are going to take a look at the car again. I'll also mention a tune-up.

Glad to help.
By the way, FYI on that brake job you had a few months back....It's normal not to replace the caliper/s unless they are leaking, sticking etc. so the ones on your car are probably the originals.
All the best,

[chevyn0va1]

Originally Posted by A. Souphound

Glad to help.
By the way, FYI on that brake job you had a few months back....It's normal not to replace the caliper/s unless they are leaking, sticking etc. so the ones on your car are probably the originals.
All the best,

one thing I like about your replys alvin is you never try to make the person sound like an idiot no matter how basic of a question.
BTW lyssajo a caliper is the part of the brakes that moves. It will squeeze the brake pads into the rotors. Like Alvin said mostly of the time that part of the system doesnt get replaced.
I think the term "compleate" brake job intails replaceing them but brake replacement is just the pads/rotors
check here for brake basics

[A. Souphound]

Thanks for the compliment.
I try to practice the old "Golden Rule" as best I can.
Kudos to you on the nice brake illustration.

[Jet-Lee]

just an addition, could be possible, your cv-axel by chance? My '99 LX was pulling hard to the right, when the cv-axel was replaced, all was good again.

$.02