Achtung! EVERYONE!

I'm cool on car repairs, but I DO have a question. I'm much more comfortable in a garage environment than a typical office, and I've put in for several positions at automotive facilities but not really getting any callbacks. Is there anything you can suggest to put on my resume that might help? I was an apprentice tech many years ago, and I have many years of dealing with the public, customer service, etc. Seems like I'd be a good fit for parts guy or service advisor but cant get in.
 
I have two questions now, Jello.

1st: when I hit my brakes lately, I hear a belt squealing. What exactly is that? (No it's not the brakes squealing, it's a belt, somewhere…)

2nd: my windshield vibrates enough these days that it 'buzzes' at certain rpm's. I can 'fix' it by just gently touching/holding my rearview mirror. Any way to fix it without having someone take the thing out and re-install it? I know I had it replaced about 2 years ago (rock cracked it) and I'm pretty sure it was replaced before I ever bought the car as one of the pillars right by the glass was chewed up a bit (like someone sliding a tool underneath the windshield).
 
Jbird said:
I have two questions now, Jello.

1st: when I hit my brakes lately, I hear a belt squealing. What exactly is that? (No it's not the brakes squealing, it's a belt, somewhere…)
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What kind of car is it, and does it have antilock brakes?
2nd: my windshield vibrates enough these days that it 'buzzes' at certain rpm's. I can 'fix' it by just gently touching/holding my rearview mirror. Any way to fix it without having someone take the thing out and re-install it? I know I had it replaced about 2 years ago (rock cracked it) and I'm pretty sure it was replaced before I ever bought the car as one of the pillars right by the glass was chewed up a bit (like someone sliding a tool underneath the windshield).
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How much pressure are you putting on the mirror?
 
jelloman said:
What kind of car is it, and does it have antilock brakes?

How much pressure are you putting on the mirror?
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2007 Ford Focus hatch, yes it has ABS

just really touching the mirror does the trick. Not much pressure at all. And it's not the mirror itself that's buzzing, I've heard it coming from over by the pillars.
 
Jbird said:
2007 Ford Focus hatch, yes it has ABS

just really touching the mirror does the trick. Not much pressure at all. And it's not the mirror itself that's buzzing, I've heard it coming from over by the pillars.
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A windshield weighs about 25 pounds, and is glued in place by a 1/2 inch bead of sealant, so it's hard to figure how just touching the mirror can stop the vibration...I'd start by tightening the mirror's set screw if it has one, or by bending the springbout if it uses a spring type retainer...then check around the molding on the outside windshield surround for a loose piece, then check the pillar moldings inside to see if one is loose or contacting the windshield...

As far as the squeal, I'm thinking it may be the ABS pump, but I need to check with my boys tomorrow...I'll get back to you...
 
@Jbird

I talked to a couple of the Ford techs tthus AM about your brake squeal...after they looked at me like I'm from outer space for a minute they said it sounds like a brake dust squeal or a metal on metal pad, unless you're feeling a vibration in the pedal which indicates an ABS issue...either way you need to get it into a GOOD shop immediately...
 
jelloman said:
@Jbird

I talked to a couple of the Ford techs tthus AM about your brake squeal...after they looked at me like I'm from outer space for a minute they said it sounds like a brake dust squeal or a metal on metal pad, unless you're feeling a vibration in the pedal which indicates an ABS issue...either way you need to get it into a GOOD shop immediately...
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Yeah, I had brake squeal in my Mustang. It was very metal on metal. LOL

Sent from my Moto X 2014 using Tapatalk
 
It's not metal on metal from the brakes, I've heard that sound before. It's definitely a belt/fan/pump-type squeal. Plus I have my oil changes done at the local Ford dealer, and they check the pads every oil change. Were still good on the last one (2,000 miles ago).

idn_smilie
 
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How reliable is the base 2.5L engine that's in the Ford Fusion?

There's a 2013 SE for sale near me that has very low miles, the bigger MyFordTouch with navigation & backup camera, and nice tan leather heated seats. But it only has the 2.5L in it, which some reviews say is an older engine that is getting long in the tooth, tech-wise.

Or the place where I bought my current car, the Ford Dealer in Ypsilanti (about 90 miles away) has two 2013 Ford Fusion SE's that both have the 2.0L turbo, both have the bigger MyFordTouch/Nav/camera system, one has cloth seats (but less miles), and the other one has the black leather seats, but about 8K more miles. Both are being asked for the same $$$ that the above Fusion w/2.5L is.

So, naturally aspirated older design engine, or a more powerful turbo powered (with potential turbo problems) engine?


I'd still like to get another hatchback though, so I might not even go with a Fusion or other sedan. But my '07 hatch has so many panel rattles in it right now I want something else :embarrassed:
 
Jbird said:
How reliable is the base 2.5L engine that's in the Ford Fusion?

There's a 2013 SE for sale near me that has very low miles, the bigger MyFordTouch with navigation & backup camera, and nice tan leather heated seats. But it only has the 2.5L in it, which some reviews say is an older engine that is getting long in the tooth, tech-wise.

Or the place where I bought my current car, the Ford Dealer in Ypsilanti (about 90 miles away) has two 2013 Ford Fusion SE's that both have the 2.0L turbo, both have the bigger MyFordTouch/Nav/camera system, one has cloth seats (but less miles), and the other one has the black leather seats, but about 8K more miles. Both are being asked for the same $$$ that the above Fusion w/2.5L is.

So, naturally aspirated older design engine, or a more powerful turbo powered (with potential turbo problems) engine?


I'd still like to get another hatchback though, so I might not even go with a Fusion or other sedan. But my '07 hatch has so many panel rattles in it right now I want something else :embarrassed:
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I'll double check this with my guys tomorrow before I answer...
 
Used full size van extended length 3/4 ton 2008-2010. Somewhere around there. Ford, or GMC/Chevy?

My 2001 GMC is getting to the point where I'm thinking about replacing it. Van I had before was a 1993 Ford. On top of the rear main seal going out, the oil pan rusted out. Oil pan rusted out on my wife's 90s Taurus too.

I bought both vans new, the Ford, other than the seal, and oil pan was perfect. GMC, it's always something, a huge hassle when you need it everyday for work.

I could even live with the seal going out, a one time thing. Just wondering if Ford ever decided it was important to put real metal in their oil pans?
 
Jbird said:
How reliable is the base 2.5L engine that's in the Ford Fusion?

Or the place where I bought my current car, the Ford Dealer in Ypsilanti (about 90 miles away) has two 2013 Ford Fusion SE's that both have the 2.0L turbo, both have the bigger MyFordTouch/Nav/camera system, one has cloth seats (but less miles), and the other one has the black leather seats, but about 8K more miles. Both are being asked for the same $$$ that the above Fusion w/2.5L is.

So, naturally aspirated older design engine, or a more powerful turbo powered (with potential turbo problems) engine?
Click to expand...

I can only provide my experience with the 2.0L EcoBoost turbo in our 2013 Escape, plus throw in some numbers.

The power is amazing for such a small engine. It launches hard enough to snap my head back hard, even at a 30 MPH punch. Gas mileage in town sucks unless you are soft on the pedal, but highway mileage is in line with the EPA estimates, sometimes better. What I like most about the Ford turbo offerings is you get to run regular octane so the expense of premium is not a concern. I've had no problems of any kind yet. I run Pennzoil Platinum synthetic oil that I change myself.

Escape:
2.5L Duratec: Regular unleaded, 22 City/31 Hwy/25 Combined mpg, 168 HP @ 6000 RPM
1.6L EcoBoost: Regular unleaded, 23 City/32 Hwy/26 Combined mpg, 178 HP @ 5700 RPM
2.0L EcoBoost: Regular unleaded, 22 City/30 Hwy/25 Combined mpg, 240 HP @ 5500 RPM
 
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