Recent Content by JC Buck

The new front pads have been on for almost 1,000 miles and I've done quite a few hard stops. I noticed little to no improvement in breaking power since installing the pads. I can say that the front brakes are doing something because the front rotors are hot after driving around town.

I have a 98 with abs and rear axle proportioning valve (rod depresses with weight and increases rear breaking power). I have new rear drums and pads, new fluid, new pads up front and front rotors in good shape. The truck stops fine under normal braking conditions but when I have to stop...

I went through this exact process about a year ago with my 98 12v. As you mentioned, the part is not available so you must apply for a "Part Exemption" from BAR (Bureau of Automotive Repair). Contact them at 800-622-7733 and explain your situation. They will do a part search to verify that it is...

Thanks for the help. The pump tested OK so now it's time to find the leak.

My vacuum hoses have been broken since I purchased my truck 4 or 5 months ago. I've recently started replacing lines, mainly in an attempt to recover my vent selector. My question: How much suction should the vacuum pump produce? My dash vents now work intermittently and I'm trying to figure...

98 4x4 club cab with 200k miles. When I grab the steering shaft near where it comes through the firewall and attempt to shake it, it moves maybe a 1/16" or less from side to side. Is this normal or too much play? Thanks.

I'm trying to track down a metal on metal vibration-rattle that I experience when rolling at idle speed or stopped when the power steering is not under load (the wheel is not being turned). The sound seems to be coming from the power steering pump area and I'm wonder if its possible for either...

Checked the flex plate bolts today and they were all tight. The search continues... ..... I actually noticed today that the vibration / rattle is there when idling along in gear so long as the steering wheel is not being turned. It can happen while going around a corner or going strait so...

I've checked the control arm bushings and they're not the problem. I've also replaced the drive shaft center bearing, and although it was destroyed, it was not the problem either. I haven't been able to check the flex plate yet so I can't rule that out but my gut feeling is that the cause is...

Is there a relatively easy way to inspect the flex plate without removing the transmission / TC? Inspection window? Are there other symptoms of a cracked flex plate other than rattling at idle?

It's not the valve cover. The rattle / vibration seems more structural than cosmetic, if that makes any sense. I don't know how to evaluate the belt tensioner but I can say that the belts are tight and I don't hear the noise at the front of the engine (though it would be hard to hear...

The details: 98 12V 4x4 quadcab automatic with ~200k miles that I've owned for about 3 months. Its always been a CA truck so no serious rust. I've replaced the track bar, tie-rod ends, front shocks (including shock bolts), steering box, steering shaft, steering stabilizer, and front sway bar...