Ford has mystery vibration

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July 3, 2010

Auto Scanner Larry Rubenstein The Salem News Sat Jul 03, 2010, 05:45 AM EDT

Q: We purchased a 2010 Ford Taurus SEL at the end of April. The car has 930 miles on it and has a vibration; the dealer calls it a nibble at highway speeds. The vibration is very annoying, and I have had it back to the dealer twice for this problem without success. The first time, they replaced two tires that they could not balance. The second time, they aligned the front tires that were replaced. I went out with the technician the last time, and he agreed there is a problem. Just recently, I brought it back a third time, and they replaced a tire for the third time. Also, they had to balance it multiple times, and they told me the problem was corrected, but we still have the same problem! When you replace one tire twice after the original, something isn't right. I called to find out which position on the vehicle the third tire was installed on. The answer I received was baffling. I was told that it may have been the driver's front, but they weren't 100 percent sure. We also own a 2007 Ford Fusion, and it is one of the smoothest-riding cars I have owned. Please help!

A: I went into the ALLDATA information system and found two tech service bulletins for this car; one involves the radio reception and the other for the luggage compartment lid. From the information you gave me, it sounds like you either have a bad rim or an out-of-balance axle. Since you have tried three times to have it fixed, you have a few choices. First, you could go for a replacement or refund by the Massachusetts Lemon Law, or if you like the car, ask for a factory service rep to come out to the dealership to repair the car. By all means, get a file number on this problem.

Q: I own a 2007 Toyota Corolla LE and recently went in for an oil change and inspection sticker. After work was done, I was told that on my next visit I should have the serpentine belt replaced since it is starting to crack. Does this seem early since I have never had this happen before on any car? My real reason for asking is that the garage I have been using for quite some time has been making some significant mistakes during repairs. On my last oil change, they left the cap off the oil tank. Of course, the smell of oil was intense, and when I lifted the hood there was oil everywhere. I returned and had to have the engine power-washed. Could this have affected the belt? I have had a couple of other incidents with this garage and am now starting to rethink where I should go. They are recommended by AAA.

A: A serpentine belt will typically last at least 60,000 miles. If the belt got soaked in oil, there is a chance it is ruined, but not ruined by cracking. The cracking of the belt should be evident to the eye. In concerns to the shop you are using, you may want to consider having a conversation with the owner of the garage. If the owner doesn't have time for you, and if it is a corporate chain store, then yes, I do agree — it's time to move on.

Car Care Tip: Your owner's manual has a wealth of information. Take the time to reread the maintenance section this week.

• • •

Larry Rubenstein is a master technician who owns a North Shore service station. His column appears every Saturday. Write to Larry at The Salem News, c/o Auto Scanner, 32 Dunham Road, Beverly, MA 01915, or send e-mail to scanauto@aol.com.

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