Diagnosis Help
Think something is going bad? Find the part below to see the symptoms, what to look for, and what else it could be.
Steering & suspension
Tie rod ends
Loose steering, clunks when turning, uneven tire wear? The signs of a worn tie rod end, how to check for play, and what else causes the same symptoms.
Ball joints
Clunking over bumps, vibration, wandering steering? The signs of a worn ball joint, the shake test, and why you shouldn't put this one off.
Wheel bearings
A hum or growl that gets louder with speed? The signs of a bad wheel bearing, how to tell which side it is, and how to rule out noisy tires.
CV axles
Clicking when you turn, grease on the inside of your tire, or a vibration that gets worse with speed? The signs of a bad CV axle and what to check.
Struts & shocks
Bouncing after bumps, nose diving when you brake, leaking fluid? The signs of worn shocks and struts and what to look for.
Sway bar links
A knock or rattle from the front over bumps? The signs of a bad sway bar link, how to check it, and how serious it is.
Control arm bushings
Clunking when braking or turning, wandering steering, a wheel that won't return to center? The signs of worn control arm bushings and what to look for.
Brakes
Brake pads & rotors
Squealing, grinding or a pulsing pedal? The signs of worn brake pads and rotors, how to check pad thickness, and when to stop driving.
Sticking brake caliper
Pulling to one side, a burning smell or a hot wheel? The signs of a sticking brake caliper, what to check, and why you shouldn't keep driving on it.
Engine & cooling
Serpentine belt & tensioner
Squealing on startup, a cracked belt, or a tensioner that bounces? The signs of a worn serpentine belt or bad tensioner and what happens if the belt breaks.
Water pump
Coolant leaking from the front of the engine, a whine or grind, or the engine running hot? The signs of a bad water pump and what to check.
Thermostat
No heat and a low temperature gauge, or an engine that overheats fast? The signs of a thermostat stuck open or stuck closed and what to check.
Ignition coils & spark plugs
Rough idle, shaking, hesitation or a check engine light? The signs of a bad ignition coil or worn spark plugs, and how to find which cylinder is misfiring.
Fuel pump
Whining from the gas tank, sputtering at highway speed, or cranks but won't start? The signs of a failing fuel pump and how it gets tested.
Heat & A/C
Blower motor resistor
Heat and A/C fan only blowing on high, or some speeds missing? Why it's usually the blower motor resistor, and what else to check.
Battery, alternator or starter? See how your battery works, how your alternator works and how your starter works, each with simple ways to diagnose it.
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