Ask the Mechanic

[bradhass87]

I have been meaning to post this for a while, but I have just been to lazy. I know a lot of people on here are of the blue colar work group and so am I. Every person on here that I have met have been nothing but nice and offered to help me with anything tank related. So being a mechanic I figured I would offer to help anyone who may need some form of automotive help. As I always say to friends information and advice is free, but if I have to get dirty it'll cost you (just not nearly as much as a dealership).

So if you ever need car, motorcycle or truck help let me know.

-Brad

[nwieczorek]

Brad,

What do you know about front ball joints on a 98 ford Taurus, (other then have a mechanic do the job)?

Nate

[bradhass87]

That they go out often. They aren't that difficult to do if you have the right tools. i.e. a ball joint press, air compressor, pry bar, impact gun and maybe a set of snap ring plyers. It can be a decent saturday project for the home mechanic. Do you have any specific questions?

[nwieczorek]

Not really yet. We do have those tools, except maybe a set of snap ring plyers. I just don't know if I want to tackle it, or pay $200-300 for someone else to do it. Where would you suggest, around Madison or west of Madison, to get the part?

Thanks,
Nate

[bradhass87]

When it comes to things like ball joints and tie rod ends I use Moog parts. They are the best, they cost a little more but they are worth it if you plan on keeping your vehicle. Moog makes solid sealed fittings, no need to grease. I know you can get them at any Napa store but I really haven't gone to any other places for them.

[FishRfun]

Hi Brad,

I have an '00 explorer - the heater/AC is acting up - dealership says the blend door is malfunctioning. To repair is 1200 - lots of labor I guess. Well, for now I get them to disconnect the heater in the summer and disconnect the A/C in the winter. work ok, but some days in spring or fall I sometimes need both.

My research shows that this is a common FORD issue and I found a place on the internet that sell a kit which allows you to make a modification yourself so I can have heat and air as needed.

First, do you know a cheaper way to repair or replace the blend door? Second, what do you think about the kit - it says a 'shade tree' mechanic can do it. I don't know what that means.

Tonya

[bradhass87]

For starters I really haven't come across this problem yet, even though I did work for Ford. After doing some searching online my self I would first determine which part of the door had failed. I saw a few where the whole door broke off or just the top portion did. For me I think I would just cut a portion of the box below the blend door and remove it. Then install a new one and glue up the cut out panel(similiar to what this guy did http://userwww.sfsu.edu/~dmf/blenddoor.htm).

I saw the kit you are talking about and read the text. The fact that it says "degreed engineers" makes me worry, because after looking at the replacement part I thought Bubba Backwoods made it. Not an accredited engineer.

To answer your other question a "shade tree mechanic" is just another way to say back yard mechanic or do it yourselfer.

[bradhass87]

I figured the title needed to be changed. This one seems more appropriate.