Recent content by mgdim

Just got my car back from the dealer after considerable work on the belts, front cover and oil pan. One day later it won't start. Tried jumper cables and it turned over after about 20 tries. Lots of clicks until it started. Is this the starter? How can I be sure? ;help

Just checked again. The crank pulley apparently has separate sections, including the outside ring that the belts ride on. The two outside rings have apparently separated from the center and have been pushed back against the front of the engine. If you look at the larger belt, the front of the...

Emergency! Just started the car and let it run for 10 minutes. After about 5 minutes it started making loud grinding noises and smoke came from the front of the engine. Noticed for the first time that the big accessory belt is only half on the main center pulley. Is this right?

Freaking out. Just pulled my 05 daily driver out of the garage and there is a sizable puddle of oil on the floor! My wife casually mentioned it was there the day before as well. 66k miles and now I am sweating. Any guesses as to what it is? Rear main seal?

Had everything done at the dealer. $500 charge to replace all 4 and cut all the rotors. Seemed high since i got the hawk pads myself. Car definetely doesn't stop as well!

if this is my first replacement of pads and I haven't driven it to the ends of the pads, do I really need to cut the rotors?

Was considering doing it myself but all the delaers insist the rotors should be cut with every pad change. Not so sure but they have agreed to install aftermarket pads.

Minifridge1138 - nicely done to stay in the middle 6 Shooter - The big bat theory has gotten the union and the manufacturers where they are today. Teetering on no company and not a single job for any employees. Not a great result for anyone, in the long term!

I have to say, I really appreciate the help I get from everyone on the Center. I originally was thinking about Ceramics to lower the dust but I heard the stopping performance wasn't as good. I had decided to go with the oem pads until I saw the cost. With the labor, over $700 for a new set of...

EXACTLY With a gun to their head! I can't imagine anything worse than being a large corporation with union employees, particularly the UAW.

While there is plenty of blame to go around and all of the above posts hold some truth, the difference maker has and will be the UAW. They have bled those three companies dry and have been doing it for years. Free health insurance for life, Job Banks, free legal for life and a general abuse of...

Thanks I have a 2005 Z51 Coupe, about 66k miles. I believe that equates to the J55 build. I need pads all around. I have been looking at the Hawk Ceramics, which run about $200 on the internet while the oem pads are $400. I understand the Hawk pads are excellent although ceramics are famous for...

Is there any way to get aftermarket brake pads quickly? Do any of the national parts stores carry Hawk or Akebono or a performance brand like them? I have an appt. to get my brakes done on Wed and just found out my dealer wants $400 just for the parts. Appears to be double the price of...

I have a 2005 Z51 with the polished wheels. It is my daily driver with 58k miles so far. The wheels are pitted in all of the corners. How can I polish them clean? I need new brake pads, what is everyone using to diminish the dust? Mike

My seat belt warning light has started coming on, even when I am belted in. Any thoughts on what it could be?