Questions and answers with the ‘Car Doc’
Q. I have a 2018 Subaru Outback with 172,000 miles. Lately, whenever I turn the steering wheel sharp while parking at low speeds, I hear a clicking sound from the front end. It doesn’t do it while driving down the highway. Should I be worried?
A. In my experience, a clicking noise during tight, low-speed turns is most often caused by a worn outer constant velocity (CV) joint. On vehicles with this kind of mileage, I frequently find a torn axle boot that allowed grease to escape and dirt and moisture to enter the joint. While this is usually not an immediate safety issue, it is something I would repair before a long trip or before the condition gets worse. Before spending any money, have a trusted repair shop inspect the axle boots and joints. If the boot is damaged and the joint is clicking, I would replace the complete CV axle assembly since it is typically the most practical and cost-effective repair.
Q. My 2016 Honda CR-V blows ice-cold air from the passenger side vents when the A/C is on, but the driver’s side vents only blow warm air. This is a pretty basic model and does not have dual-zone climate control. I had a shop top off the refrigerant, but it didn’t fix the problem. What gives?
A. A blend-door actuator is certainly a possibility, but before replacing parts I would want a technician to verify refrigerant pressures and proper HVAC system operation. When I see uneven vent temperatures, I like to start with the basics. A low refrigerant charge, an airflow issue within the heater box,........
