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I thought about removing the lower hose to the radiator unit and draining it that way, but the squeeze clamp is pretty inaccessible (not to mention what a mess that would be).
Any advise is greatly appreciated. Thanks.
Good luck and let us know what happens.
Jeremy
Mike
Brian
Replaced the steering rack as the tie rod ends were loose. This helped the clunk heard with slight steering wheel movement back and forth at standstill.
Later the mechanic lowered the engine cradle and lubricated the sway bar bushings. No helpful results.
Dealer wanted to keep it for a day and put the noise pick devices on to isolate the problem. He told me that the upper strut bearings probably needed replacement. I asked if we could lubricate them and he said no.
I sprayed the heavy duty Prestone silicone lubricant in through all the top holes on the right hand strut and wala all the noise was gone. Later on the left side started making noise and solved the same way. 10,000 miles later they were still quite.
I traded in the Alero week before last on a 2002 Buick regal, and took the wife's 2000 Intrigue GX as my driver and gave the Loaded Buick to my wife.
Let us know what happens.
Jeremy
Car is going in for repair tomorrow and also to have the squeaky seat fixed. I will also have them check the Ecotec as mileage has dropped off as of late (even for winter).
Jeremy
Thanks!
Jeremy
Car is solid though, no rattles.
http://www.edmunds.com/maintenance/MaintenanceServlet?step=step4&- amp;year=2004&make=Oldsmobile&model=Alero&style=GL2+2- dr+Coupe+%283.4L+6cyl+4A%29&zip=13601&popup=current&s- ynpartner=edmunds&tid=edmunds...mnt.step2.9.Oldsmobile*
http://www.edmunds.com/maintenance/MaintenanceServlet?step=step4&- amp;year=2004&make=Oldsmobile&model=Alero&style=GL2+4- dr+Sedan+%283.4L+6cyl+4A%29&zip=13601&popup=current&s- ynpartner=edmunds&tid=edmunds...mnt.step2.9.Oldsmobile*
Ouch.
2017 Cadillac ATS Performance Premium 3.6
I would like to hear what everyone thinks about my dealer visit. Should I just take it to another dealer, or call Olds customer service and complain?
My day just kept getting worse: after I left there I got my first speeding ticket... 4 points but I hope I can knock it down to a non-moving violation. If I can get that, I wouldn't mind paying a large fine...I just don't want my insurance to hit the roof...again.
BTW, congratulations Khovius on your new vehicle!
Jeremy
jtrujillo86 : I don't have a stick, I have an auto so I don't use the hand brake much. I actually wouldn't likely know if it didn't work. Sounds like a lazy mechanic though, try another dealer. I really know I'm lucky with my dealer when I hear some of the stories I do.
That's how they always are at this particular service centre. They're attentive, they listen to what we say and find problems that need to be fixed, but never try to sell us stuff we don't need. Their track record is consistently good. I read stories here of bad experiences other folks have had with their mechanics, and I'm reminded of how lucky we are.
In regards to my car, I'm gonna take it to another dealer tomorrow. Like I said earlier, the previous dealer told me there was "no adjustments with the emergency brake". Well when I called this new dealer to make an appointment, he told me there was a way to adjust it and that the brake engaging at the top of the pull was not normal by any means. I think for sure I will now call Oldsmobile Customer Service and complain. Not only has this been a waste of time, but gas money as well since the dealers are 20 miles away, each. I'm really disappointed that GM won't let me take my car to ANY Goodwrench dealer for warranty service - everytime I had my Malibu in at the Chevrolet dealer, they were EXTREMELY courteous, always gave me coupons/discounts, as well as the fact that they were quick.
Jeremy
Anyway, I am really happy how Customer Service handled my complaint. They were quick, courteous, and understanding. I would highly recommend giving them a jingle if there is a warranty issue that can't be resolved at the dealer level.
Jeremy
One thing I have noticed over the last few days is the Alero does not handle all that well in the snow. Perhaps it's because of the tires on my base GX, but compared to our Intrigue with the Goodyear Eagles, you would think you were on slicks. Thankfully we have ABS and traction control on the car.
Although this dealer is a bit further than the other, I am definitely gonna go there for anymore warranty repairs or stuff I can't do myself such as rotations and balances, ect. They also do COURTESY car washes. Very nice.
When I was at the dealer, I saw a pamphlet advertising the Alero. It showed a picture of the interior of one. It was funny, though, because the car that was pictured had a stick, with leather, cruise, power windows, locks, cd, and tape. HELLO?!? Number 1: I thought leather wasn't available on the GX, right? Well isn't the GX the only trim the stick comes in? Also, CD/Tape combos are not available on the GX...hmmmmm. Is there a change in the 04's trim options?
Okay, I am I going nuts or what? I thought someone on this board had the stick...I must be wrong. Anyway, Dindak, about snow, mine handles very well. I think the previous owner changed the tires because I have two tire booklets in my owners manual. One labeled Goodyear and the other BF Goodrich. I don't know for sure which ones are on my car, however.
Jeremy
5-speeds were avialable in the GL but I think that was discontinued.
You are right, someone has a 5-speed Ecotec. Can't remember who though.
Glad you found a better dealer.
On another note, my car's coming up on its 3yr. birthday. I have 13K mi. on it, and have only taken it to the dealer for oil changes every 3K and tire rotations every other oil change. It seems like my past cars have required much more maintenance. Am I overlooking something? The coolant claims to almost be timeless, spark plugs to 100K. I feel like I'm neglecting something but the dealer doesn't seem to think so.
Jeremy
Too bad Olds is going away; there ought to be a second generation Intrigue with a higher quality interior, a 5 speed auto trans and the 3.6 motor from the CTS coming out about now I could be moving onto.
3.6 with a 5 speed and improved interior? I would have bought another in a heartbeat. Hope the coming Buick LaCross is what the Intrigue could have been.
Jeremy
Jeremy
For us it's a commuter car so we rarely have much in it.
Jeremy
FYI, the car is still flawless. Not a rattle or burp in this car. I find the snow traction to be pretty good, although not quite as good as my minivan. I think it has more to do with the weight distribution than the tires. The same principle that improves overall handling can reduce snow traction. Of course, a different tire tread or narrower tire can improve traction in any vehicle.
Wasn't sure if you were still around.
Jeremy
it for alero's last year?!?
The good news is the G6 (Grand Am replacement)will be out in the fall and will get a 5 speed matted to a 3.9L 240hp V6. It will also get a 2.4L 170hp Ecotec in 2005.
Also, has anyone found a repair manual for the Alero by Chilton or Hayne's? I had one for the Malibu, but I cannot for the life of me find one ANYWHERE for the Alero. I really don't want to go through GM because I doubt they are half as descriptive and extremely expensive. Anyway, just let me know.
Thank you!
Jeremy
Remember when I was talking about some kind of "bubbling" sound occurring when I would brake? Well I figured it out: it only happens when the vehicle is wet like after a heavy rain or just after the car wash. Water must be on the rotors making that funky noise. I doubt that it's a big deal but I just wanted to let you guys know I figured it out.
Jeremy
I just changed by air filter element but I was curious if anyone has tried (in any vehicle, not just the Alero) a K&N air filter? How much did it cost? Was it difficult to install? Is it convenient since it's washable? Any increase in power?
BTW, I feel like my first oil change is on its way around - I have pushed the car pretty hard, running the engine past 3K RPM at almost every take-off (that's gonna stop pretty quick...just a new car thing). Anyway, I was curious about Shell Rotella oil. Does anyone use it. There are always coupons for it in the Sunday paper for like $5.99 a gallon for 10W-30. Is that a good deal? What's the performance like on the Shell oil?
Also, does anyone know what brand of oil is put in the Alero's at the factory?
Thanks,
Jeremy
Jeremy
Well I have had my car for almost four months now and am extremely pleased. With my Malibu, I encountered my first problem after two months. Hopefully I can get a good 3-4 years before any major repair ($150 or more). I think if I baby it she'll be awesome.
Speaking of babying it, does anyone know what's good to clean a stain in the carpet on the Aleros? I found what looks to be a coffee stain under the rear floor mat and I'd like to remove it. Also I noticed a stain on my driver's side seat-back that is about the size of a quarter. Does GM have an upholstery cleaner that I can buy? Anything else that may work? Help me out, please.
Does anyone have seat covers in their car? I was thinking about some, but not the big furry kind. I just want the thin, black, elastic type that way the seats are protected from excessive wear, but that way I'm not sitting on a huge bulge of some animal hide.
Thanks,
Jeremy
2021 VW Arteon SEL 4-motion, 2018 VW Passat SE w/tech, 2016 Audi Q5 Premium Plus w/tech