#2622: Starting from Stupid
About this episode
Click and Clack tackle a range of automotive issues with their signature humor and practical advice. Highlights include a dangerous steering wheel shake on a Nissan 240SX, a father-son debate over replacing a fuel pump on a Dodge van, and a persistent screeching noise linked to a Ford's air conditioning belt. They also discuss a Jeep Wrangler fire incident and lingering odor problems, plus a radiator leak causing family tension. The show features their classic puzzler segment and witty banter, blending car repair tips with entertaining stories.
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Nissan 240SX
"First of all, I drove a 1990 Nissan 240SX. Okay, got it."
The Nissan 240SX is a sporty car made by Nissan that many people like because it handles well and is fun to drive. The 1990 version is from an older generation that car fans often modify.
The Nissan 240SX is a popular rear-wheel-drive sports coupe produced by Nissan, especially known for its balanced chassis and tuning potential. The 1990 model is part of the S13 generation, widely used in drifting and car enthusiast communities.
steering wheel shake
"The first problem I'm having is my steering wheel. Normally, between the speed of 35 and 65, shakes back and forth. Got it. Bad. Really bad."
When your steering wheel shakes while driving, it usually means something is wrong with your car's wheels or brakes. This can make driving unsafe.
Steering wheel shake between certain speeds often indicates issues such as wheel imbalance, warped brake rotors, or suspension problems. It can affect vehicle control and safety.
brake pads
"I was having problems with my brakes, squealing when I stopped. So I went and had my brake pads replaced."
Brake pads are parts that help your car stop when you press the brake pedal. If they get worn out, they can make a squeaky noise.
Brake pads are components that press against the brake rotors to slow or stop a vehicle. Worn or poor-quality brake pads can cause squealing noises when braking.
ball joint
"You could have a bad ball joint, which is ready to fall off and make the wheel come off the car."
A ball joint is like a pivot point that helps your car's wheels turn and move up and down. If it breaks, your wheel can come off, which is very dangerous.
A ball joint is a crucial suspension component that connects the control arms to the steering knuckles, allowing for smooth movement and steering. A bad ball joint can fail and cause the wheel to detach, leading to dangerous driving conditions.
tire tread
"Well, you could have a bad tire, which is ready to strip its tread off and blow out when you're driving at 60 or 70 miles an hour."
The tread is the part of your tire that touches the road and helps your car grip the surface. If it wears away or comes off, your tire can blow out, which is very dangerous.
Tire tread is the patterned rubber surface on a tire that provides traction on the road. When tread strips off or wears excessively, it can cause tire blowouts, especially at high speeds, posing serious safety risks.
shaking steering wheel
"You should always, you should never forget about shaking steering wheels. Never, let's let it happen."
If your steering wheel shakes while driving, it means something might be wrong with your car's wheels or brakes. You should get it checked to stay safe.
A shaking steering wheel often indicates issues such as unbalanced tires, worn suspension parts, or brake problems. It is a warning sign that should not be ignored as it affects vehicle control and safety.
disc brake quiet
"And they may have to just deglaze the brakes and apply something called disc brake quiet to the backs of the pads, and that'll stop that."
Disc brake quiet is a special grease put on the back of brake pads to stop them from making loud squeaky noises when you brake.
Disc brake quiet is a lubricant applied to the backs of brake pads to reduce squealing noises caused by vibration. It helps make brakes quieter without affecting braking performance.
fuel pump
"It's like a high-pitched wine that we've pretty much determined is the fuel pump. Oh, really? So you hear the noise even when you're not moving?"
The fuel pump is a part that sends gas from the tank to the engine so the vehicle can run. It's usually inside the gas tank to keep it working well.
The fuel pump is a component that moves fuel from the gas tank to the engine. In many vehicles, including this Dodge van, the fuel pump is located inside the gas tank to keep it cool and reduce the risk of vapor lock.
Utility van
""Well, you know, this is a utility van. I use it for my business, you know? Oh, it's a van. Yeah.""
A utility van is a big car that people use to carry tools or stuff for their work. It has a lot of space inside to hold things.
A utility van is a type of vehicle designed primarily for transporting goods or equipment for business purposes. They often have spacious cargo areas and are used by tradespeople and businesses.
Plastic fuel tank
""No, no, that plastic tank just doesn't handle a torch too well. No, but I mean, you might want to take it out the first time just to see where it is.""
Many cars have gas tanks made of plastic instead of metal. Plastic tanks don't rust but can melt if you use a torch near them.
Modern vehicles often use plastic fuel tanks instead of metal ones. Plastic tanks are lighter and resistant to corrosion but can be damaged by heat sources like torches.
Magic marker
""But as soon as you do, get right in there with the magic marker, make yourself a nice big circle, and then while the tank is out, what better time?""
A magic marker is a type of pen that makes marks that don't come off easily. People use it to draw lines on cars before cutting or fixing.
A magic marker is a brand name often used generically for permanent markers. In automotive work, it is used to mark cut lines or areas for modification.
Sawzall
""I would use a sawzall. I've got a jigsaw. It works just fine. There you go. That'll be good.""
A Sawzall is a type of electric saw that moves back and forth really fast to cut things. People use it to cut car parts when fixing or changing them.
A Sawzall is a brand name for a reciprocating saw, a power tool used for cutting through various materials including wood, metal, and plastic. It's commonly used in automotive repair for cutting parts like exhaust pipes or body panels.
Jigsaw
""I've got a jigsaw. It works just fine. There you go. That'll be good.""
A jigsaw is a small electric saw that moves its blade up and down to cut shapes. It's good for cutting parts of a car carefully.
A jigsaw is a handheld power tool with a straight blade that moves up and down to cut curves and shapes in wood, plastic, or metal. It is useful for making precise cuts in automotive bodywork or interior panels.
Subaru Outback
"I graduated up to a Subaru Outback, but at any rate, I'm getting a sweet smell when I turn on the heat."
The Subaru Outback is a type of car that is good for driving in many conditions, like snow or dirt roads. It has extra grip on the road and lots of space for things you want to carry.
The Subaru Outback is a popular crossover SUV known for its all-wheel drive system and versatility, often used for outdoor activities and daily driving. It combines features of a station wagon and SUV, offering good ground clearance and cargo space.
Dodge Caravan
"...he's going to wind up driving a 96-purple caravan, so he better keep his mouth shut."
The Dodge Caravan is a type of family van that was common in the 1990s. The 1996 version is an older model that many people used for carrying lots of passengers or cargo.
The Dodge Caravan is a minivan that was very popular in the 1990s and early 2000s. The 1996 model year is part of the second generation of this model, known for its practicality and family-friendly features.
ethylene glycol
"dropping AP history and Spanish and the not cleaning of the room, are all characteristics of 17-year-olds with or without the inhalation of ethylene glycol. So it may be that the ethylene glycol is having an effect, but it probably has nothing to do with it."
Ethylene glycol is a liquid added to car coolant to stop it from freezing or getting too hot. It helps keep the car's engine working properly in cold or hot weather.
Ethylene glycol is a chemical commonly used as antifreeze in car cooling systems. It helps prevent the engine coolant from freezing in cold temperatures and boiling over in hot conditions.
thermostat gasket
"Or a thermostat gasket that's, I mean, it could be a $20 fix."
The thermostat gasket is a small part that stops coolant from leaking where the thermostat is attached to the engine. If it breaks, coolant can drip out and cause problems.
A thermostat gasket seals the thermostat housing to the engine block or cylinder head, preventing coolant leaks. If it fails, coolant can leak causing overheating or loss of coolant.
alternator
"I took it to my husband's mechanic, and he said that the initial noise when I turned the engine on is the alternator trying to catch up, and that that's normal,"
The alternator is a part that makes electricity for your car when the engine is on. Sometimes it can make noise if it's having trouble working.
The alternator is a component in a car that generates electrical power to recharge the battery and run electrical systems while the engine is running. It can sometimes make noise if it's struggling to operate properly.
loose belt
"Yeah, you have either a loose belt or a faulty air conditioner compressor, because when you have the defroster on in this car, it automatically turns on the air conditioner. And when you go to accelerate, if there in fact there is a loose belt or a worn belt, you will get slippage. And that's the screeching you're hearing."
A loose belt is a strap inside the engine that helps turn parts. If it's loose, it can slip and make a screeching noise.
A loose belt in a car is a drive belt that is not tight enough, which can cause it to slip on pulleys and create screeching noises. This can affect components like the alternator and air conditioner compressor.
air conditioner compressor
"Yeah, you have either a loose belt or a faulty air conditioner compressor, because when you have the defroster on in this car, it automatically turns on the air conditioner."
The air conditioner compressor is a part that helps cool the air inside your car. If it is broken, it can make noises and your car might not cool properly.
The air conditioner compressor is a key part of a car's air conditioning system that pressurizes refrigerant and circulates it to cool the cabin. A faulty compressor can cause noises and reduce cooling efficiency.
tensioner
"You can have a new belt installed and maybe even a new tensioner. You're probably looking at less than a hundred bucks."
The tensioner is a part that keeps the belt tight so it doesn't slip and everything works right.
A tensioner is a component that maintains proper tension on the belt to prevent slipping and ensure efficient operation of engine accessories.
oil pan
""They stripped your pan. Oh, no. No, no. Much, much better than that.""
The oil pan is a part under the engine that holds the oil your car needs to run smoothly. If it gets damaged, your car can have big problems.
The oil pan is a metal container attached to the bottom of the engine that holds the engine oil. It is vulnerable to damage during maintenance if not handled carefully.
quick oil change places
""You brought it into one of these quick oil change places and they torched it?""
Quick oil change places are shops where you can get your car's oil changed fast, but sometimes they might make mistakes if rushed.
Quick oil change places are service centers that specialize in fast oil changes and basic maintenance, often at lower prices but sometimes with variable quality.
oil filter
"He dropped the oil filter onto the starter and across the terminals and it started an electrical fire."
The oil filter cleans the oil in the engine so the engine parts don't get damaged or dirty.
The oil filter removes contaminants from engine oil to keep the engine lubricated and running smoothly.
starter
"He dropped the oil filter onto the starter and across the terminals and it started an electrical fire."
The starter is a part that helps start the car's engine by turning it on when you turn the key or push the button.
The starter is an electric motor that initiates the engine's operation by turning the crankshaft until the engine can run on its own power.
fire extinguisher
"The manager comes running over with the, you know, the fire extinguisher, pulls the pen, squeezes the trigger, nothing. It was a dead bottle."
A fire extinguisher is a tool that sprays stuff to stop fires and keep people safe.
A fire extinguisher is a device used to put out small fires by releasing chemicals or agents that cool or smother flames.
dead bottle
"The manager comes running over with the, you know, the fire extinguisher, pulls the pen, squeezes the trigger, nothing. It was a dead bottle."
A dead bottle means the fire extinguisher is empty and can't stop the fire.
A 'dead bottle' refers to a fire extinguisher that is empty or no longer contains the extinguishing agent, making it ineffective in putting out fires.
brake lines
"By this time, everything in the engine compartment was either burnt, cracked, you name it, the brake lines, everything."
Brake lines are tubes that help send the brake fluid so your car can stop when you press the brake pedal.
Brake lines are tubes that carry brake fluid from the master cylinder to the brakes at each wheel, enabling the vehicle to stop when the brake pedal is pressed.
activated charcoal
""there are various mail order companies that sell this bag of stuff, which is I think mostly activated charcoal that absorbs odors and it's made for stinky basements.""
Activated charcoal is a special material that can soak up bad smells and gases. People use it in cars to help get rid of stinky odors inside the seats or cabin.
Activated charcoal is a form of carbon processed to have small, low-volume pores that increase the surface area available for adsorption or chemical reactions. In automotive contexts, it is often used to absorb odors and fumes inside the vehicle cabin, helping to eliminate unpleasant smells.
car carpet
"He may say that he smelled something and he may authorize new seats and new carpet because there's not much under the hood that can smell anymore."
Car carpet is the soft fabric that covers the floor inside your car. Sometimes it can get smelly or damaged and needs to be replaced.
Car carpet refers to the fabric material that covers the floor inside a vehicle. It can absorb odors and may need replacement if damaged or contaminated, especially after incidents like fires.
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