What jeep Owners Do That Mechanics Hate ( it's A Jeep Thing )
About this episode
Jeep owners often find themselves at odds with mechanics due to common mistakes and modifications that can lead to costly repairs. This episode dives into the top grievances mechanics have about Jeep owners, including overuse of plastic components, DIY repairs gone wrong, and problematic modifications. The host shares insights from technicians across North America, highlighting issues like electrical problems, steering failures, and the infamous 'duck thing' phenomenon among Jeep enthusiasts. With a mix of humor and practical advice, listeners gain a deeper understanding of how to maintain their Jeeps and avoid common pitfalls.
In this episode, we dig into what Jeep owners do that mechanics hate - and why. After gathering feedback from technicians around the world, we break down common Jeep pattern failures, maintenance habits that cause expensive repairs, and what owners can do to get ahead of problems before they snowball.
We also talk Jeep culture - including the " Duck Duck Jeep " movement, why rubber ducks end up on dashboards, and why Jeep ownership is as much about community as it is about the vehicle itself. Love it or hate it, it's aJeep thing - and if you own one, this episode can save you money.
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Jeep Wrangler
"whether it's a 25 year old Jeep Wrangler getting a second chance at life or a Nissan Rogue getting its brakes back in order..."
The Jeep Wrangler is a tough, off-road vehicle that many people love for adventures. It's built to go over rocks and through mud, making it great for outdoor activities.
The Jeep Wrangler is a compact SUV known for its off-road capabilities and rugged design. It's popular among enthusiasts for its versatility and ability to handle tough terrains.
Nissan Rogue
"or a Nissan Rogue getting its brakes back in order or a mystery leak that's got everyone scratching their heads."
The Nissan Rogue is a family-friendly SUV that is easy to drive and has good gas mileage. It's a popular choice for people who need space for kids or groceries.
The Nissan Rogue is a compact crossover SUV that offers a comfortable ride and good fuel efficiency. It's popular for family use and daily commuting.
Nissan 2008 Nissan
"...matic certainly helps you. And I like to use the 2008 Nissan Rogue that was donated to us. And you know what,..."
The Nissan 200 SX is a small, sporty car that was made a while ago and is known for being fun to drive. People like it because it’s light and can be made faster with some upgrades, which is why it’s popular among car fans.
The Nissan 200 SX is a compact sports car that was produced in the 1990s and is known for its lightweight design and agile handling. It gained a following among enthusiasts for its performance capabilities and affordability, making it a popular choice for tuners and racers.
CVT transmission
"So biggest one, number one, the CVT transmission, the continuous velocity transmission. You need to service that with the dealer oil, nothing outside."
A CVT transmission is a special kind of automatic transmission that can change gears smoothly without the usual steps you feel in other automatic cars. This helps the car accelerate better and can save on gas.
A CVT, or continuously variable transmission, is a type of automatic transmission that can change seamlessly through a continuous range of effective gear ratios. This allows for smoother acceleration and improved fuel efficiency compared to traditional automatic transmissions.
supersede a part
"...they would stop the line and actually supersede a part from one vendor that's making it form to another one."
Superseding a part means changing a car's part for a better one while it's being made. This helps fix problems before the car is sold.
To supersede a part means to replace an existing component with a newer or improved version during production. This is often done to address quality issues or enhance performance.
fixing neglect
"So if you want to see how that's working out, all we've been doing to this vehicle is fixing neglect. That's it."
Fixing neglect means taking care of problems in a car that were ignored for a long time. It involves repairing things that should have been maintained but weren't, like the engine or brakes.
Fixing neglect refers to the process of addressing issues that arise from a lack of maintenance or care for a vehicle. This can include repairs to mechanical components, systems, and overall upkeep that were previously ignored or deferred.
cooling system
"...because they didn't look after the cooling system. It was a head gas and issue."
The cooling system in a car keeps the engine from getting too hot. It uses a liquid called coolant to absorb heat and keep everything running smoothly.
The cooling system is a crucial part of a vehicle that helps regulate the engine's temperature, preventing overheating. It typically includes components like the radiator, water pump, and coolant, which work together to dissipate heat generated by the engine.
head gasket issue
"...It was a head gas and issue. They didn't pay attention."
A head gasket issue happens when the seal between the engine parts breaks, which can let coolant or oil leak out. This can cause the engine to overheat and can be very serious if not fixed.
A head gasket issue occurs when the gasket that seals the engine block and cylinder head fails, leading to leaks of coolant or engine oil. This can cause overheating, loss of power, and significant engine damage if not addressed promptly.
overheating
"...It would have had to have been overheating...."
Overheating means the engine gets too hot, which can cause serious damage. It's usually because the cooling system isn't working right.
Overheating refers to a condition where the engine temperature exceeds safe operating limits, often due to a failure in the cooling system. This can lead to significant engine damage if not addressed promptly.
radiator
"...it blew the neck right off the radiator and it liquid locked the cylinders on the engine,..."
A radiator helps keep your car's engine cool by removing heat. If it breaks, your engine can overheat, causing serious problems.
The radiator is a crucial component of a vehicle's cooling system, responsible for dissipating heat from the engine coolant to prevent overheating. If a radiator fails, it can lead to severe engine damage.
pistons
"...blew holes the size of golf balls in the pistons and you can see all that on our YouTube channel."
Pistons are parts inside the engine that help it run by moving up and down. If they get damaged, the engine won't work properly.
Pistons are cylindrical components in an engine that move up and down within the cylinders, converting fuel combustion into mechanical energy. Damage to pistons can severely affect engine performance.
Chrysler JK
"...on a 2018 JK, 3.6 Panda Star. And it has problems."
The Chrysler JK is a version of the Jeep Wrangler made between 2007 and 2018. It's popular for off-roading but has some issues with parts made from plastic.
The Chrysler JK refers to the Jeep Wrangler model produced from 2007 to 2018. The 2018 model is known for its off-road capabilities and rugged design, but it also faced criticism for the use of plastic components in its construction.
Jeep JK
"...I've experienced it on a neighbor's 2017 JK. And on a 2018 JK with the 3.6 Panda Star, the oil cooler is plastic."
The Jeep JK is a version of the Jeep Wrangler made between 2007 and 2018. It's built for tough terrains and is often used for off-roading.
The Jeep JK refers to the fourth generation of the Jeep Wrangler, produced from 2007 to 2018. It is known for its off-road capabilities and rugged design, making it a popular choice among off-road enthusiasts.
oil filter housing
"And the oil filter housing that goes along with that is plastic. It sits right down in the middle of the engine underneath the plastic intake manifold."
The oil filter housing is where the oil filter connects to the engine. It's important because it helps keep the engine oil clean and flowing properly.
The oil filter housing is a component that holds the oil filter in place and allows oil to circulate through the engine. In this case, it's made of plastic, which can be susceptible to heat damage.
plastic intake manifold
"It sits right down in the middle of the engine underneath the plastic intake manifold. And it's subject to all the heat generated from the top of the engine and that's where the heat goes."
The intake manifold is like a tunnel that brings air into the engine. It's made of plastic to be lighter, but it can get damaged by heat from the engine.
The plastic intake manifold is a component that directs air into the engine's cylinders. It's made of plastic to reduce weight, but this can make it vulnerable to heat damage.
engine oil cooler
"It's one or the other because it's a filter oil bath and also engine oil cooler all in one."
The engine oil cooler helps keep the oil from getting too hot, which is important for keeping the engine running well and lasting longer.
An engine oil cooler is a component that helps to keep the engine oil at an optimal temperature by dissipating heat. This is crucial for maintaining engine performance and longevity.
O-rings
"Now it still doesn't mean it's going to be perfect because you've got O-rings, rubberized O-rings in there. But it's a far cry from taking a plastic one out that fails."
O-rings are small rubber rings that help keep fluids from leaking out of car parts. They fit into grooves and create a seal when two parts are joined together.
O-rings are circular seals made from rubber or other materials, used to prevent leaks in various automotive components. They are commonly found in engines and other systems where a tight seal is necessary to maintain pressure and prevent fluid loss.
valve covers
"Plastic valve covers. Which one leaks first?"
Valve covers are metal or plastic covers that sit on top of the engine to keep oil inside and protect the parts underneath. If they leak, it can cause oil to spill out.
Valve covers are components that sit on top of the engine's cylinder head, protecting the internal parts and containing the engine oil. They often have gaskets or O-rings to prevent oil leaks.
thermostat
"Thermostat, let's go. You buy the whole thing. The thermostat comes in it."
The thermostat helps keep the engine from getting too hot or too cold by controlling the flow of coolant. It's important for the engine's performance and efficiency.
A thermostat is a crucial component in a vehicle's cooling system. It regulates the flow of coolant to maintain the engine at its optimal operating temperature.
corrosion
"And getting it off, if it's old and it's down low, the bolts get corrosion on them in their teeny weeny."
Corrosion is when metal parts get damaged or eaten away by chemicals or moisture. This can make it hard to unscrew or remove parts when fixing a car.
Corrosion refers to the gradual destruction of materials, usually metals, due to chemical reactions with their environment. In automotive contexts, it often affects bolts and other components, leading to difficulties in removal and repair.
suspension
"...modifications include suspension and steering, body or chassis lifts and electrical."
The suspension is what keeps your car's wheels in contact with the road. It helps absorb bumps and keeps the ride smooth and stable.
Suspension refers to the system of springs, shock absorbers, and linkages that connects a vehicle to its wheels. It plays a crucial role in vehicle handling, comfort, and stability.
accessory add-ons
"Number three, doing your own accessory add ons, whatever that may be, lights, brackets, external coolant filter, or what we call a remote cooling filter for why I don't know why you would do that."
Accessory add-ons are extra parts you can add to your car to make it look better or work better. They aren't included when you buy the car but can be installed later.
Accessory add-ons refer to additional features or components that can be installed in a vehicle to enhance its functionality or aesthetics. These can include items like lights, brackets, or filters that are not part of the vehicle's original equipment.
fuses
"...how the Jeeps don't catch fire. Using speaker wire for electrical connections without any of it being fused, wrong wiring, terrible routing, no fuses installed."
Fuses are small devices in your car's electrical system that help protect it. If too much electricity flows through, the fuse will break and stop the flow, preventing damage.
Fuses are safety devices used in electrical systems to protect against overcurrent. They break the circuit if the current exceeds a certain level, preventing damage to wiring and connected components.
manual transmission
"Number five, steering issues are pattern failures. Number six, they took their strong manual transmission and changed it to a complicated German transmission that is junk."
A manual transmission is a car's system that lets you change gears yourself, usually by using a stick and a pedal. Many people like it because it gives them more control over how the car drives.
A manual transmission is a type of vehicle transmission that requires the driver to manually shift gears using a clutch pedal and gear stick. It's often favored by enthusiasts for the level of control it provides over the vehicle's performance.
oil pressure
"...3.6 liter Panistar oil galley bolts walk out dropping oil pressure and the bolts fall into the oil pan and it's over."
Oil pressure shows how well oil is moving through the engine. If the pressure is low, it means the engine might not be getting enough oil, which can cause serious damage.
Oil pressure is the measure of the pressure of oil circulating in an engine, which is crucial for lubrication and cooling. Low oil pressure can lead to engine failure if not addressed promptly.
valve cover gasket
"...passenger side valve cover gasket leak huge undertaking to get to it. You got to take battery out the battery tray power steering lines and the list goes on and on and on..."
The valve cover gasket helps keep oil inside the engine. If it breaks, oil can leak out, which can cause engine problems and is expensive to fix because it requires a lot of work to reach.
A valve cover gasket is a seal that sits between the valve cover and the engine block, preventing oil leaks. If it fails, it can lead to significant oil loss and engine damage, making repairs labor-intensive and costly.
Pentastar
"Same thing for the Jeeps putting a supercharger on a 3.6 liter Pentastar, not a good idea."
The Pentastar is a type of engine made by Chrysler. The 3.6-liter version is used in many Jeep and Dodge cars and is known for being powerful and efficient.
The Pentastar is a family of V6 engines developed by Chrysler, known for its balance of performance and efficiency. The 3.6-liter variant is commonly used in various Jeep and Dodge vehicles.
horsepower
"You're going to gain some horsepower, but it isn't worth it."
Horsepower is a way to measure how strong an engine is. More horsepower usually means the car can go faster or do more work.
Horsepower is a unit of measurement for power, commonly used to describe the output of engines. It indicates how much work an engine can perform over time, with higher horsepower generally meaning better performance.
bearings
"Ticking noise, rocker issues, the bearings and the rockers and I know an upgrade and I got that from Dave's Automotive out in the Colorado area."
Bearings are parts in the engine that help other parts move smoothly. If they break, it can cause big problems for the engine.
Bearings are components that allow for smooth rotation or movement between parts in an engine. They reduce friction and wear, but if they fail, it can lead to serious engine problems.
engine rebuild
"I actually got a chance to see that ticking noise and the fix is when they rebuild the engines because those rockers come apart, the bearings come out of them and it's a huge problem."
An engine rebuild is when a mechanic takes apart the engine to fix or replace broken parts. This helps the engine work better and last longer.
An engine rebuild involves disassembling the engine, inspecting its components, and replacing worn or damaged parts to restore it to proper working condition. This process can extend the life of the engine significantly.
JK
"The engines kaboom, when they build the engine they do away with that rocker style on the JK."
The JK is a type of Jeep Wrangler made between 2007 and 2018. It's popular for off-roading but has some known problems with its engine parts.
The JK refers to the Jeep Wrangler model produced from 2007 to 2018. It is known for its off-road capabilities and has various engine options, but certain models have been noted for reliability issues, particularly with the rocker arms.
FJ Cruiser
"...I experienced that death wobble on my 07 FJ and I'm thinking, holy smokes, this is horrendous. The steering wheels knocking back and forth uncontrollably..."
The Toyota FJ Cruiser is a tough SUV designed for off-roading. The 2007 version is known for its strong build and ability to handle rough terrain.
The Toyota FJ Cruiser is a mid-size SUV known for its rugged design and off-road capabilities. The 2007 model is part of the first generation, which was produced from 2006 to 2014, and is popular among off-road enthusiasts.
lifting
"lifting the newer Jeeps voids your warranty. Unless the lift is done and the parts are provided from Chrysler to do the lift..."
Lifting is when you raise a vehicle higher off the ground, which can help it drive better on rough roads or look cooler. But if not done correctly, it can cause problems with the car's warranty.
Lifting refers to the process of raising a vehicle's suspension to increase ground clearance, which is often done for off-road capability or aesthetic purposes. However, lifting can have implications for warranty coverage if not done with manufacturer-approved parts.
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