So We Actually Figured Out What the Noise Was (Plus Rant)

"Logansteno: Bought a VW?" (logansteno)
11/18/2014 at 16:01 • Filed to: None

My idler pulley is squeaking, which would explain why it's most prominent at idle and very low speeds. So we're replacing that and it'll be fine. Again .

And, I mean, the pulley is only like $15 on Rock Auto, but I'm tired of throwing money at the thing, and it isn't even my money! Actually, it looks like the OE AC Delco part is more like $115. And my dad is gonna want to go with OE.

This doesn't explain why it's down on power though.

This is getting ridiculous. That on top of needing to fix the rear trans seal, the A/C seal, and a few other mechanical odds and ends and this just isn't making sense to keep on the road any more.

I'm sitting down with my mom and talking about this tonight. As much as my parents want to keep it around, it just isn't making sense to keep throwing money at it when we have the money to spend on a more mechanically sound car that won't need work.

DISCUSSION (20)

bob and john > Logansteno: Bought a VW?
11/18/2014 at 16:04

finally.

side note: so. blazer?

ttyymmnn > Logansteno: Bought a VW?
11/18/2014 at 16:06

I just had the rear main seal replaced on my 03 Odyssey. So I know a thing or two about throwing money at a vehicle.

Thunderface > bob and john
11/18/2014 at 16:07

panther

Logansteno: Bought a VW? > bob and john
11/18/2014 at 16:07

I'm really getting pissed off at GM's 4.3. So maybe not.

Logansteno: Bought a VW? > Thunderface
11/18/2014 at 16:08

No. Because I'd want a Crown Vic and those can only be found cheap as ex-cop cars. Which means they don't have a center console. And were abused.

Denver Is Stuck In The 90s > Logansteno: Bought a VW?
11/18/2014 at 16:09

If the reason your parents are keeping the Safari around is because they need a van. Replace it with a second GEN odyssey. Preferably one that's already had the transmission replaced. Thank me later you'd love that J series V6

Takuro Spirit > Logansteno: Bought a VW?
11/18/2014 at 16:10

Once you get a Vortec you'll hate it more when the injection spider shits the bed.

Jordan and the Slowrunner, Boomer Intensifies > Logansteno: Bought a VW?
11/18/2014 at 16:11

Cross to the dark side, get something Japanese, or worse, Ford.

Logansteno: Bought a VW? > Denver Is Stuck In The 90s
11/18/2014 at 16:12

I'm never driving another fucking van again. EVER.

The only reason they keep it is because two times a year my mom takes herself and 4 friends down to Lake of the Ozarks and they need the space. And we occasionally use it to haul more than 4 people to Six Flags.

Logansteno: Bought a VW? > Jordan and the Slowrunner, Boomer Intensifies
11/18/2014 at 16:13

I'm eyeing up Pathfinders right now.

bob and john > Logansteno: Bought a VW?
11/18/2014 at 16:14

on the plus side, you know know how to work on it well :P

I was raised in nice(r) eruo cars ( a volvo, a saab, an audi and a lexus) since I became a gear head. So I cant do the american interiors. they just feel so. god dam cheap.

If i was you, I'd look for a decently maintined 2001/02 V40. We got 350 miles out of our (s)40m no major parts replaced. and that car was in 3 crashs over its life. Still ran like a top until the water pump died and we didnt notice until it was too late (if I had known then what I know now, that car would probably still be running). They can be found for pretty cheap, and the V's have a ton of storage space for your mom yearly trips, and its fun for you to dick around with as well

then again i know your a GM/suv guy. just my 0.02$

Jordan and the Slowrunner, Boomer Intensifies > Logansteno: Bought a VW?
11/18/2014 at 16:15

Good, good. I would suggest 4Runner's, but budget and avoiding the second generation throws that one out. Check out the Infiniti version as well, though.

Logansteno: Bought a VW? > bob and john
11/18/2014 at 16:16

I'm kinda avoiding European cars like the plague because parts aren't cheap and they're (generally) unreliable. As much as I want an E39 or E36 BMW.

bob and john > Logansteno: Bought a VW?
11/18/2014 at 16:22

the mid 00's euros had electrical gremlins, but the rest of the years (esp if you go back past the 90s and avoid the performance models) are really reliable. But, like any machine, reliability is directly related to maintenance. if you dont maintain the thing right, no shit its going to blow up on you. doesnt matter if its a 2JZ, a K20, a M62 (BMW motor) or a diesel merc.

see exhibit A: our volvo. always got oil changed on time, also had fuilded topped, never had leaks. as I said, the dam thing ran for 350K miles before it gave up the ghost.

exhibit B: our (my) saab. its has 125K on it right now. its been sitting for 5 years. I'll bet a $20 that if I go right now with a fresh battery, that car will start right up.

Travis, Senna of The High Seas > Logansteno: Bought a VW?
11/18/2014 at 16:42

Dooooo iiittttt. I have 04 R50 Pathfinder that I use in the winter and to haul big things around. It's got 190,ooo miles, has been wrecked twice by previous owners, and never fails me (except when I don't put gas in it). It's a total beast in the snow, even on regular highway tires, and it's a blast to hoon on a dirt road. It can be had with a manual, and if its newer than 2002(?), 240hp.

Thunderface > Logansteno: Bought a VW?
11/18/2014 at 16:53

No, you can only find them as ex cop cars lol

V12 Jake- Hittin' Switches > Logansteno: Bought a VW?
11/18/2014 at 17:01

Kinja'd!!!

JGrabowMSt > Logansteno: Bought a VW?
11/18/2014 at 17:04

Here's the skinny (because I've been there many times with my parents). If they're going to throw the money at it, it just better not be coming out of the college fund. If that's how they want to do it, let them. There's no arguing with parents about saving them money, they know best. They're always right, even when they're not.

I would do the pulley yourself. They're really simple to do. The rear trans seal, get a quote. Don't you have an auto shop class? Talk to the teacher before/after class about it. Better yet, have your parents ask. It always seems to tickle a teachers fancy with actual learning moments like that. You guys supply the parts, the labor gets done. Simple.

PetarVN, GLI Guy, now with stupid power > Logansteno: Bought a VW?
11/18/2014 at 17:52

Tahoe time sir! get an older one with a 350, and get torque for dayz!

Rico > Logansteno: Bought a VW?
11/18/2014 at 18:08

I don't know about 6 flags but for a short road trip I'm sure she can just rent a suv on the cheap!