Auto mechanic in Central NJ?

Dictatorsaurus

Dictatorsaurus

Active Member
Anyone know of a good reasonably price auto mechanic in central NJ?

I'm having some issues with my car which I'm not able to diagnose. I don't want to walk into a random shop. Been there and it didn't work out too well!
 
Freedman Tire in Edison is pretty reliable. I have only gone there for tires but friends have gone there for general service with good results.
 
I have used the Car Guys of Edison. I only used them to install tires (had them shipped there from tire rack). For that they were fair, and charged very reasonable prices for the install and valve stems and such.

I was actually surprised I didn't have to fend off any attacks of "you need this, this and this done too!" They just said ok cars done! Alignment is tight, brakes are at 60%, thanks!

Small shop though, 2 lifts and a little waiting area...they like appointments.

Also, what issues are happening with the car? Puzzles are fun!
 
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Deezul said:
Also, what issues are happening with the car? Puzzles are fun!
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Brake pedal pulsing and car vibrating while braking. When the car comes close to a full stop, I can hear a sound from the front right side as if I'm driving on a flat tire.

I replaced the front rotors and pads two days ago. The issue was happening before the brake change and is still happening after.
 
B&W Auto in Metuchen. Nick is an honest guy and gives it to you straight.

B & W Automotive
(732) 548-2990
21 Amboy Ave
Metuchen, NJ 08840
 
Dictatorsaurus said:
Brake pedal pulsing and car vibrating while braking. When the car comes close to a full stop, I can hear a sound from the front right side as if I'm driving on a flat tire.

I replaced the front rotors and pads two days ago. The issue was happening before the brake change and is still happening after.
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hub bearing would be my second guess, you've already covered the first.
 
After driving, check and see if the right front wheel is hot to the touch (more than the left). That will help pinpoint that it's the right front if its a brake issue. Could the caliper be sticking and burning up the brand new brakes?
 
davidcarson48 said:
After driving, check and see if the right front wheel is hot to the touch (more than the left). That will help pinpoint that it's the right front if its a brake issue. Could the caliper be sticking and burning up the brand new brakes?
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Maybe. How do you check for sticking caliper?

rotor heat test?
 
Dictatorsaurus said:
If it's the bearing shouldn't it make noise while driving and not only while braking?
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Not necessarily. When you slow, more weight gets shifted onto the front bearing which could cause the noise then.

Make tight circles in a parking lot and see if you notice the noise turning left or right or both directions. Or none.
 
davidcarson48 said:
Not necessarily. When you slow, more weight gets shifted onto the front bearing which could cause the noise then.

Make tight circles in a parking lot and see if you notice the noise turning left or right or both directions. Or none.
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I'll take it out on a drive and see.

If it ends up being the hub bearings, how difficult are they to replace?

I don't have any air tools but it was pretty easy for me replacing the pads and rotors.
 
You shouldn't need any air tools but beyond that I'm not much help. I'm good at diagnosing (so I don't get screwed at the shop) but beyond that I don't like getting my hands dirty 🙂
 
First option is defiantly the ball joints...but can also check out the tie rod ends and CV joints (if you have a FWD) while you're under there. Get the car up on some jack stands in the front and have someone jog the wheel and see if there is excessive play in the suspension/steering components.
 
You heading out to Allaire this weekend? If so... you can swing by my house and I'll take a quick look for ya.

I used to be a tech and had some ASE certs. No longer turn wrenches for a living so all of my tools are in my garage... which is now "the shop" 😀

Whats the year/make/model of the car?

Oh, and is the steering wheel shaking or just the car & brake pedal? If the steering wheel isn't shaking, you probably replaced your front rotors for nothing. Pulsing pedal with a steady steering wheel is usually in indication of an issue with the rear brakes.
 
sk1er18 said:
You heading out to Allaire this weekend? If so... you can swing by my house and I'll take a quick look for ya.

I used to be a tech and had some ASE certs. No longer turn wrenches for a living so all of my tools are in my garage... which is now "the shop" 😀

Whats the year/make/model of the car?

Oh, and is the steering wheel shaking or just the car & brake pedal? If the steering wheel isn't shaking, you probably replaced your front rotors for nothing. Pulsing pedal with a steady steering wheel is usually in indication of an issue with the rear brakes.
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I replaced the rear pads a few months ago but didn't replace the rear rotors.

Do the rear brakes make that much of a difference to cause vibration?

I won't be riding Allaire this week...but if you're available during the week I might take you up on that offer.
 
If your rear rotors are warped, they'll cause the brake pedal and car to shake pretty bad and you won't feel it in the steering wheel.

If your brake pedal is going nuts but your steering wheel isnt, chances are the problem is not in the front end.

Year/Make/Model?

How many miles?
 
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