Driver Looking For Old-Style Smooth Cadillac Ride
Posted by Junior Damato
Dear Doctor: I purchased a 2008 Cadillac STS. Tire size is Michelin P235/50R19. There is some road noise from the different pavement surfaces and the car seems to ride hard. I have tried changing tire pressure and that's made no difference. I am used to an old Cadillac and Lincoln smooth style ride. The dealer says the car is fine. What happened to the smooth ride? Are there any cars that still have a smooth ride? John
Dear John: Today's cars will ride much differently than the old days. Everything from the suspension to the high-performance tires and low-profile tire size contribute to the firmer ride. Tire noise and actual tire tracking (following the cracks in pavement) is normal from the wide flat tire surface design. The lower the tire profile (30, 40, 50 series tire), the more feedback and firmer ride you will get. The 60 and 70 series design will offer more flexibility for a smoother ride and less road feedback. To make a ratio change from the shorter sidewall 50 series -- in your case to a 60 series -- you need to keep the outside diameter the same. This will not change or alter tire pressure monitors, ABS or the car's computer system.
Dear Doctor: I purchased a Cadillac XLR. I am concerned that with all the GM problems that parts will become hard to find. What are your thoughts? Thornell
Dear Thornell: I would not be concerned about parts or service on any GM vehicle -- even discontinued models such as yours. GM is now out of bankruptcy and will recover under its reorganization.
Dear Doctor: I own a 2009 Ford Mustang Bullet with the manual transmission. There is no freeplay in the clutch pedal like in the old days. I went to the dealer and they said this is normal because the clutch is hydraulically operated. There is no moving metal linkage or cable. A friend suggests to remove some of the clutch fluid. Is this a normal condition? Bill
Dear Bill: It is true, hydraulic clutch pedal freeplay does not have the feeling like the old mechanically operated clutches. Removing clutch fluid will not make any difference. In most new vehicles you will not see any throttle linkage from the gas pedal to the engine. Engine speed is controlled by a small electric motor via a throttle position sensor located on the gas pedal assembly.
Dear Doctor: I own a 1995 Infiniti J30, dealer serviced with 130,000 miles. Occasionally there is a gasoline smell in the garage. The dealer checked the car and has not been able to find any leaks. Will a different brand or higher octane make a difference? Sal
Dear Sal: Gasoline smells usually come from rotted lines; rot on the top side of the gas tank that cannot be seen on most vehicles until the gas tank is pulled down to inspect. Leaking fuel lines at the fuel injectors when connected with rubber lines and clamps were not uncommon on this engine, as well as a lot of older Nissan vehicles.
Dear Doctor: I own a 1997 Volvo 850 GLT with only 83,000 miles. I am 65 years old and retired and want to buy another car. My limit is $25,000, so a new Volvo is out of the question. What will give me reliability and what's the value of my 1997 model? JJ
Dear JJ: There are many good new vehicles in the $25,000 range. I would also suggest you consider a two- or three-year-old pre-owned Volvo or off-lease. The cost would be in the range you are looking to spend. The value on your Volvo will range from a wholesale $1,800 to a retail of $3,500. The actual trade-in value will vary on the retail dealer price of the car you buy.
Dear Doctor: Recently I purchased a 2005 Nissan Pathfinder with 55,000 miles. It seems hard to keep the steering going straight, the steering seems stiff, and there is a lot of road feedback. The tire size is 265/70R16. Can you comment on my complaint? Eddy
Dear Eddy: You purchased a truck, with a short wheelbase and tight suspension, and it will never ride like a car. The tires are also large. The first step is to ask the technician or dealer service writer to road test the vehicle and get their opinion. I hear this kind of complaint about truck-based SUVs much too often. People buy an SUV and after a few days of driving realize they have purchased a vehicle that they do not like the ride and handling. That's why car-based crossovers are more popular.
Junior Damato is an ASE-certified Master Technician. E-mail questions to info@motormatters.biz. Mail questions to: Auto Doctor, 3 Court Circle, Lakeville, MA 02347
Listen to Junior online at www.1460wxbr.com Saturdays from 7 a.m. to 10 a.m. eastern time. Copyright, Motor Matters, 2009
