Seaside Auto Repair

Why Are My Chevy Truck’s Brakes Failing? Maintaining your Chevy truck’s brakes is crucial for safety and performance. A common issue Chevy truck owners face is brake failure, often due to worn-out brake drums, shoes, and wheel cylinders. Let’s dive into why this happens and how to fix it. Understanding Brake Components 1. Brake Drums: These house the brake shoes and are crucial for stopping your vehicle. 2. Brake Shoes: These press against the drum to create the friction needed to stop. 3. Wheel Cylinders: These use hydraulic pressure to push the brake shoes against the drum. Signs of Brake Issues If your brakes are failing, you might notice: - A spongy brake pedal. - Brake fluid leaks. - Unusual noises when braking. Common Causes and Solutions Seized Wheel Cylinder: When a wheel cylinder seizes, it can cause brake fluid to leak, contaminating the brake shoes. This leads to reduced braking effi ... read more

Why is My Car Making a Humming Noise? Have you ever wondered why your car is making a strange humming noise? If so, you’re not alone. Many drivers experience this issue, and it can be concerning. At Wayside Garage, we recently had a client come in with a similar problem on her 2002 Mercedes. Let's dive into what might be causing that humming noise and how to address it. Common Causes of Humming NoisesWheel Bearings Symptoms: A loose wheel bearing can cause a humming or growling noise, especially noticeable when driving and turning. Inspection: During our inspection, we found significant play in the wheel bearing, which is a clear indicator of wear. A wheel should be tight and not wiggle when checked. Brake Components Impact on Brakes: If the wheel bearing issue is severe, it can affect your brake rotors, causing uneven wear and reducing braking efficiency. This can also lead to a pulsating feeling in ... read more

Why is my car shaking when I brake? At Wayside Garage in Seaside, CA, we're dedicated to ensuring your vehicle is in top condition for safe and smooth driving. Recently, a 1995 Toyota Land Cruiser came into our shop concerned about shaking while braking After out inspection and testing we found a worn outer tie rod. In this blog we will be highlighting the importance of a component often overlooked: the outer tie rod end. Let’s dive into why this part is crucial for your vehicle’s steering system and overall safety. The outer tie rod end is a critical part of your vehicle’s steering mechanism. It serves as a ball and socket joint that connects the steering knuckle — the part to which the wheels are mounted — to the steering linkage, which is controlled by the steering gear. This connection is pivotal for transferring the steering wheel's movements to the front wheels, allowing your vehicle to change direction smoothly and accurat ... read more

Why Is My Wheel Wobbling? A wobbling wheel can be a sign of serious issues that need immediate attention for your safety and vehicle integrity. At Wayside Garage in Seaside, CA, we recently dealt with a customer driving an RV with this exact problem. The culprit? Worn wheel bearings. Let's dive into what wheel bearings are, why they're important, and how they can affect your driving experience. What Are Wheel Bearings? Wheel bearings are crucial components that allow your vehicle's wheels to rotate smoothly and freely. They bear the vehicle's weight and withstand the forces generated by the wheels. Depending on the vehicle, there are different styles of wheel bearings. Some bearings require routine maintenance, while others are sealed and considered non-serviceable.   When wheel bearings wear out, they can become noisy, producing a whirring or growling noise that increases with speed. This noise may change—becoming louder or quieter&mdash ... read more

Why Are My Brakes Grinding?  Properly functioning brakes are essential for the safety of any vehicle. At Wayside Garage in Seaside, CA, we often handle cases where customers bring in vehicles with uneven brake wear. Let's delve into a recent example involving a GMC Denali to illustrate the importance of regular brake inspections and maintenance. The client was experiencing a grinding noise when the brakes were applied. Upon inspection, we discovered that the front brake pads of their GMC Denali were in poor condition. One pad was severely scuffed, and alarmingly, its counterpart was completely missing. This severe uneven wear was traced back to a seized brake caliper. This malfunction caused the brake pads to wear unevenly and ultimately led to a dangerous metal-on-metal grinding situation, necessitating immediate replacement of the front brakes. Brake calipers play a crucial role in your vehicle's braking system. They are responsible for applying press ... read more