I Can't Fix This Car! Some Car Problems Just Shouldn't Be Fixed!

[@bestany5517]

“Excuse the mess in the shop.” *proceeds into pristine auto shop*

[@Zephyrdaze1819]

I have yet to walk into his shop and not see the place immaculate.

[@8avexp]

That floor is clean enough to eat off of!

[@perspicator5779]

Yep! Incredible dude! Wish he was in my area!

[@edwardstone1654]

Lol

[@davidpatrick2163]

And when he signs off, he says he has to clean up the shop. I'm thinking that his shop is cleaner than my kitchen.

[@lbamusic]

I've dealt with auto mechanics for over 65 years....this one is among the best in how he approaches the car issues, analyzes what needs to be done or not done, and makes his recommendations. I don't sense he's a scammer but is a principled mechanic who treats his customers the way he would like to be treated. Its a pleasure to view his videos...

[@nservice1625]

@Steve Paige Same can be said for anyone, especially Doctors.

[@karlknicks4700]

I agree. But does his compadres take as much pride in their work,?

[@lbamusic]

@@karlknicks4700 i hope so...

[@justinianoamado276]

He is a godly man 👨 🙌

[@bobbyrayofthefamilysmith24]

Yeh but you make more dollar if you do scam jobs and cut corner to do quickly who care if they blow up next week once you got the dollar? Good con man is happy rich man

[@perspicator5779]

I will be trailering my 5 Toyotas 4-1/2 hours to your shop if I ever need serious repairs on my cars! Retired, I have the time to drive all that way for a reputable mechanic as you! God bless you my brother! Love the channel!

[@richardharvey3104]

You and me too!

[@thetechlibrarian]

Anybody that lives within 100 miles of his shop is super lucky I’m about 360 miles away and would have no problem taking a drive

[@myoutlaws]

Where's his shop located?

[@michoacanom4320]

Where he located

[@junior17medval]

Where is he at?

[@Canadian963]

I am a mechanic and performs all my maintenance, I dont trust anybody to perform any repair on my yotas. However if there is one guy that i would trust from what i have observed since he started his journey...that would be him only. God bless and may your work ethic stand the course of time. I have witnessed too many mechanics whose head blows up once the money flows and they get greedy and forget that their honest work is what brought customers to them. Keep it up Car care nut.

[@lvsqcsl]

There are people that think Toyotas don't have any problems......I like how this guy points out issues and Toyota's response to those issues. While Toyota's are reliable, they have their problems as well as any other car. They like their maintenance just like any other car. GREAT VIDEO!

[@malcolmboynton7652]

i like your approach at setting priorities for your customers. now retired i was a german car tech for 50 years. too many guys would oversell those bushings and damp chain cover. they gave an honest mechanic a bad name . i was often called to the front office for not "producing" enough to suit them. luckily for me i was usually the only guy that could overhaul auto transmission so my job was secure. keep up the good work.

[@peterkincaid6406]

SADLY MOST CAR MAKERS ARE OWNED BY JEZEBELS BAVARIAN ILLUMINAZI KABALIST MASONIC DEMOLAY PAWNS. ALLL OF WITCH ARE. ON THERE WAY. DDDDDDDDDOWN ! AMEN !!!

[@peterkincaid6406]

I DEEMED THEM CAMEL CARS. AFTER ALLL THEY RODE LIKE A CAMEL AND COULD NEVER RIDE ACROSS THE SAHARA. .. LOADED UP TO THE SKY. AND T R I P P P L E YOUR MONEY ON YOUR 30 PLUS YEAR OLD PEUGEOT WAGON !!! HOW LOUSY ARE SOME. GREEDY HAVE SOME BE COME. ONLY STEERING RACK. 1500. NO TIE ROD. SUB $$ 50 ISH . PEUGEOT USED TO HAVE REPLACEABLE CELERON DISCS FOR ROD ENDS. CHEAPER THAN CHIPS !! GOD BLESS !!

[@brentfarvors192]

The CUSTOMER MOST DEFINITELY likes his approach as well!!! Especially if he has a nagging female in the house...I think he just got a new life time customer...?

[@trueword247]

May God bless you for your integrity.

[@dalestephan6777]

@@brentfarvors192 3

[@reallifeengineer7214]

I noticed he has kept the seat adjustments untouched in the test drive, squeezing himself into that tiny space... 😅 What a guy!

[@LykeArgy]

hahahha

[@unfriendlies8000]

@@LykeArgy One of the first I've seen who pointed out and warned of the piston ring problem with 3rd Gen Rav4 2.4.

[@kdirtrider]

Great channel! Our 08 "Rocket" RAV4 V6 Limited has 271K miles (oil changes EVERY 3-5K). We have been experiencing that cold start rattle about once a month for the last 180K miles. Change your oil people and they will last forever!

[@BaldadonisMike2021]

lol..once a month for 180k! Most people refuse to drive a car w anything over 100k ! My FJ Cruiser has 318000 miles VVT solenoids have been done..I love it!

[@Brpwndood]

V6 Venza 400K+ driver here, the interval on the oil change really is not important, I have gone sometimes 8K+ between. What is of utmost importance for these engines which many people try to cut corners and getting bit in the behind is this issue: The wrong oil and the wrong cartridge by going to a non toyota dealer for an oil change. It is cheaper and quicker to pull into a toyoya dealer since: 1 - These are high performance engines are specifically designed by the factory to take 0W-20 oil every 10,000 miles with fully synthetic oil, or 5W-30 mineral oil every 5000 miles. 2 - The correct Toyota cartridge is integral in making the oil flow. 99% of people cannot grasp the simple concept of those two sentences so they will do their own thing, hence getting the rattle or worse engine damage due to oil starvation. Having said that those engines can withstand serious abuse in the low/bad oil department. I can guarantee you to change your oil at a real toyota dealer and you will never hear that noise again.

[@kevinkall8547]

when I worked at auto parts store in 90's, for those cold start rattle, we would sell them some oil additive to "thicken" oil to mask rattle. Otherwise sell them straight 30w. those were the times. Backyard mechanics were not the friendliest of folks. Older drivers liked getting those deer whistles and beaded seat covers.

[@mattbrown5511]

Thank you for thinking of your customer. I ran my '01 Rav4 for 315K miles. I sold her off in 2019. I still see it running around. I live in a small rural town.

[@SuperSnakePlissken]

You and the Car Wizard are my two favorite mechanics on youtube. You all do such a great job explaining and walking the viewer through what you do that I find myself always watching the entire video.

[@tmntchad]

Now that Eric The Car Guy has gone on a bit of a break Car Wizard and Car Care Nut are the new Kings of Automotive KZbin .

[@erikgonzalez2278]

I like car wizard but now he’s more focused on not customer work more so on the tv side. Also it seems like car wizard wants to replace anything he’s more of a high end European car side but it’s like if you want it replaced sure we’ll take your money. And ccn is more of a no I’ll refuse the work im just an honest mechanic when it needs it come back if it’s not safety.

[@muhsalihu]

@Lime Life He is the Grandfather!

[@wolfeadventures]

Check out South Main Auto channel. Honest mechanic.

[@paulandres8979]

I agree and I wish I had a mechanic like them locally. I appreciate the sharing of their knowledge.

[@eliasaragasi1547]

In my humble opinion, this is the real mechanic for everyone (rich or poor). His honesty and integrity is top of his mind. He’s not there to rip off his customers pockets, but to help and give them a technical solution and advices that his customers will never forget. Good job my friend. God will bless you more.

[@brianmac1]

When I was young (50 years ago!!) my best buddy was a mechanic. I learnt a lot from him and the practises of the dealership he worked for. I vowed to learn as much as I could, buy good tools and shop manuals, and be a DIY guy as much as possible, even if that meant making a few mistakes along the way. This has saved me many thousands of dollars over the years, both in being able to do some work myself, but also not buying the bs of shops and mechanics. I have a very trustworthy guy at the moment, so good that I've sent 6 or 8 new customers to him already. Honesty and treating people decently wins in the end, and is also good for the soul.

[@rightlanehog3151]

Sadly, we have to ask , how many dealerships or garages would tolerate an honest mechanic?

[@jiyushugi1085]

For all of us DIYers, the choice of vehicle is important. I'm still driving my 02 Cavalier with its simple 4-cylinder engine because it's so easy to work on.

[@RecordnRtist]

@@rightlanehog3151 More than you would believe. It's not the mechanics that are the greedy selfish ones most of the time, but the dealerships!

[@tradingnichols2255]

Maybe dishonest shops exist, but maybe I interviewed my way out of those. LOL. I was never at a dishonest shop. ... which does make me sigh that occasionally one of by bosses bent the truth. He hardly ever got away with it and if I as in the front room the customer would have gotten 100% truth! (a few cases over a year with him) @@rightlanehog3151

[@Barnekkid]

This guy is so even tempered and rational sounding. He inspires trust.

[@rossswenson532]

I treasure a person who is careful in the use of his customers money. Well done, sir!

[@jamram9924]

If you choose to go aftermarket on inner and outer tire rods, our shop uses Sankei 555 suspension parts Made in Japan. In our area, Napa is their distributor. We’ve had exceptional luck with these 100% made Japanese parts.

[@dan260140]

555 is good stuff Kinda sucks rock auto does not sell them… well at least to my knowledge

[@homesold]

Yes, exactly the parts brand I used on my Acura. No “Moog” or any other parts for me… No way!

[@tdgdbs1]

555 ball joints in my Corolla lasted just as long as the OEM.

[@onenikkione]

Good to Know ✌

[@lucid484]

I use all Mevotech aftermarket suspension/steering parts on my two cars and never a single problem with them.

[@RecordnRtist]

This channel is better than any television show being produce by any network right now. Amazing work and explanations. You are making the world a better place, especially in a time where new automobiles cost a small fortune that no one believes will become "collectibles". Everything is consumer/consumption oriented or extremist/enthusiast profit margin directed. Thank you for the FREE edutainment!

[@RecordnRtist]

I forgot to mention the bent/twisted brake hose and the weekend haircut!😆

[@rightlanehog3151]

Agreed.

[@CLCKC69]

My aunt had a 2009. Same trouble. She was parking on a slight hill for the weekend. . I advised her to stop parking there and parked on a flat part of the driveway. The grinding stopped. I also advised her to change her oil more frequently. Over 200k still running fine.

[@briank10101]

Great point, the RAV4 may be parked on a sloped driveway causing uneven oil drainage, and with it being a spare car the oil drains away fully after a couple of days not being driven.

[@churro6160]

easy way to duplicate this would be put the truck in jack stands only on the front and leave it overnight. If he hasn't thought of this hope he sees your message, Good point!

[@CrimeVid]

A very fair explanation.

[@brettjacobsen6219]

The best and honest mechanic videos on KZbin! Who needs Scotty's click bait. Learn alot from you and yes I was paying attention to the brake line.

[@antoniorivera9395]

This is toxic division. I have watched both for some time now, and respect the honesty opinions of both of them

[@nwsvndr]

@@antoniorivera9395 Nope, you're free to express your opinion but so am I. I occasionally watch Scotty but have to agree with brettjacobsen6219. I respect Scotty's opinions but find him annoying, with way too much click bait.

[@ShikLam666]

You are the best, honest and professional. I wish there are more mechanics like you out there, and life will be better for all.

[@NeverComplyEver]

He's being recorded.....

[@josephjenkins_music]

I’m so glad you mentioned that air plane whirring. My 2010 RAV4 does this and I thought it was a wheel bearing…

[@dasavoca]

The “intermediate shaft.” I can’t believe it. I feel like I just got the solution to a longtime problem. My husband and I have been losing our minds about a clunking in the steering of his ‘13 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Limited. Three dealerships pronounced his car in perfect condition; they could not duplicate our concerns, either. I’m going to order that part and have it installed as soon as possible. Thank you for this new video style and commentary! I think you inadvertently solved our problem!

[@markg999]

First check under and make sure bolt is tight I saw a video on a Lexus 200CT bolt was loose and that fixed issue. My Lexus is also making an annoying knock from steering wheel but didn't fix issue.

[@dasavoca]

@@markg999 Thank you! Will do.

[@edwardbennet3902]

That intermediate shaft on the Rav4 is an upgraded part from Toyota..Be wary of aftermarket...FYI.

[@dasavoca]

@@edwardbennet3902 Always. I learned very quickly on my LS400 to always use OEM.

[@hebertosantana184]

In reference to steering wheel clunk, AMD once mentioned in a video that there is a piece of the steering colum from the inside of the car that slides down, that it must be loosen, move up and tighten. I have a 2013 Sienna with the v6 and have the clunk

[@peterbland7227]

We had a 2007 workhorse that we treated well, and it treated us well. Last year we sold it at a great discount to a retired teacher who really needed a reliable car. So glad we were able to help her out.

[@tomd5010]

One thing I tell customers on hard to duplicate problems is to film it with their cell phone. It doesn't always work, but it can increase the chances of finding the issue.

[@mrsargemeister]

Good suggestion. That would definitely give them some perspective.

[@Daniel-it1dp]

Good to hear this because I'm mostly ignored when I present video of problems we have had with a "the tech will do his own evaluation"

[@erikgonzalez2278]

True good one and the way ccn said it I hear it but if it gets worse film it

[@Drew-wf7vw]

@@Daniel-it1dp Tell that advisor to pound sand. As a technician I want ANY and ALL info from the customer. Sometimes the smallest of details will save me time, and you as the customer money. At our shop we are always on top of our advisors to ask the right questions and to provide all info given by a customer - we can sift out any "un-needed" info for ourselves, but the advisor doesn't know what could be useful to us. That shop is not doing you or their techs any favors by denying your documentation.

[@mplslawnguy3389]

Finding an honest shop is getting rarer and rarer. That is great advice on a 15 year old car. That's where uninformed people get taken to the cleaners, paying for repairs on an old car that are just not necessary, nor worth it. Once your vehicle is that old, do just enough to keep it on the road safely, other than that, it's an old car, it's going to have small leaks, noises and other annoying issues, but make sure you know what is necessary and what is not before giving the go ahead, or learn to fix stuff yourself.

[@antonoat]

Love listening to your commentary, your extensive knowledge is so obvious! I wish I had an expert to look after my car!

[@icosthop9998]

Same here

[@The_Noticer.]

Finding a good mechanic is really difficult these days indeed. It's probably what is driving more people towards leasing, so they atleast dont have to deal with that.

[@Reggaejames]

I really liked the inclusion of an "Easter egg", the twisted brake line hose in this video. Could you include more of those in future videos please? It encourages us to watch the video more carefully and adds a bit of gameplay to our viewing experience. Keep up the good work!

[@seanpop2886]

That looks like the work of a Midas shop... It isn't their car and it isn't their company. Why should they care if they put a kink in your brake line, it's not their family in the car. Right? 🙄🙄🙄🙄

[@LAactor]

Bonus related egg, rear calipers appear somewhat new.. from the inside at least.

[@realemonful]

That's what I thought it was but I couldn't quite make it out from how I saw it

[@RecordnRtist]

It took me a while to catch it, but I eventually figured it out! The inner tie rod is also something that only an experienced technician would pick up on because it's not readily visible or noticeable, although he originally called it as an "intermediate shaft". He's really good.

[@ifluro]

@@RecordnRtist The intermediate shaft is probably worn as well. These were very common for that. Camry and Highlander too. It's a design fault. Pre electric steering, only the rack had to deal with the full torque of turning the wheels. These Toyotas had the column mounted eps, so the intermediate shaft now had to handle the full torque as well as the rack. I believe the intermediate shaft was not updated to handle the full torque. The cold start rattle is caused by a lock pin not engaging on engine shut down. This is supposed to lock the vvti gear when you next start the engine, until oil pressure is sufficient to take over control. More frequent oil changes with a high quality oil may help this issue. Also not beating on it until it warms up is always going to help.

[@tenajnodmot]

It's a highlight of my day when I watch your videos and listen to your words of wisdom.

[@seanpop2886]

I was able to recreate my death rattle by doing the following: Getting the car hot, for a long time; mid-afternoon. In Southern California whether that was a 40 mile round trip. After it got nice and hot, I would drive it at a crawl for the last 2/10 of a mile. Park and leave overnight. I then had one hundred percent success rate and supplied the dealership with 4 videos showing the problem. Starting the car at any point within 8 hours did not do the job. It was more like 12 hours.

[@MrPoogman]

So basically a cold start noise…? Dunno how you connect the drive 12 hours prior, to the noise.

[@rickm8456]

Hey you finally featured my car! 2010 Rav V6. 170k miles. I don’t have the rattle yet. My tie rod might need replaced however. I have a small clunk when turning sometimes. Anyway, I love it. No it’s not the quietest. But wow, it’s fast! I’m not giving it up anytime soon. The v6’s are highly sought after.

[@Mr_Sweet_Tee]

👆👆🎁🎁⬆️..

[@mdduet]

Just found your channel. Really love how you balance your customers concern against what you feel are the actual issues/costs/vehicle age. Not selling repairs just because you can and not trying to give the customers a lot of "what ifs". If I lived in your area I would be on your customer list.

[@alannguyen5050]

Great thorough look at the car. You are an excellent mechanic and I wish you the best.

[@Huey4214]

Love your common sense approach. The basic road test and inspection is a very important step many newer techs skip. A half an hour spent on it can save many hours of grief down the road, Bravo to you Sir!

[@nbudusmith]

I’ve said this before…. I wish I lived in your area, you’re an awesome mechanic!

[@OOICU812]

Honest mechanics are worth their weight in gold as far as I'm concerned. God bless you, Car Care Nut.

[@danp7201]

Absolutely love your videos. Very detailed, thorough , informative and well explained. I love your honesty regarding your diagnosis of what is good and what is bad with the vehicle - what actually needs attention and repair. Not like some shops that just want to make money however they can - customers get ripped off. Well done.

[@orabiasphalt8230]

Mechanic at the top of ethics, respect and professionalism. I own a 2012 rav4, but it is a 4-cylinder, and all the problems you mentioned are correct, but it is a practical car in the truest sense of the word. Just fill up with petrol, change the oil, and spend your day without any troubles.

[@wizardman66]

I love the clean and organized shop! I've always thought that if a garage has parts sitting around with greasy fingerprints on everything then how will they treat MY property? Oh, how I wish I had a mechanic as professional and knowledgeable as this guy. I love my Toyotas and I love this channel!!

[@STRIKER520]

I have a whining noise at around 25mph and has been doing it for years. And you are correct transmission still works fine with no issues .

[@williambautista4912]

i love how you explain everything. watching from Philippines

[@ericgilbert994]

Ya La Habibi, respect. Been building race Cars for 60 Years. You are the best Pro Mechanic on YOUTube. I wish you were in California to work on My Lexus ES350. Thanks for the help you are giving to clueless owners with the truth in you diagnosis Videos.

[@rightlanehog3151]

The 'clueless' owners are probably not investing time by doing research on KZbin. It is also quite likely they bought a Ford, Chevy, Fiat or Kia instead of a Toyota/Lexus.

[@AggiePhil]

An honest mechanic. A rare thing!

[@MrGomjabber]

My wife has a 2009 with a V6. Rocket RAV is a good name for them, my word they have a lot of power for the size vehicle.

[@deusvult9349]

You are a credit to your profession and a God fearing honest man which seems to be rare to find these days. Thank you for your work and for sharing your knowledge.

[@acwinicker112]

I’ve got an 09 version of one of these limited v6 with 130k miles and I love it. I went with the aftermarket option for the tie rods bc the dealer wanted like $3,000 to do the whole rack and pinion as the other option. I’ll be sure to look at all these other potential leaks and stuff this video was super helpful. I debate on getting something newer but I think the rav will last.

[@stevencroft4850]

Excellent walk through. The brake hose?.. it's been twisted, someone rotated the caliper by mistake when they had it off to replace the pads.

[@bobbybrown870]

That's what I saw!

[@jimharper6073]

Rookie mistake... I know I did mine that way not long ago... I replaced all the rubber hoses and put the new one correctly... Now all I have to do is replace the proportioning valve on '95 Lexus ES300

[@onenikkione]

I agree with his comment about the RAV4 being loud in the cabin. Wonder if there is a way to quiet it down? CCN is often referred to on many Toyota forums.

[@MangionDaniel]

Twisted brake line! Great videos ! Very informative - love watching them till the end! Pity we don't live near by, I'd gladly hand you the keys for all my cars - not only the Toyotas :)

[@andrewj.salmon4334]

Yes sir - this vid was helpful. I don’t have a Rav 4, but sure appreciate your approach to this potential issue. Your success in this new shop and on this channel is inevitable

[@bizmofunyuns6463]

I bought a cherry 17.5 camry with only 42k on it, little did I know the splash shield was concealing 10k worth of damage. I bought it from a huge nationwide dealer and was told immediately that it was my fault and my problem. I got it fixed because to me it was worth it and the shop used only oem yota parts. Drives like an absolute dream and zero issues thankfully. I was searching for one for over 2 years too, I love the real 6 gear trans paired with the 2.5l.

[@charlesjackson1700]

What is a 17.5 Camry ?

[@RockofArizona]

Thanks for the solid advice! I have a 2006 RAV4 Limited V6 2wd that has similar issues…… with 305,400 miles.

[@paulgilliland2992]

If you think RAV4 is loud try driving a 2104 Corolla across New Zealand. Between tire and transmission gear hunting on not such great pavement surface ,the noises are shockingly bad .

[@gregchurch]

Nice commentary on how to speak to customers about noises, seriousness of repairs, and keeping it all in perspective. When I was younger I would fix stuff that wasn't really broken yet, but as an experienced person, waiting until it breaks is often the better route for an older car (unless of course it is a safety issue or could leave you stranded). I operate my non-car care business in a similar way. Honesty and integrity pay dividends in the long run of life.

[@rightlanehog3151]

Agreed.

[@brianbanks3044]

I found it easier to check inner tie rods with the weight on the vehicle's wheels and the front wheels on turn plates like an alignment rack....when the vehicle is raised, the spring weight put pressure on the suspension parts and tightens everything up a little...a front end mechanic showed me this trick before...if it moves in the air, it will probably really move on the turn plates....great video, thanks

[@Mr_Sweet_Tee]

👆👆🎁🎁⬆️

[@TMensah]

I discovered this channel few days ago. Very glad. This guy is on top of his work. And I think your cameraman is equally good. 👍👍

[@jeffd3844]

Really enjoyed this video, especially regarding what you look for during an inspection of this vehicle with that many miles. Please do a video on the "intermediate shaft", what the problem is, and what (if anything) to do about it. I've had this noise in my 05 Camry for years and never could figure out what it is.

[@charleshoang566]

I also have 05 Camry I heard some noise when I drive it but I don't know where they come from, it's 199,700 miles.

[@charleshoang566]

It's howling like wind go through the narrow tunnel.

[@barrycooke9249]

Very very common issue on those 2002-2006 Camry's i had to have mine replaced on both a 2003 and then a 2005.... Will give you a sloppy kind of clunky feeling in the steering.....Shaft's from the dealer are close to $500 not sure i would trust an aftermarket one your choice.... Not that labour intensive to change around an hour to hour and a half but you must know what your doing as far as lining it up properly or the wheel will be off center and require an alingment....

[@marklowther8792]

Thanks for your advice. Bought a cream puff ES350. 2019 W/22K

[@supersteve8305]

You are such a great mechanic and instructor. Thanks for sharing your knowledge with us.

[@Mr_Sweet_Tee]

👆👆🎁🎁⬆️..

[@davidryder3374]

My 2007 V6 has had this rattle for most of its life. I am currently looking at a 2011 that's 6 hours away (actually, not far from you, in Schaumburg) and if that falls through, I'll be bringing you my 2007 this spring. It's got 200K on the clocks and the body's rotting away, but I still love it. And you're right...they're rockets!

[@HawkingHorizon]

Looks like The Car Care Nut is getting a lot of 2GR-FEs! The early version ones (which this RAV4 has) is also notorious for their piston slap when cold, which will sound like a rattle on acceleration until the engine warms up. There is no damage done to the car, but the general advice is to go easy on the accelerator and keep it below 2k revs until the engine reaches temperature. EDIT: It's also worth keeping in mind that 07-12 Toyotas also had fluid power steering, and if the weather is cold enough (below 0C), the power steering fluid becomes more viscous. This means when you start the car, for a brief second the power steering pump does not have fluid to lubricate it and can make a grinding noise.

[@motopolak]

Does the "early version" of this engine also extend all the way to the 2012 model year RAV4 (last year of that generation)? Or did they update it in 2009 at the same time as the facelift?

[@danwake4431]

commenting so i can see the answer to this.

[@peacepcf]

@@danwake4431 from personal experience, I had an 08 es350 which had the piston slap and it was infuriating. Now I have an 11 and it's fine. It seems like they never really admitted any fault for this so somewhere around 2010 I believe is when they quietly made some internal changes.

[@Lousybarber]

I have a 2009 with just under 100,000 miles and in the cold months I let it warm up for at least five minutes before driving away. Was never sure whether it was piston slap or the variable valve timing. I also have an 2005 Lexus with the 3.3 which sounds perfect at startup. Although the 3.5 has been reliable and delivers good fuel economy it is a noisy engine.

[@tsokley]

@@Lousybarber 2009 ES350 here. Piston slap when cold. No big deal. 165K and smooth as silk once warmed up.

[@mikechiodetti4482]

That was a good vehicle inspection. It looked mostly rust free under the car. You have the correct way to diagnose "a noise." I hate intermittents, even noises. Well, time and mileage will tell.

[@tonydoggett7627]

Rusty by Australian standards!

[@g.fortin3228]

Love the honesty and calm attitude. You set the bar high AMD !!!

[@fieldsofomagh]

Love the state of your garage, everything laid out meticulous and the floor is shining. Demonstrates a very ordered mechanic who knows his trade and also how to manage a repair business. Congrats on being so successful and dedicated.

[@45AMT]

It's like my old boss use to say. "it's not always what you say it's how you say it" (or ask it) being a good mechanic isn't always about turning wrenches. It's also customer relations.

[@jbestell]

You have a really great command of American English idiom. I have a lot of Egyptian and Iraqi friends who have been immersed in colloquial English for decades that don't manage like you do. Just another reason I'm perpetually impressed by you and your skills.👍

[@williamalexander1743]

I know what you mean. I know a woman who is from a foreign country but she has been in the United States for 30 years. I don't talk to her because I cannot understand what she is saying.

[@MPGunther1]

What makes a great mechanic is one that doesn't sell you something you don't need

[@erikgonzalez2278]

Right someone compared him to the car wizard I’m like no car wizard is more of a ok I’ll take your money if you want it done I mean yes he does exotics but it seems even with the regular cars

[@user-kc1tf7zm3b]

What the Toyota RAV4 owner needs is a new car. The host repeatedly makes the point that the car is old, has high mileage, and, has a potential major engine issue. No car is forever, otherwise we would all be driving the same cars we had in the year 2000. Move on.

[@erikgonzalez2278]

@@user-kc1tf7zm3b I agree to some extent as a daily driver but I have a 97 Corolla that you describe as the same and it has 315k miles when that one gets to 400-500 k miles I’ll consider getting a low milage one or shoot I’d buy this rav4 there are plenty of these cars left and Toyota and Lexus and many cars from the early 2000s on the road but why do we have so many classic cars

[@user-kc1tf7zm3b]

@@erikgonzalez2278 A 26 year old car from the late 1990s is just not for most people, as this is a bloody old car. A 1997 car is perhaps even older than you. Putting aside stress and anxiety with owning an old car, there is a social cost of being seen in a car from 3 long decades ago. The people around will see you as a failure, which can easily have adverse career implications. Plus, there are the rank obsolescence issues, especially with safety systems, convenience features and fuel economy. For people who wish to stay relevant to the current times, which is most people, old 1990s cars are dreadful to drive. This explains why in Australia most cars over 15 years old, with about 200,000km on the clock, are simply scrapped. These clunkers are economic write offs.

[@erikgonzalez2278]

@@user-kc1tf7zm3b thank you for your analysis gave me some knowledge for today I don’t say your wrong or right. But you have a decent point. 80% of people do not drive a 25 year old as a daily for sure

[@mr.c493]

I had the same year with the V6. That rav4 was very fast!! Loved it!

[@rightlanehog3151]

AMD, A RAV4 V6 in Barcelona Red may not be very fancy but it is very close to the top of my list of ideal Toyotas.🤩🤩 It is compact in size but offers a very usable tow capacity without being a gas guzzler in normal highway driving. I have never met a V6 RAV4 owner who did not have a smile on their face when asked about theirs. 😁😁 Hopefully this one has another 189,190 miles ahead of it. 👏👏👏👏

[@alanrussell6678]

I have a 2010 V6 4wd Limited in red - 136K miles. I am looking to replace with something like an Avalon. I love the power and acceleration of the V6 in the Rav4 but am tired of the road noise and poor gas mileage. I'm getting old I guess and gravitating to grandpa cars.

[@rightlanehog3151]

@@alanrussell6678 I am used to road noise because I drive a simple 2005 Vibe. To me the RAV4 is almost like stepping up into a luxury car.😉 Speaking of 'stepping up', I am not getting any younger either and the idea of dropping down to the much lower seating position of the Avalon does not appeal to me. You may know 2022 was the last year for the Avalon. It is being replaced with the new Crown which offers 40 mpg, AWD and a substantially higher seat height than the Camry. I would also expect today's RAV4 Hybrid to be a little quieter than your 2010 and much better on gas while retaining decent power. There is also the new Venza which AMD was raving about a few weeks ago. If you sell it or trade it in, I hope your RAV4 V6 goes to a good home. 😁

[@alanrussell6678]

@@rightlanehog3151 My daughter has a 2017 Rav4 and it is a much better ride than my 2010 in every aspect. Strange coincidence - I used to have a Vibe GT. Cheers.

[@JeromeMahutoto]

Thank you for putting my mind at ease as I own a 2007 JDM Toyota Crown 3GR FSE. I hear the same noise at cold start at random but I'm told the same thing that it's not dire unless it's at the tipping point that it should be fixed. I will get a basic tune and service done where my limited mechanical aptitude allows me to manage some things safely 👍

[@nautilusmollusc5860]

I love seeing how passionate and experienced you are about all your repairs! Wish I lived in your area so you could be my mechanic. Thanks for making these enjoyable and educational videos!

[@paulallen5891]

Thanks!

[@roykirich]

May the Lord bless and keep you too for the continuous content that you enrich people like me with. I stick to always educative channels like The Car Care Nut. Keep up👍and thanks. Wait, was that a kinked brake line there?

[@MrBuffaluffagus]

Welp, looks like my new Toyota mechanic is 13.5 hours away. Road trip! Awesome videos sir! Your honesty, work ethic and approach to issues is to be commended.

[@rachelr12345]

I will be making a trip from Orlando Florida to see him specifically.

[@godisgood789]

Noises can be very challenging. I used to clip electronic noise detectors on different areas and was challenged by my foreman to isolate a specific noise out of 3 - that the customer wanted to Disappeared . Long story short it was the both front wheelbearings but one was loader than the other. The main noise was from the rear driveshaft - one that annoyed him the most. So he decided to fix that first because he was on a tight budget and fixed the wheelbearing noises later. I personally don't like dealing with customers like that but it is what it is and money in the pocket !

[@briank10101]

Tire noise is often a big noise source too.

[@rogerbayzand4455]

I have a 2007 4cylinder RAV4 and had a rattle when it was cold and in drive, it was particularly noticeable when stopped at the lights, when the car warmed up it went away. It took a bit of diagnosis but my excellent mechanic found it was coming from the right hand engine mount, an easy fix and no more rattle.

[@snakeylps]

I really love these 2gr-fe videos because that's the same engine that my car has. Never experienced a rattle on cold start and I hope I don't in the future but at least I learned something new today. No need to worry about it until it gets real bad.

[@Mr_Sweet_Tee]

👆👆🎁🎁⬆️

[@FixIt1975]

Most of them usually leak a little oil out of the timing cover too, but they're still a great engine. Try clear flood mode on cold starts for about 30 seconds. What you do is hold the gas to the floor for about 30 seconds while cranking then quickly let go of it. It doesn't hurt it and it helps build oil pressure. Just never do this with a Honda as they don't have clear flood mode

[@zaamrod50]

You’re just plain amazing. Rarely do we see such dedication to doing the job right. I wish all mechanics were like you.

[@CountryFarmBoyUSA]

I like these types of videos including a cold start and road test. Would like to see individual videos on common problems per car model or engine type. ie, 1ZZ or 2ZZ etc.

[@signedupfordoconly4275]

Holy shit! I was just noticing some slight clunk in the steering in my wife’s 2015 highlander. I was telling her 10 minutes before I started this video that it’s beginning to concern me. I fired this video up and 2 minutes in I learn about the intermediate shaft probelem! Amazing timing.

[@jasontani4668]

Really appreciate your videos! Thanks for explaining the bushing cracks in the lower control arms. Just took my 2014 Highlander (160k miles) into my local dealership for routine service and they recommended replacing the control arms for this very reason. Glad I declined that additional $2700 service!

[@Mr_Sweet_Tee]

👆👆🎁🎁⬆️.

[@lucid484]

$2700!!!! I just replaced two control arms on our two vehicles and it was less than $100 for each 😂

[@jasontani4668]

@@lucid484 They said the book rate was 10.5 hours for the work and the parts were a few hundred dollars each. Total highway robbery...

[@lucid484]

@@jasontani4668 That’s insanity!!!! What are they doing taking apart the entire suspension system including the knuckle to replace the control arm? 😂😂😂

[@deltablue6618]

I have a 2010 with 170k miles and the transmission does the same thing. Ill be getting rid of it for a mazda CX-50 in the next few weeks. Holiday season, best time to buy a car! May the lord bless you and keep you! Cheers from Vermont!

[@J.W.W.]

I agree about the noise, and would add the flinty ride. I sold my 2008 RAV4 V6 sport and upgraded to a Highlander because I wanted the same power train but a nicer experience going down the road. I do miss my old RAV4 acceleration though!

[@briank10101]

It's amazing in 2008 that people put up with poor ride and noise. Oh that's right they called it sporty. If Toyota spent another $500 they could have had good NVH and better ride, but thats still low priority on many people's lists.

[@jdwar11]

Love hearing how you speak with your customers brother. Speaks directly to your character which is top notch. Not taking advantage of uninformed and very gullible patrons is bad business. Hearing a true concern from you actually means something to your customers.

[@davidanderson8469]

That shop is immaculate. I have a great independent Toyota and Honda garaged by a 10 yr Honda technician. I thank my lucky stars I found them.

[@thetechlibrarian]

Those rav 4 are such a rocket. Especially when you consider back in 2008 you could easily pull the majority of regular cars on the road. You’re literally just a few tenths off mustang gt v8 Camaro 0 to 60 times, and that’s with a good rear wheel drive launch, a true sleeper. I always said these are basically a hot hatch because what is it really a tall hatchback with almost 300 naturally aspirated horsepower and all-wheel-drive

[@Mr_Sweet_Tee]

👆👆🎁🎁⬆️..

[@PR-fk5yb]

100% agree with your assessment. To be honest I usually cheat a little bit and depress the 4WD button on those occasion.😁

[@john_milner]

An excellent diagnosis based on facts & not speculation. Also not dismissing the customers claims is refreshing to hear. Great tip on lifting the RAV as well ... Excellent channel & keep posting these great videos ... 👍

[@andyg5004]

You can buy 555 sankei made in Japan inner tie rods. That’s what I put in my rav.they tend rust out but put a lot of silicone grease on the threads

[@nordicpride9708]

They make tie rods and ball joints for Toyota. Oem supplier

[@vasiliyboyko5063]

My Lexus had the same problem due to dirty fuel injectors. The dealership had replaced them, no more rattling problems. Nice video

[@patrickboyd3364]

My 08 Highlander just turned 140,000 miles, I hope I can get another 60,000 miles out of it.

[@erickim2025]

I had a mechanic like you ,who look after the best interest of the owner & explained the options available & which was the best, broke my heart when he retired but he deserved a good rest. Aloha to you & Spenser ( my mechanic)❤😊

[@davekintz]

So, Is there something that can be done to delay the inevitable: it getting worse? As a RAV4 owner, I'd be curious to know.

[@michaelschultz2803]

I had the oil cooler rubber line replaced on my 2GR-FE engine thanks so much for warning us about potential loss of the engine!!

[@eurowerks1]

Looks like a collapsed brake hose ... or something going on with it ...great video AMD as always helpful and informative ! cant wait til the next electrical video in the series !

[@troubleshooterr5775]

Improperly installed caliper could be too

[@briank10101]

The brake caliper hose did the 360 twist again...."like it did last summer" 🎶 or should I say the diy handyman did

[@RegCoulter]

I’ve never been been a shop where the floor is so clean. (and I have worked for a local Honda dealership where cleanliness was emphasized). Great video - Excellent attitude. If you lived in my city, my cars would be getting service from you.

[@ArminNoroozi]

What happened to the bent brake line? Did anyone fix it eventually? I've always enjoyed your videos, though this is my first time writing a comment on your videos. Thank you for taking the camera in your own hands several times when pointing out the parts. It was like the old times (your older videos) and it makes it much better for me when trying to understand what you are talking about. Have a great day!

[@slingbart705]

the caliper was twisted whoever put it back on, knuckleheads XD

[@briank10101]

@@slingbart705 Exactly. And the caliper pins and hardware may not have been re-greased either when they were replaced.

[@brianmessemer2973]

My thought here is that he didn't notice it when he inspected it but he saw it afterwards while he was editing this video. If he had seen it right away he would've said something in the video in that moment. I'm absolutely assuming he fixed it - there's no way this man would find a problem, especially a dangerous one and not fix it.

[@starrisk]

@@brianmessemer2973 the owner has to agree first of course

[@bohisaac9419]

Twisted calipers which will result in finding it difficult to be fix and can also burst ..I mean the flexible brake hose

[@philiphied]

This guy is phenomenal for toyota.

[@junior17medval]

I’ve been wanting for you to do a review on this gen rav4.

[@Mr_Sweet_Tee]

👆👆🎁🎁⬆️.

[@mikescaffo4850]

This is what a mechanic should look like very professional

[@straight_to_finish]

Good to know about the intermediate shaft. I’ve had my 2020 Tundra with 31k miles diagnosed by Toyota twice and they “can’t duplicate”, even though I can feel the clunking during slow tight maneuvers. They charged my $150 each time for the diagnostic, even under warranty. Am I better off at an Indy shop? (FYI, I tow a 7k trailer most of the time)

[@jeancassel]

I suggest talk to the dealership's service advisor, have him call the mechanic/foreman, and have the mechanic sit with you when you do the slow turns. on their lot. This is what I usually do when they say they can't replicate.

[@josephchandler2302]

Thanks for this great video. I recently purchased an 06' Rav 4 Base with a 4 cylinder. I did a lot of as you said, "neglected maintenance" on it. Got it going pretty well. This video really helped ease my mind about a lot of concerns like all the road noise, the noise coming from the steering (intermediate shaft) etc. I feel better about this vehicle now. I'm glad I stumbled across this video! Thanks again!

[@404notfound.....]

Always a wealth of information!! Best informative toyota videos on Y tube!! 👍