[SpeedyGreeny]

Ok- here's my list of things that, if fixed, would force me to keep my car and not sell it. Every time I put the "for sale" sign back in the window I feel so bad because I know that behind all of it's problems, lies an awesome car waiting for some much needed TLC.

-Loud noise when you steer to the right (even the slightest bit) Drive shaft maybe?
-No stereo (cd changer is dead, electronic climate controls on oval control dash will not allow for aftermarket cd player)
-Thud coming from rear left tire when I turn right. (sounds like a spring slipping)
-Engine is much louder than any other car's (other Sables included)

The list is short, but will probably cost an arm and a leg to fix. For having this car for less than 6 months, I've had more trouble with it than some people have had with their Gen I Taurus thats 10 years old.

I loved my Sable when I first got it. I still love how its so comfy to ride in and drive, and its fun to drive. None of that has changed.
:doctor:
Suggestions as to do it yourself fixes are greatly appreciated. Any other quick fixes or easy ideas for quick fixes from AutoZone are also appreciated.

Thanks, Zach

 

[sixfofalcon]

The thud when you turn is probably the rear sway bar end link. Run a search and you'll find that you can easily replace both rear endlinks for under $20 and 30 minutes labor or less.

The engine noise is probably an exhaust leak. Use a short length of garden hose or some other similar size hose to locate the leak. Hold one end up to your ear and then search around the exhaust manifolds with the other end until you find the loudest area, and work from there. A mechanic would also be able to find an exhaust leak very quickly (and cheap!) If the noise is more of a mechanical noise (clunking, knocking, tapping, etc.) it would probably be best addressed by a mechanic.

I don't know what to tell you about the loud noise when you turn, except that it could very well be the steering rack. That IS expensive to fix, but that might not be it, so don't sweat it yet.

Check eBay for OEM CD changers. You can get them for under $200 new, and probably much cheaper if you find a good used one. You'd be surprised how many CD changers are laying around in the junkyard (they are often overlooked.)

 

[smc540]

The steering noise is most likely due to bad tie rod ends. As for the other two, can't help. Sorry.

 

[CometGSR]

The CD player is an easy fix. You can go out on ebay and buy a new one or a used one. I just picked up CD Changea! and I am waiting for it to come in. It even plays MP3 with the $10 option. Not too shabby, indeed.

As far as your other problems, I sounds like you have an leak in your exhaust system for the engine noise problem and possible bad struts for your turning issue. Your car is getting older and unfortunately, it needs service. I need struts too but I am waiting for a deal. Take it somewhere or talk to a friend who knows something about auto repair. Get it checked out so you know exactly what to fix.

Sorry for kind of sounding like a jerk but your problems aren't really preventing you from driving. Others with a 3.8L head gasket, coolant leaks and AXOD transmission problems have much bigger issues to deal with then your list.

 

[firespirit]

For one : HAPPY BIRTHDAY~!!

and for two : Don't give up on the car. It just needs some maint. and it will be ready and willing to serve any of your modification needs. Just follow Brad's example and how he installed the CD Player in with his ATC.

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[SpeedyGreeny]

QUOTE

For one : HAPPY BIRTHDAY~!! [/b]

Thanks!

I feel old. No more McDonald's playplace...

As for everyone else, I now know somewhat what the problems are. Thanks for all your input.

I washed and waxed my car today- once again, I don't want to sell it. It's so perty.

 

[firespirit]

You really do have a love/hate thing going on don't you? That Sable has so much potential. Don't you see it? Don't sell it! Give it a name and a perminent home!

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