Q: I have a 2009 Buick Lucerne, 6-cylinder, 3-liter with 69,900 miles. My engine has been leaking a little oil steadily. I was told that the whole engine needs to be taken out in order to be fixed, but it is a small leak and the car can be driven. Should I fix it?
A: As usual, it boils down to money. Your car needs a rear main seal. The seal is under $100, but the labor can be up to $1,000. Before I’d lay out that kind of money, I would pour some rear main seal stop-leak in the oil. Popular brands are Bar’s, Lucas and Blue Devil. Although they probably won’t stop the leak, they might slow it down.
Strange noise
Q: The Lexus dealer serviced my brakes, and now my brake pedal makes a clicking noise when I apply it. They said the brakes are fine and the noise is normal. Do you have any comments?
A: Let’s hope the sound is not coming from the ABS control module, because that could be an expensive fix. But it probably is something mechanical in the brake assembly under the dashboard.
Keep it clean
Q: I have a 2016 Toyota RAV4 XLE with AWD. We make no short trips so the engine is always fully warmed up. However, we only put around 6,000 miles on it a year lately.
I use only Top Tier fuel and dump fuel system cleaner in the gas tank once or twice a year. The car has 81,000 miles on it. Recently my service center mentioned doing a fuel induction cleaning service. What are your thoughts?
A: Based on age and mileage, I would go for it. The fuel induction system includes the air filter, the mass airflow sensor and the throttle body. The cleaning focuses on the MAF and throttle body.
Bob Weber is a writer, mechanic and ASE-certified Master Automobile Technician. His writing has appeared in automotive trade publications, Consumer Guide and Consumers Digest. Send automotive questions along with name and town to motormouth.tribune@gmail.com.
