Your mechanic tells you your timing belt has to be replaced, your caliper is finished, a gasket is worn or a shock absorber is leaking. It can be hard to decipher all this information, so here’s a little lexicon to look like a pro next time you’re talking cars.
Calipers
A caliper is used to clamp down on the brake rotor. This clamp applies just the right amount of pressure on the rotor using pads located inside the caliper. What causes the wear of this part is dryness of the O-ring, rust on the piston and grooves, and deterioration of the hardware around the caliper. Yearly maintenance is sufficient to ensure their proper functioning.
Ball joint
A ball joint is a pivot that connects the car’s suspension to the front wheels. This is an important part for safe driving. Symptoms related to its wear often appear as a knocking (heard when the vehicle goes over a hole in the roadway). Regular inspection of the suspension will help detect any abnormality (looseness, worn dust cap, seizure, and so on.).
Tie-rod end
Like the ball joint, the tie-rod end is a simple car part that connects the steering rack (which turns the wheels) to the steering ball joint of each wheel. In other words, this component keeps the link the steering wheel to the knuckle of each wheel.
Timing belt
It’s important to listen to your mechanic when he tells you to change this part. Its function is to synchronize the rotation of the crankshaft and the camshaft(s). If this belt breaks when the engine is running, parts could smash into each other, for example a piston could strike a valve inside the engine, which could result in a very expensive repair. The timing belt must absolutely be replaced according to manufacturer recommendations. Verify this information in your owner’s manual or with your trusted auto repair specialist.
Shock absorbers
Shock absorbers stop the oscillation of the suspension springs, which absorb the movement of the wheels on the roadway. In Quebec, this part of the suspension is replaced more frequently due to the state of our roads. An obvious sign that the shock absorbers are worn is that the car keeps on bouncing when it rolls over a bump. For good handling, it’s better to replace them as soon as possible. Tire wear due to bumps and shock absorber fluid leakage would be symptoms of aging shock absorbers.
Gasket or seal
We often hear the terms “head gasket,” “plug gasket,” “crank seal” or “shaft seal.” These are all fluid seals. These parts keep liquids or lubricants in a specific location. If they break, liquids can spill into unwanted places and even the environment! It’s therefore best to replace them promptly when the need arises.
