Audi’s are high-performance luxury vehicles that are a fine example of the best of German engineering. However, throughout use, they can develop valve oil leakage issues that need repair by expert technicians in time. Valve covers are located on the cylinder block and depending on the model, your car may have one or two valve covers.

It’s not uncommon for a car engine to have multiple failures simultaneously. So, unless an expert technician diagnoses and identifies the real issue, it can result in even more damage. With extremely high costs of parts and labor, it’s best to let the experts handle it for you. Any prolonged issues can damage your engine. Such repairs can be costly, and sometimes, the damage can be permanent. Let’s analyze the causes of such valve leakages and the best way to take care of them.

Why Leaks are Damaging

The life of a car depends on the life of the engine. Therefore, apart from the engine, oil is the next critical component. Oil lubricates the moving engine parts eliminating friction and also ensuring minimum wear and tear. Metal surfaces cannot seal oil within the engine, and so synthetic materials are used to create oil seals. These seals are placed between the surfaces to ensure an air-tight lock.

Seals have a shorter lifespan than that of the engine and will usually break or degrade in a few years. Factors contributing to seal failure are the amount of usage, the kind of usage, and working conditions. It’s normal for the seal to wear out and leak oil. What’s not normal is failing to notice the cues that will end up damaging the engine. Since the leakages can be minor and difficult to observe, the issue may go unnoticed.

Symptoms of a Leaky Valve Cover

While it will still need our expert technician’s opinion, you can help identify the issue when you notice the following symptoms. Please do not attempt any repair on your own, as it may cause long-lasting damage to the engine components.

• Visible oil: The first indication is under the hood where oil is splattered, staining, and deposits in places.
• Burning smell: When oil drips on the hot engine, it will burn and give off a distinct smell. In cases of extreme leakage, it can cause smoke.
• Oil puddles: You may notice oil dripping on the ground and creating a small puddle where your vehicle was parked, usually overnight.
• Engine sounds: When the valve oil leaks, it can drip into the spark plug recesses. When this happens, you will notice unusual sounds and the occasional engine misfire.
• Oil indicator warning: When the oil leakage is high, the oil Indicator will start giving a low oil warning. If no action is taken at this stage, it results in an engine seizure.

Immediate Action Needed

Open the hood and inspect closely to investigate the issue. Check the area of the leak and the amount of leak. Irrespective of the amount of leaking oil, it is recommended you immediately call our garage for assistance. Audi is a high-performance vehicle, and any attempt to repair it on your own may cause even more damage.

Complete Automotive Systems for your Audi’s Needs

Our highly-qualified automotive engineers will help you troubleshoot and resolve all issues. At Complete Automotive Systems, we proudly service drivers in and around Beverly Hills, Culver City, Brentwood, and Santa Monica, CA.

We ensure your car keeps running smoothly year after year with little maintenance. We also help identify other probable failures in time due to our training and experience, thereby saving you a lot of money and frustration in the long run. Contact us at Complete Automotive Systems to set up an appointment today.

The post Tips By The Experts Of Los Angeles To Deal With A Leaky Valve Cover In Audi appeared first on Complete Automotive Systems.

How does the fuel system work in your vehicle?

Every car has a fuel pressure regulator, and it does exactly what the name sounds like. To run properly, the engine must receive the correct ratio of air to gasolene in the combustion chamber. The regulator ensures that mix stays correct as driving conditions change.

While driving, demands in performance fluctuate, such as when driving uphill or accelerating quickly. The regulator operates a diaphragm to adjust the amount of gas being fed to the fuel injectors. Keeping this process operating correctly is critical because moving the correct amount of gas into the engine also saves wear and tear on the fuel injectors themselves.

Cars have many moving parts, and it is not uncommon for some to break down faster than others. This is especially true of such an intricate part involving separate diaphragms, gaskets, and hoses. In this case, if the regulator begins to malfunction or leak it will quickly lead to decreased performance and can cause additional damage to surrounding parts.

It is important to recognize these signs and bring your vehicle to a professional before further damage occurs costing you more time and money.

Signs of a Faulty Fuel Pressure Regulator

There are a few early signs that your fuel pressure regulator may be starting to fail. The earlier an issue is identified, the lower your risk of sustaining further damage to the rest of your vehicle. Some common symptoms include:

• Decrease in power, acceleration, and fuel efficiency: Engine performance problems are often an early warning sign that the fuel pressure regulator is not operating properly. If the regulator is failing, it will cause the incorrect ratio of air-to-fuel to be pumped into the engine, dramatically reducing performance. This can also be observed in a drop in fuel efficiency or engine misfires.
• Black smoke in the exhaust: If the incorrect ratio of fuel-to-air is going through your engine, it can result in the very clear problem of black smoke coming out of your exhaust system. This same symptom can be the result of a number of mechanical issues, so even if your fuel pressure regulator is good, it is important to bring in your vehicle for diagnostics.
• Internal fuel leaks: If the regulator is damaged, it can cause fuel leakage inside the engine. This is obviously a safety hazard and should be addressed right away. Once again this problem may be identified due to overall decreased performance, but it also may be identified by a noticeable fuel smell away from the gas tank

Complete Automotive Systems is Here for Your Volkswagen

Ideally, during routine maintenance and inspection, issues will be found far before it is a problem. With a drop in performance being just the first sign of a potential problem, the good news is that this regular maintenance can easily stem the issue by spotting these small problems before they become big ones. Bringing your Volkswagen to a certified mechanic will ensure fuel pressure is correct and there are no leaks damaging your vehicle.

Here at Complete Automotive Systems of Los Angeles, we have you covered to make sure your Volkswagen keeps running smoothly for years to come. We specialize in European makes and are focused on the specific and unique needs these brands have. Your vehicle will be worked on by expert mechanics accredited by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence, as well as being both a Bosch and Better Business Bureau certified service center.

Stop by one of our four convenient locations in the Los Angeles area to speak with a certified technician today and keep your car in top condition.

The post How to Avoid Premature Failure of a Fuel Pressure Regulator in A Volkswagen appeared first on Complete Automotive Systems.

The exhaust gas recirculation valve, or EGR valve, increases your vehicle’s efficiency and greatly reduces your vehicle’s emissions, minimizing your vehicle’s impact on the environment. The EGR valve does this by redirecting some of the exhaust gases from the exhaust manifold to the intake manifold, cycling some of the engine’s exhaust gases back into the engine cylinders. This reduces exhaust emissions and decreases the temperature of your vehicle’s combustion chamber, allowing it to function more effectively.

While it is recommended that you have your EGR valve replaced every 40,000-50,000 miles, EGR valve failures are common in Audis. This means it is important for you to recognize the signs of a malfunctioning EGR valve, so you can have it replaced sooner if needed. If left alone, a malfunctioning EGR valve can cost you greatly in fuel and more expensive repairs, so it is better to have it replaced as soon as it shows signs of going bad.

Signs of a Malfunctioning EGR Valve

If your vehicle is showing signs of needing an EGR valve replacement, then it should be done quickly so as to reduce the negative financial, mechanical, and environmental impact your malfunctioning EGR valve might cause. You should become familiar with the following signs of a malfunctioning EGR valve, so you can recognize when your vehicle’s EGR valve needs to be replaced.

• high emissions (may not be identified until vehicle does not pass an emissions test)
• decreased fuel efficiency, or increased fuel consumption
• vehicle is bouncing or shaking when idling
• popping and knocking noises from the engine
• vehicle hesitates when accelerating
• vehicle has reduced power
• check engine light illuminates

Causes for a Malfunctioning EGR Valve

There are three main reasons as to why your Audi’s EGR valve might be malfunctioning. The EGR valve might be:

• stuck fully open and allowing too much exhaust gas into the intake manifold
• stuck fully closed and allowing too little exhaust gas into the intake manifold
• clogged with carbon deposits

If the EGR valve is clogged, then it may just need to be cleaned. Whether you choose to clean it yourself, or have it cleaned professionally, it is a good idea to have the EGR valve inspected by an automotive specialist to ensure your EGR valve is kept in working condition.

The Importance of Having the EGR Valve Replaced by Audi Specialists

When you buy a luxury vehicle, such as an Audi, the vehicle has a unique design and advanced technology intended to provide the vehicle with its reputable performance. Due to their specific design, it is critical that you have any maintenance or repairs on your vehicle executed by experienced automotive technicians that specialize in your vehicle’s brand.

If you bring your Audi to an automotive repair center that specializes in Audi maintenance and repairs, then you know the technicians working there have an extensive knowledge and familiarity with your vehicle’s design and needs. They will have all of the specialized tools, parts, and other equipment necessary to service your particular vehicle.

Complete Automotive Systems for your Audi

Our ASE-certified technicians at Complete Automotive Systems specialize in servicing European brand vehicles, Audi included. Our family-owned and operated shop is located in Los Angeles, California, and has been serving vehicles in Beverly Hills, Culver CIty, Brentwood, and Santa Monica, California for over 20 years.

At Complete Automotive Systems, you can be sure that your Audi will receive the best specialized service possible to keep your vehicle in optimal condition. We offer a variety of services, including EGR valve replacement. In addition, our clients are given the option of free towing and vehicle pick-up/drop-off. We pride ourselves on customer satisfaction and guarantee all repairs done at our shop under a 12 months/12,000 miles parts and labor warranty.

If your Audi’s EGR valve is showing signs of needing to be replaced, schedule an appointment with our technicians at Complete Automotive Systems today, and we will give you an exceptional automotive service experience.

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What is coolant?

Coolant is similar to oil in that it serves to transfer heat and provide protection from freezing. Your car’s cooling system uses coolant to keep the metal parts of your engine from becoming too hot and potentially melting. If the fluids in your vehicle boil or freeze, it can wreak havoc on your engine’s parts, so coolant is used to prevent this from happening.

This important liquid is located in your Jaguar’s cooling system in the coolant reservoir, which is under the hood of your automobile. It is connected by hoses to the radiator. It’s crucial to know which coolant to add to the reservoir, so consult your owner’s manual or speak to a mechanic to ensure that you are making the right decision.

Signs of Coolant Leaks

There are several different ways to notice your engine’s coolant is leaking. We’ve listed the most obvious signs so you can keep an eye out for any of these:

The Engine is Overheating

If the temperature gauge on your Jaguar’s dashboard is displaying a level higher than normal, the engine is overheating, and problems could quickly arise. A lack of coolant caused by a leak can cause the engine to fail to cool effectively.

You See The Leak

An external leak is easy to spot. If you see a puddle of colorful liquid (usually pink, green or orange) on the ground where your car was parked, then your Jaguar is leaking coolant. Action should be taken to repair the issue quickly.

Coolant Light Comes On

Jaguars come equipped with a dashboard light that warns of low coolant levels. If this light is illuminated, the low level of coolant could be caused by a leak.

Poor Gas Mileage

Your car operates most effectively and efficiently within a certain temperature window. If the vehicle is low on coolant due to a leak, it will be operating at a higher-than-optimal temperature, so efficiency will drop. Keep an eye on gas mileage as a warning sign of a coolant leak.

Sweet Smell

Antifreeze, which is another name for coolant, has a sweet smell and bright appearance. If you notice the sweet smell from under your hood, it’s likely that your coolant is leaking.

Causes of Coolant Leaks

Some of the common causes of coolant leaks are listed below.

Leaky Radiator Cap

If your Jaguar’s radiator cap doesn’t seal correctly, coolant will leak from it when it heats up. It will not be sent to the radiator to be cooled. This can happen if the cap is damaged, incorrectly fastened, or is the wrong cap for your vehicle.

Crack in Coolant Reservoir

A crack in the reservoir will cause coolant to drip out and will need to be replaced to prevent further loss. Take a quick look to see if this is the cause.

Leak in Water Pump

A leak in the water pump could lead to losing coolant from your car’s cooling system. This should be easy to identify via visual inspection, either by yourself or a trained mechanic.

How Complete Automotive Systems Can Help

If your Jaguar is leaking coolant, don’t let things go from bad to worse. Our trusted staff at Complete Automotive Systems can repair a coolant leak in your vehicle thanks to over 20 years of experience in the automotive repair industry. We specialize in European vehicles, so there isn’t a more qualified mechanic shop in the Los Angeles area to visit.

Located at 9030 National Boulevard in Los Angeles, CA, we are a short distance from surrounding locations like Beverly Hills, Culver City, Brentwood, and Santa Monica.

Customers return to Complete Automotive Systems for our expert repairs and quality customer service. Our detailed technicians will reliably find the cause of your car’s leak and skillfully repair it, so that you can get your Jaguar back on the road.

The post Where Should You Take Your Jaguar in Los Angeles For Repairing Coolant Leaks? appeared first on Complete Automotive Systems.

When an Audi owner suspects that the oxygen sensor is not working in their car, it is important to get the part fixed as soon as possible. This will ensure that the sensor can be replaced and your engine can run as efficiently as designed by Audi.

When to Replace the Oxygen Sensor

If your vehicle is relatively new and was manufactured within the last 15 years, then it is best to replace the oxygen sensor somewhere between 60,000 and 90,000 miles. The sensor is a strong component of the vehicle, but it will wear out over time and must have a replacement eventually. Having it checked by a qualified mechanic is one of the best ways to ensure that it will not wear out when you are driving on the road.

When the car owner replaces an oxygen sensor that is failing or bad, they will be able to enjoy an engine that runs smoothly and does the job it was designed to do. Signs like the check engine light, poor gas mileage, or an irregular engine idle are all signs that something is wrong with the car, and more specifically with the oxygen sensor. This means your Audi needs to undergo a full inspection at a trusted Audi service center.

How to Replace the Oxygen Sensor

When you suspect that something is wrong with the oxygen sensor in your car, it is important to take it into one of our trusted mechanics as soon as possible to get the problem fixed. Some of the most common signs that something is wrong with the oxygen sensor includes:

• The check engine light: This may be one of the first signs the oxygen sensor is no longer working, though it is an important signal of other potential problems as well. As soon as this light illuminates on your dashboard, it is time to bring your Audi to us.
• Idling is rough: This is a sign that the engine is struggling to get the right fuel to air mixture that it needs. This is what happens when the oxygen sensor is no longer working. When the idle gets rough, your engine could be misfiring due to running without the proper ratio. Engine misfires can lead to further problems with other components later on, so have this checked as soon as you can.
• Poor fuel economy: When the fuel and air mixture is not right, this can result in the car not using the fuel as efficiently as it was designed by Audi. When the car owner notices that there is something wrong with the fuel economy of the engine, and it is not caused by driving techniques or constant, heavy traffic, then it is time to get the oxygen sensor checked out by our service technicians.

Complete Automotive Systems Will Replace your Oxygen Sensor

As an Audi owner, if you notice that something is off with the oxygen sensor in your car, then it is time to get the sensor inspected. A trusted mechanic at our auto repair shop will be able to look over the oxygen sensor and determine if the part is broken and needs to be replaced.

When you need your oxygen sensor replaced in your Audi, come visit us at Complete Automotive Systems. Our qualified mechanics are ready to take a look at your oxygen sensor, your A/C system, transmission, clutch, or any other component or system of your vehicle. We service many makes and models including Maybach, BMW, Sprinter, Bentley, Land Rover, VW, Porsche, imports and domestics.

We look forward to helping the residents of Beverly Hills, Culver City, Brentwood, and Santa Monica, CA. Contact us today to set up your appointment. We look forward to seeing you soon.

The post When to Replace the Oxygen Sensor of your Audi appeared first on Complete Automotive Systems.

Important Maintenance Procedures You Should Schedule

It is important to schedule regular inspections and maintenance for your vehicle, so that any issues it may be experiencing are caught early and fixed before it can majorly affect your vehicle’s performance. Some of the most common maintenance procedures you should have regularly scheduled for your model include:

• Replace your Maybach’s battery every 3-5 years. The length of your battery’s life depends on the vehicle’s driving conditions. Shorter drives and extreme temperatures can reduce the length of time your battery lasts.
• Regularly schedule an oil change after every 5,000 miles. Oil changes are important to keep your car’s engine running smoothly. You may need to have your vehicle’s oil changed more frequently if you carry heavy loads, drive through dusty areas, or drive primarily at low speeds. If your Maybach is not due for a regularly scheduled oil change, but you hear the engine making a knocking sound, smell oil, or notice an increased amount of exhaust, then you should still bring your car in for an oil change.
• Inspection of steering and suspension system every 15,000 miles. The steering and suspension system is responsible for keeping your drive smooth and allows you to better control your vehicle on bumpy or uneven terrain. After inspection you may find your steering suspension system is in need of some services, such as the power steering fluid changed, a wheel alignment, and parts replacements.
• Inspect your Maybach’s cooling systems every 15,000 miles. This includes both the engine’s cooling system and the air conditioning system. During this inspection, technicians will look for leaks and damaged, worn, or malfunctioning In addition, they may flush out any old fluids and replace them with fresh, clean fluids.
• Change the transmission fluid every 30,000-60,000 miles with inspection. Your Maybach’s transmission transfers the power from the engine to the wheels. Over time, transmission fluid becomes thicker and is unable to properly lubricate the transmission. If you notice your vehicle is jumping, grinding, shaking, or has a burning smell or whistling sound, then you should bring it in for an inspection sooner.

The Importance of Regularly-Scheduled Maintenance

Without regularly-scheduled maintenance, your vehicle is guaranteed to have reduced performance and may be at risk of expensive damages. Putting off replacing your Maybach’s battery until it dies could leave you stranded. If you don’t have your vehicle’s oil changed regularly, your vehicle could run low on oil and the engine may overheat and fail. Without a properly maintained steering and suspension system, your drives may feel rougher as your vehicle does not handle bumps as well and may sway to one side.

Regular service for your vehicle’s cooling system is vital to keeping your engine from overheating and failing which could leave you stranded and lead to expensive repairs. Having the vehicle’s air conditioning system regularly serviced allows you and your passengers to drive comfortably without worrying about driving on hot days without A/C. If you don’t have your vehicle’s transmission fluid regularly changed you could be looking at reduced gas mileage and your transmission may fail due to grinding caused by a lack of lubrication.

All of your vehicle’s parts play an important role in its ability to operate and transport you and your passengers safely, so regular maintenance is key to keeping your vehicle in top condition.

Complete Automotive Systems

At Complete Automotive Systems, located in Los Angeles, California, our expert technicians are trained and certified to specialize in European vehicles, such as Maybach. As a family-owned and operated business, we treat our customers with fantastic service by providing dealership-level service at a great value.

If you are in Los Angeles, Beverly Hills, Santa Monica, Brentwood, or Culver City, California, and your car is in need of its regular maintenance or if it is showing signs of needing repairs, schedule an appointment with Complete Automotive Systems today for a fantastic automotive service experience you can trust.

* Maybach Car image credit goes to: AdrianHancu.

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One major problem that can happen with the oil in your car is that the oil pan gasket, or the part that keeps the oil in the right place until it is ready to be used, will start to leak.

If you start to notice a burning smell around your vehicle or that oil is puddling under your car, then it is time to bring the Jaguar in for a professional inspection. It may be that the oil pan gasket is leaking, preventing engine-saving lubrication from entering the compartments. Getting this problem repaired quickly is one of the best options to keep your car working properly.

What does the oil pan gasket do?

The gaskets in your vehicle are used mainly as a type of cushioning and sealing agent. They are placed between two components in the vehicle and then fastened with nuts and bolts. The main purpose of the oil pan gasket is to keep in place the pan that catches the oil, so that oil does not drip out and cause multiple problems.

Oil is meant to circulate through the car to help the engine run smoothly and to keep everything lubricated inside of the vehicle as well. But when the oil leaks, it will spill into areas where it should not be, causing damage.

With the right gasket in place, the seal will expand and contract, based on the heat from the engine, letting just enough oil through to lubricate everything without leaking into components that will malfunction with the introduction of oil.

Symptoms of a Gasket Leak with the Oil Pan

There are a few different symptoms that you should notice when there is a gasket leak with your oil pan. If you spot any of them in your Jaguar, you need to take your car to a certified mechanic as soon as possible. Some of the common symptoms of an oil pan gasket leak include:

• Smoke: This is one of the more noticeable symptoms when the gasket on the oil pan is no longer in place. The smoke happens because oil drips onto the exhaust pipes. You should pay immediate attention to this problem before the oil is able to get everywhere and cause more problems.
• Engine overheating: Engine oil will help your engine stay at the right temperature. With engine coolant, the oil will reduce any of the excess friction and heat in the engine. However, if the gasket breaks, your oil will spill out, and the engine will struggle to stay cool. This will most likely result in your engine overheating.
• Oil puddles forming under the car: If you inspect your vehicle and you start to notice that there is leaking oil, this is a sign that oil is dripping from a faulty gasket in the oil pan. This does happen with normal wear and tear of your Jaguar, so you need to have this inspected when you take your vehicle in for normal maintenance.
• Low oil level: Often the oil pan gasket leak will drop just a small amount of oil that is hard to detect. But over time, the leak will get worse. You may start to notice that the check oil light will turn on, even if you replaced the oil not that long ago. If it feels like you are replacing oil often, it is time to check the oil pan gasket.

If you start to notice any of these signs, then it is time to get your Jaguar in to a professional mechanic right away. We will check the oil pan gasket and determine how to best fix it so the oil will stop leaking and your Jaguar will remain functioning as intended.

At Complete Automotive Systems, we are proud to serve the residents of Beverly Hills, Culver City, Brentwood, and Santa Monica, CA. No matter what problem you have with your Jaguar in the Los Angeles area, our professional mechanics are here to help. Contact us today to set up your appointment so you can get back on the road confidently.

The post How to Fix Oil Pan Gasket Leaks in Your Jaguar in Los Angeles appeared first on Complete Automotive Systems.

The water pump plays an important part in cooling the car down by pumping water and coolant into the engine. If it stops working, you should bring your Bentley to our service center for a quick repair. This will save your engine and its multiple components from extreme heat damage.

When to Replace the Water Pump

It is important for you to replace the water pump as soon as possible. A coolant leak is one of the big signs that the water pump is not working. When the coolant leak happens close to the timing belt, it is a warning signal there is a problem in your water pump. You should never ignore a coolant leak of any kind.

Another sign to look for is overheating or any sudden change in the temperature gauge of the vehicle. Your car should stay at a steady temperature all the time. If it starts to overheat, it will cause a lot of damage to the engine and other components. If there is a problem with the water pump in the Bentley, the engine can overheat.

You can check out the water pump on your own by first doing a visual inspection. Second, if you notice that you can touch the water pump pulley and the water pump moves back and forth, this is a sign that the bearings and shaft are loose. When this starts to happen, the pump is not going to work as efficiently as it should. You should bring your Bentley to a qualified mechanic to have the water pump inspected and any necessary repairs made.

Replacing Your Water Pump

When the water pump does fail, you need to take your Bentley to a licensed mechanic. We will be able to replace the water pump if it is broken. However, a mechanic is able to replace the water pump before it even fails to save your Bentley unnecessary damage. The water pump can be replaced during routine maintenance or even when doing other types of repairs in the car, including swapping the timing belt out.

Your water pump will last somewhere between 60,000 to 90,000 miles. This is about the same amount of time as the timing belt. This makes it an easy thing to replace them both at the same time.

If you are worried that the water pump is not going to last much longer, then working with our reputable repair shop in your area can help you get the water pump fixed without any damage happening to your Bentley.

Choosing the Right Repair Shop for Your Water Pump

The best way to make sure that your water pump does fail is to have it inspected during your routine inspections. When the water pump works as designed, it will continue to cool the engine and will prevent the engine from overheating and causing other damage to the car as well. When you visit our qualified mechanics, we will catch potential problems with the water pump ahead of time, giving us a chance to fix them before they become big issues.

The longer the water pump goes without being fixed, the more likely your car will overheat, causing damage to the engine and other components inside. Visit one of our licensed mechanics to get the water pump fixed as soon as possible.

At Complete Automotive Systems, our professional mechanics are here to help replace your water pump and complete any other repair and maintenance that you need for your Bentley. We proudly serve the residents of Beverly Hills, Culver City, Brentwood, and Santa Monica, CA and the surrounding communities. Contact us today to set up your convenient appointment. We look forward to earning your repeat business for all your Bentley’s needs.

The post The Best Repair Shop in Los Angeles for Replacing the Water Pump in Your Bentley appeared first on Complete Automotive Systems.

Even these high-end automobiles suffer from the occasional mechanical or engineering breakdown. No vehicle is immune to problems or the need for potentially significant repairs. The classic flex disc is an often overlooked component of a Mercedes that can deteriorate over time. If issues arise in relation to the disc, it can lead to severe and costly repairs. Let’s dive deeper into what the disc actually is, the purpose it serves and reasons that it may malfunction.

What is the flex disc?

The flex disc is also known as a giubo. The giubo, in simple terms, is a coupling device that is composed of rubber. There are actually two flex discs in the Mercedes; the front disc connects the transmission to the driveshaft and the rear giubo connects the driveshaft to the differential.

What Does the Flex Disc Do in Your Mercedes?

Both of the flex discs in your automobile serve two distinct purposes during operation. The first is to isolate and protect the drive shaft from vibration while the transmission transfers power to the differential. The second important job of the giubo is to absorb the excessive torque that occurs during accelerating or decelerating. When either of these is done more than normal or at above average force, the torque will become more extreme.

Why do flex discs fail?

Let’s take a closer look at why the flex discs may fail in your vehicle.

• Age of Your Car. As a car gets older, many components tend to show signs of wear and tear. Over time, they can become faulty and need to be repaired or replaced. The flex disc is designed to last approximately 200,000 miles in your Mercedes. However, extreme driving conditions can alter this scenario. Your automobile will experience a lot of suspension activity thus causing the nuts and bolts of the disc to work their way out or become stripped.
• Alignment of the Drivetrain. The misalignment of the drivetrain in your vehicle can lead to a number of serious issues. One of the most common of these is the negative result it has on the flex disc. The misalignment causes the rubber disc to stretch beyond its normal flexibility. This extreme stretching leads to tears, rips, cracks and other detrimental consequences.
• Environmental Elements and Extreme Heat. Since the flex disc is composed of rubber, it is more susceptible to damage caused by the elements. Heat is one of the most damaging as it causes the rubber to expand and contract. After this is done over and over, it will lead to the breakdown of the disc. Other elements such as sand, salt and dust that are routinely encountered in certain environments can also eat away at the giubo over time.

When your Mercedes is in need of repair, it is best to have it evaluated by professionals. Being aware of unusual sounds or performance issues is key to having issues addressed early, keeping the potential severity and cost of such repairs to a minimum. It is also important to stay on top of the regular maintenance schedule for your vehicle.

Trust Your Mercedes to the Pros at Complete Automotive Systems

Whether it is time for routine maintenance or you have a concern about your automobile, you should trust the experts at Complete Automotive Services. We specialize in all services for European models, including Mercedes.

Our business is family owned and operated, operating for over 20 years. These years of experience give us the knowledge and confidence to provide the comprehensive service you deserve. Our team of professionals are ASE and Bosch certified. The equipment at Complete is factory certified for each specific make and model of automobile. We understand the intricacies of the Mercedes engineering, enabling us to inspect, diagnose and repair all components, including the flex discs. Call us today to schedule an appointment for your high-end, luxury vehicle and keep your driving experience at its best.

* Mercedes-Benz Car image credit goes to: servickuz.

The post Causes Behind the Classic Flex Disc Failure in Your Mercedes appeared first on Complete Automotive Systems.

The clutch is a mechanical device that engages and disengages the powertrain or transmission between rotating shafts. The clutch is usually located between the main engine and the driveshaft. It is important because with the engine of your car spinning all the time, your car needs a way to disengage the wheels, which are not spinning all the time, from the engine.

Sometimes the clutch can fail. This is an issue that needs to be addressed immediately, as your car’s transmission won’t be able to run properly with a faulty clutch.

Below is a small list of warning signs of a clutch failure in your Mini.

Clutch Pedal Makes an Odd Sound When Engaging/Disengaging

If there is an odd sound unfamiliar to your normal drive when you release the clutch, there is likely a problem with the clutch release component. The sound happens when there is not enough lubrication or the clutch begins to degrade.

Clutch Pedal May Vibrate During Acceleration

If your clutch pedal begins to vibrate, the clutch disc may be losing its grip on the flywheel from time to time. Some causes of chattering or vibrating include:

• The clutch disc lining may be wearing thing, burning out, or could be mixing with oil,
• The hub of the clutch disc may have worn down splines.
• There could be hot spots on the pressure plate.

Clutch Pedal Wobbles

If rotating parts in your transmission begin to wobble, you may feel the clutch pedal jumping. You may have a problem with warping of the flywheel. There could be an issue with the release lever. If this vibrating occurs after a service to your transmission, it is possible the transmission is not properly aligned with the engine.

Clutch Pedal Sticks to the Floorboard

If your clutch pedal doesn’t spring back to normal position after depressing it, you likely have problems with the release mechanisms. A trusted mechanic can inspect these and replace them if necessary.

Clutch Pedal Could Feel like it is Loose

If the clutch pedal feels loose, there is likely failure in the pressure-plate diaphragm spring. You can check the release bearing or clutch fork for damage in this case.

Clutch Pedal is Hard To Engage

If you have to press extremely hard to engage the clutch, there is likely a problem with the release mechanism. The cable, linkage, clutch fork, pressure plate, and throw-out bearing should be checked for proper lubrication.

Transmission Makes a Metal-on-Metal Sound when in Neutral

If your vehicle makes a shrill or chirping sound when in neutral but stops when you use the clutch pedal, the sound can be generated from a worn out input shaft bearing.

Grinding Occurs When Shifting Gears or It Won’t Slide into Gear At All

If there is a grinding noise while shifting gears, this means the clutch disc is still engaged. Trying to shift gears will cause your transmission to grind. If you cannot get into or out of gear, this may indicate problems with the linkage adjustment or a malfunction, or a damaged clutch place. This usually comes with the feeling of a loose or sponge-like clutch. Otherwise, you may have problems with things like the clutch disc, the plate, a release lever, a bearing, or the shift level assembly.

What to do When Your Clutch Fails

If you suspect that the clutch of your Mini is failing, bring your vehicle into Complete Automotive Systems. We are the premier automotive repair shop in Los Angeles, specializing in European vehicles, such as your Mini. We are conveniently located on National Boulevard in Los Angeles, California.

Complete Automotive Systems

With the Mini, even the slightest of problems, especially in the clutch, can drastically alter your enjoyable driving experience. Trust Complete Automotive Systems to repair anything that needs professional care.

Our licensed technicians will repair your clutch quickly and efficiently. People from all around the Los Angeles, Beverly Hills, Culver City, Brentwood, and Santa Monica areas return to us when they experience an issue with their European vehicle because they trust our workmanship. When your clutch fails you, Complete Automotive Systems will be there to get you back on the road with confidence in your Mini.

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