Remedies for Clunks and Leaks

SCIONS and Toyotas needing new pistons and rings and Ford Focuses with steering issues are among the vehicles covered in the latest technical service bulletins.

The bulletins, compiled by

offer automakers’ insights into recurring problems with various models. The bulletins, known as T.S.B.’s, are not recalls; they are information provided by manufacturers to dealers’ service departments. Unless otherwise noted, automakers do not offer payment assistance for the repairs beyond normal warranty coverage.

sells a more comprehensive version of the bulletins to consumers. Here are a few recent examples:

ACURA An extended warranty on the rear catalytic converter is available for some 2007 MDX crossovers. In T.S.B. 11-018 issued on Aug. 17, Acura said the warranty would be extended to 10 years or 120,000 miles, from eight years or 80,000 miles. In T.S.B. 11-017 issued on the same date, Acura said reprogramming the electronic control module should prevent further problems with the converters.

AUDI Some models with 3- and 3.2-liter V-6 engines may experience problems with the accessory drive belt or its guide. In T.S.B. 131106 issued on Aug. 22, Audi said some 2011 S4, S5 Cabriolet, A6 and Q5 models might have a guide that was out of line, causing damage to the belt. Audi will do a free inspection of vehicles it suspects of having the problem and replace the guide and the belt as needed.

BMW Some 2011 X3 models may need a new rear window. In T.S.B. B512911 issued on Sept. 1, BMW said the rear window defroster might fail because of a chemical reaction between the heating conductors and the foil to which they are attached. Replacing the window with a revised model should stop the problems.

DODGE The outer tie-rod ends on some Ram 1500 trucks may be eligible for free replacement. In T.S.B. L04 issued on Aug. 30, the Chrysler Group said some 2009-10 models shipped to cold-weather states might allow water into the outer tie-rod ends, causing a rattling or clunking when driving. Replacing the outer tie-rod ends should stop the noises.

FORD Some 2012 Focus models may need a new steering gear. In T.S.B. 11-9-8 issued on Sept. 20, Ford said some drivers had noticed a tendency for the steering to wander above 45 m.p.h. Replacing the steering gear should straighten things out.

GENERAL MOTORS Some midsize G.M. sedans may qualify for an extended warranty on the catalytic converter. In T.S.B. 10134A issued on Aug. 24, G. M. said the affected cars were 2006-7 Chevrolet Malibus with the 2.2-liter 4-cylinder engine and those with the 2.4-liter 4-cylinder with a 4-speed automatic transmission, as well as the 2006-8 Pontiac G6 and the 2008 Saturn Aura. The cars may have a deteriorating catalytic converter, causing the engine light to illuminate. The warranty will be extended to 10 years or 120,000 miles from eight years or 80,000 miles.

HONDA An extended warranty on the power steering pump is being offered for some Odyssey minivans. In T.S.B. 11-039 issued on Sept. 2, Honda said some 2005-10 models might be hard to steer at low speeds. The warranty is extended to seven years or 100,000 miles from the original powertrain coverage of five years or 60,000 miles.

MAZDA Some CX-7 and CX-9 crossovers may leak oil from the rear differential seal. In T.S.B. 0300411 issued on Sept. 21, Mazda said the issue with 2007-11 models might be a differential breather that was placed too low and became clogged by snow or water. A new differential with a raised breather covered by the breather boot should stop the leak.

NISSAN A leak from the oil cooler may be a problem on some Nissans. In T.S.B. NTB11015A issued on Sept. 6, Nissan said the leak from the upper end of the oil cooler might occur in 2007-12 Altimas and Sentras and 2008-12 Rogues with 4-cylinder engines. Removing the cooler and replacing the gaskets should fix the problem.

SCION AND TOYOTA Several models with the 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine may be using too much oil. In T.S.B.’s SB002411 and SB009411 issued on Aug. 11, the companies said the problem was traced to the piston assembly. Replacing the pistons and rings should solve the problem. Affected models are the 2007-9 Scion tCs and the 2008-9 Scion xB as well as these Toyotas: 2006-8 RAV4, 2007-8 Solara, 2007-9 Camry, 2007-11 Camry Hybrid, 2009 Corolla and 2009 Matrix.

VOLKSWAGEN The company says it may have a remedy for diesels that won’t start in cold weather. In T.S.B. 2111-06 issued on Sept. 6, Volkswagen said some 2009-11 Jettas and 2010-11 Golfs, all with the 2-liter TDI engine, might not start if left in temperatures below freezing. Moisture from the air intake may condense in the intercooler. VW recommends adding a cold weather intercooler kit.