About a month ago, my VUE was driving very loud and rough. Almost like it didn't have an oil in it. After a "drive-by" diagnostic at a Kwik Kar, I was told that it was probably the bearings on the alternator going bad. Considering this is my fourth Saturn and the original alternator (7years old), and on the previous three I had been replacing alternators every 2-3 years... I took this diagnostic with a few grains of salt.
A co-worker referred me to Mike at Texas Auto Service Center. I have a great mechanic out in Southlake, but since I live and work in Plano... Southlake pretty much requires a day off of work and a suitcase.
I got my car to Mike about 1030am and he called about 450 and said that it wasn't in fact the alternator, but the accessory belt assembly that was loose. He said he would have the car ready by 7pm and to just head that way whenever I had a ride. I got there about 620 and it was ready.
When I got in the car and turned it on, it was so quiet it literally felt like I was driving a brand new car, well, one with stains on the carpet :-) If I get in a bind and can't spend the time to drive out to Southlake, I will definitely bring my car back to Texas Auto Service Center. read more