Search found 41 matches

by specialbuddy
Sun Apr 10, 2011 2:58 pm
Forum: Problems & Warranty Issues
Topic: Rear differential bearing failure
Replies: 19
Views: 15360

Re: (frankiemenz)

Thanks for the tip, I found this. http://www.import-car.com/Arti....aspxThe shop I took it to tried to find a used diff. They couldn't find one so I asked if they could find one for a matrix. The guy asked the shop and was like, "oh he said they are not the same". I highly doubt that's the...
by specialbuddy
Sun Apr 10, 2011 3:59 am
Forum: Problems & Warranty Issues
Topic: Rear differential bearing failure
Replies: 19
Views: 15360

I think my rear diff bearings are going right now. My car has been making a whine for a month or two now and I checked out the sound myself by spinning the tires while it was on jacks. It sounds like the noise is coming from the differential. I took my car to a shop and they said the same thing. I c...
by specialbuddy
Mon Feb 01, 2010 6:32 pm
Forum: Wheels & Tires
Topic: Which winter tires do you have?
Replies: 121
Views: 47056

I'm mad that I bought snow tires. The PNW hasn't had much snow at all this year. Kind of a let down since I love snow.
by specialbuddy
Mon Feb 01, 2010 6:26 pm
Forum: Photography and Photoshop
Topic: snow drift 2010, lewiston, mi
Replies: 17
Views: 4611

How do you think a Vibe would do? I know the engine would have to be modified because mine can't even handle highway speeds in the mountains.I've still never been to the snow drift. I grew up near that area so it's sad that I've never experienced it.
by specialbuddy
Mon Feb 01, 2010 6:19 pm
Forum: The Vibe Lounge
Topic: I did it...I DID IT! I HIT THE 400,000 MILE MARK ON MY 2004 VIBE!!!
Replies: 50
Views: 23778

Congrats. Man, it still looks very good for the amount of miles. I have the same year and color at 110k and yours looks about as good as mine. The biggest shocker to me is that this is a Michigan car. I had a 95 Grand Am that died with 220k. Granted, I was driving it through the snowiest regions of ...
by specialbuddy
Wed Dec 16, 2009 11:51 am
Forum: Maintenance Bay
Topic: Oil change - from traditional to synthetic
Replies: 11
Views: 3789

Is it too late to change over at 110,000 miles? I switched to synthetic the other day. The last oil change I got was 60 bucks. I feel like I was ripped off. I bought some Mobile 1 extended performance with 15,000 mile coverage. I probably won't let it go that long but I want to do less changes. What...
by specialbuddy
Mon Dec 14, 2009 8:18 am
Forum: Engine & Transmission
Topic: Mechanic Stripped Manifold Thread Taking Out 02 Sensor
Replies: 13
Views: 4444

Helicoil might work because it's not a life threatening part that will fail later on.
by specialbuddy
Mon Dec 14, 2009 8:15 am
Forum: US - North Central
Topic: Michigan Roll Call
Replies: 106
Views: 43330

Ajflan, where was you sig picture taken? Is it HDR?
by specialbuddy
Mon Dec 14, 2009 7:12 am
Forum: Engine & Transmission
Topic: 02 Sensor replacement
Replies: 8
Views: 4707

Just buy the socket. It's about 20-30 bucks but still cheaper then a Mechanic working on a job that takes 5 minutes.
by specialbuddy
Mon Dec 14, 2009 6:47 am
Forum: GenVibe Garage
Topic: VIbe in winter mode!
Replies: 16
Views: 3820

Well I finally took the car out to find some snow. I drove up to Schweitzer mountain in northern Idaho. I'm pretty impressed so far with the Altimax Arctics. I tried to get the back end of my Vibe to fishtail around the 15 MPH switchbacks and it wouldn't do it. Good tires.
by specialbuddy
Mon Dec 14, 2009 6:33 am
Forum: Engine & Transmission
Topic: Mechanic Stripped Manifold Thread Taking Out 02 Sensor
Replies: 13
Views: 4444

If I can replace the O2 sensor and not strip it then they should not have a problem either. I doubt it's a common problem otherwise it would have come up on this forum.
by specialbuddy
Sun Nov 29, 2009 3:42 pm
Forum: GenVibe Garage
Topic: VIbe in winter mode!
Replies: 16
Views: 3820

Well I bought the Altimax Arctics but haven't had the chance to use them on snow or ice. They are much quieter then I thought they would be. Almost as quiet as my all-seasons.
by specialbuddy
Wed Nov 18, 2009 2:56 pm
Forum: Off Topic
Topic: Police Crash in my town
Replies: 13
Views: 2966

Suspended with pay. They will probably come up with some BS and say his flashers didn't work.
by specialbuddy
Wed Nov 11, 2009 3:24 am
Forum: GenVibe Garage
Topic: VIbe in winter mode!
Replies: 16
Views: 3820

Re: (ArcsVibe)

Yeah I bought some from tirerack. They are so cheap so why not take a chance on them.
by specialbuddy
Mon Nov 09, 2009 10:19 am
Forum: GenVibe Garage
Topic: VIbe in winter mode!
Replies: 16
Views: 3820

Should I buy the Altimax Arctics? I have been trying to find someone on Genvibe that has them to get a review and haven't heard anything. I need to know soon before the snow hits hard.
by specialbuddy
Fri Oct 23, 2009 3:41 pm
Forum: Exterior
Topic: Which headlight restoration kit?
Replies: 7
Views: 1607

Re: (lovemyraffe)

Is it easy to clean the inside of the headlights. My lights look dirty on the inside.
by specialbuddy
Thu Oct 22, 2009 3:55 pm
Forum: Engine & Transmission
Topic: New O2 sensors flatlined
Replies: 33
Views: 9015

I have been looking around and found the bulletin for the Corollahttp://ww2.justanswer.com/uplo...1.pdf
by specialbuddy
Thu Oct 22, 2009 2:10 pm
Forum: Problems & Warranty Issues
Topic: AWD Transmission Slip in Mountain Driving- Pontiac Says it Normal?
Replies: 23
Views: 8831

Re: (BoulderVibe1)

On my trip back from Oregon I took I-70. Had the same issues. On many of the hills(6% grade)I had to go 45 and keep the rpms below 5k. It didn't help that the car was weighted down and I had cargo on my roof.
by specialbuddy
Wed Oct 21, 2009 1:24 pm
Forum: Problems & Warranty Issues
Topic: Check Engine Light - P0133 - o2 sensor slow response
Replies: 14
Views: 6584

Re: (star_deceiver)

No idea. I just can't believe that the sensor would go bad this fast. I'm almost wondering if it's an exhaust leak since it only happens when the temperature drops.
by specialbuddy
Wed Oct 21, 2009 1:08 pm
Forum: Photography and Photoshop
Topic: Pics of yesterdays little trip
Replies: 7
Views: 2261

Utah is awesome and Zion is one of the nicest parks I've been to. I went on the subway hike last summer and it was one of the nicest hikes but tough. You have to swim and repel in a few spots. The water was cold enough to cause hypothermia but the rest of the trip was 90+. I would do it again though.
by specialbuddy
Wed Oct 21, 2009 12:42 pm
Forum: Wheels & Tires
Topic: Studded vs non-studded winter tires
Replies: 17
Views: 7955

Re: Studded vs non-studded winter tires (kentb)

If you have ice on the roads during most of the winter then I would suggest getting them. I lived in Oregon last winter and bought some. I had to pull and plug some of the studs because the roads were dry most of the time so the studs heat up and wear holes in the tire. It was a pain. Plus if you dr...
by specialbuddy
Wed Oct 21, 2009 11:56 am
Forum: Problems & Warranty Issues
Topic: Check Engine Light - P0133 - o2 sensor slow response
Replies: 14
Views: 6584

Well I replaced my O2 sensor with a BOSCH 15309 sensor(no splicing) last spring and my CEL just came back on this week. I've only driven the car 5-10k since it was installed. I'm getting a p0133 but it seems to only appear when it's cold outside. The weather warmed up and it went away and now it's b...
by specialbuddy
Tue Oct 13, 2009 3:29 pm
Forum: Wheels & Tires
Topic: Which winter tires do you have?
Replies: 121
Views: 47056

Re: (Eloi)

Quote, originally posted by Eloi »As I have a 2.4L, I'll have to go with the 16'' steel wheels (the 15'' won't fit). I bought my tires yesterday, which are the General Altimax Arctic (the Gislaved Nordfrost 3 under a new name). Supposed to be great winter tires. Got them for $135 each, which is a d...
by specialbuddy
Tue Oct 13, 2009 12:47 pm
Forum: Wheels & Tires
Topic: Which winter tires do you have?
Replies: 121
Views: 47056

if I have a 2004 AWD Vibe, do I have to get 205/55-16 tires?
by specialbuddy
Sun Aug 30, 2009 2:26 am
Forum: Tech Info & Do-It-Yourself Info
Topic: How To: Change The Front Transfer Case Oil, 03-08-awd/4wd
Replies: 11
Views: 13919

Re: How To: Change The Front Transfer Case Oil, 03-08-awd/4wd (keithvibe)

I bought a 24 mm wrench just for this job and it didn't fit that well. I think 15/16 is a better fit. I measured the bolt with a caliper and it came out to about .935-.940 in., 15/16 in.(23.81 mm). Thanks for the write up though. I didn't know what to look for until I read your post.
by specialbuddy
Mon Feb 16, 2009 5:17 am
Forum: Problems & Warranty Issues
Topic: Check Engine Light - P0133 - o2 sensor slow response
Replies: 14
Views: 6584

Re: Check Engine Light - P0133 - o2 sensor slow response (Raven)

Quote, originally posted by Raven »PO133 would be the first O2 sensor, the one in the exhaust manifold.Does anyone know how to replace this. The part is $143 on GM parts directs website. I want to replace it myself but am not sure how to go about taking it apart. I'm about to just start taking the ...
by specialbuddy
Sun Feb 15, 2009 11:31 am
Forum: Engine & Transmission
Topic: New O2 sensors flatlined
Replies: 33
Views: 9015

My car has been giving a p0133 error. I have an 04 AWD version and the O2 sensor is on or near the exhaust manifold. Has anyone taken one of these out? The original equipment is about 140(179 for the Bosch version at Autozone) Should I try to replace this myself?
by specialbuddy
Wed Feb 11, 2009 4:41 pm
Forum: Wheels & Tires
Topic: Replacing 1 tire on AWD VIBE
Replies: 13
Views: 4491

Re: (Sublimewind)

Quote, originally posted by Sublimewind »well first off, studded tires are illegal in Mi... Which sucks, cause i'd love to have them... I'm from Michigan but currently live in Oregon. Studded tires are allowed here.I had 2 other places check it out and they couldn't find anything so I gave up. It w...
by specialbuddy
Mon Jan 26, 2009 1:23 pm
Forum: Problems & Warranty Issues
Topic: AWD Transmission Slip in Mountain Driving- Pontiac Says it Normal?
Replies: 23
Views: 8831

I live in Oregon and had something similar to this happen to me the other day. I was driving to the ski resort here and was passing and my car jerk 3 or 4 times and went back to accelerating. I was going around 60 or so. The only thing I can think of is maybe the cinder in the center of the road cau...
by specialbuddy
Fri Jan 16, 2009 2:19 pm
Forum: Wheels & Tires
Topic: Replacing 1 tire on AWD VIBE
Replies: 13
Views: 4491

Re: (ou.grizzly)

I'm getting a plug kit tomorrow and plan on doing that. If it doesn't work then I will buy some tires.
by specialbuddy
Fri Jan 16, 2009 9:44 am
Forum: Wheels & Tires
Topic: Replacing 1 tire on AWD VIBE
Replies: 13
Views: 4491

I think I'm just going to try fixing the bad tire myself and if it doesn't work I will just buy some new tires. I bought these and was hoping to use them only for 3 months. I think I can make them work until then. Thanks for the input.
by specialbuddy
Wed Jan 14, 2009 10:05 am
Forum: Wheels & Tires
Topic: Replacing 1 tire on AWD VIBE
Replies: 13
Views: 4491

Replacing 1 tire on AWD VIBE

So I bought some studded snow tires off of Craigslist to put on my tire and one of them is bad. I took it back and they put 6 patches on it even though they couldn't find the leak. I took it to another place and they said they basically just ruined my tire because if you have more then 3 patches on ...
by specialbuddy
Tue Dec 30, 2008 12:56 pm
Forum: Engine & Transmission
Topic: Loose Gas Filler Cap - Check engine light
Replies: 27
Views: 7271

My light just came on. I live in Oregon right now(from Michigan) and ya, I can't fill up my own vehicle. Maybe they didn't put it on right or maybe they're just pissed because I didn't tip them for filling up on Christmas and forgot to put it on. I'm going outside to check.
by specialbuddy
Sun Nov 30, 2008 11:51 am
Forum: Tech Info & Do-It-Yourself Info
Topic: Adventures in installation: featuring, a power window & lock upgrade
Replies: 28
Views: 34070

Can I buy that blue plastic that goes over the door? I ripped mine off and it doesn't want to stick back on. Anyone know what the black sticky stuff is?
by specialbuddy
Fri Nov 14, 2008 7:37 am
Forum: Exterior
Topic: Replacing window run
Replies: 5
Views: 1306

Re: (Sublimewind)

I'll probably just fix it myself. It doesn't look that tough to do and the part is cheap on ebay. I don't know who I would fight about this. I know that it probably has something to do with the thing that keeps the door from swinging open all the way. Other people have just cut the part down and fix...
by specialbuddy
Thu Nov 13, 2008 10:50 am
Forum: Exterior
Topic: Replacing window run
Replies: 5
Views: 1306

What is the run?I had the window bolt recall work done tonight and the regulator needs to be fixed as well. The windows also came loose from the glue on the bracket.I figured all of this before hand because I had to take the panel off to get the window back up. My problem is it's going to cost 330 f...
by specialbuddy
Wed Nov 05, 2008 10:25 am
Forum: Problems & Warranty Issues
Topic: Help! Dealer Wont Do Window Recall Work
Replies: 25
Views: 5459

What if I never got a letter in the mail? I called the number and entered my VIN and work needs to be done. The window will not go back up.
by specialbuddy
Sat Aug 09, 2008 1:53 pm
Forum: Interior
Topic: First Mod to the Vibe: DIY Home Depot Cargo Mat
Replies: 48
Views: 41575

I wish I could show my moms car. She delivers mail with her vibe and keeps the back seats down most of the time. We had our house carpeted and had some left over(good stuff) so we cut it to match the whole back with the seats down. Fold it up when the seats were up. It worked awesome. I just bought ...
by specialbuddy
Thu Apr 10, 2008 11:45 am
Forum: Exterior
Topic: LED Fog Lamps And New HID's but a ?
Replies: 25
Views: 4240

Re: (josholiver1)

well what are the John Deere lights for then. Because they are only $25 from what I have read.
by specialbuddy
Thu Apr 10, 2008 10:52 am
Forum: Exterior
Topic: LED Fog Lamps And New HID's but a ?
Replies: 25
Views: 4240

Re: (keithvibe)

I'm confused. I thought all I had to do was get some bulbs from a John Deere dealer and cut part of the fastener off and that was it. What's with the kit talk? How much does this cost to do all of this? Thanks for all of your help.
by specialbuddy
Wed Apr 09, 2008 3:38 pm
Forum: Exterior
Topic: LED Fog Lamps And New HID's but a ?
Replies: 25
Views: 4240

Re: (josholiver1)

just bought a vibe. Do I have to buy 4 HID bulbs for high/low?