#2458: Who Gets the Mechanic in the Divorce?
Digest
This episode of Car Talk begins with Click and Clack discussing the results of their annual mechanics poll, which revealed the most common items found in customers' cars. They then delve into a listener's call about a gear clashing sound in her Toyota Camry, diagnosing the problem as worn teeth on the ring gear or flywheel. Click and Clack advise the listener on the repair cost and the importance of addressing the issue promptly. The episode concludes with a discussion about reliability engineering in the auto industry, where Click and Clack share their perspective on the industry's priorities and the challenges faced by reliability engineers.
Outlines
Mechanics Poll and Gear Clash Diagnosis
Click and Clack discuss the results of their annual mechanics poll, revealing the most common items found in customers' cars. They then diagnose a listener's car problem, a gear clashing sound in her Toyota Camry, as worn teeth on the ring gear or flywheel.
Listener Call: Gear Clash in a Toyota Camry
Erica from Birmingham, Alabama calls in with a problem with her 1989 Toyota Camry. She describes a loud "gear clash" sound when starting the car, which has become more frequent over the past year. Click and Clack diagnose the problem and explain the mechanics of starting a car.
Reliability Engineering in the Auto Industry
Bill from Dearborn, Michigan calls in with a question about reliability engineering in the auto industry. He's a newly hired reliability engineer tasked with reducing warranty costs for a major automaker. Click and Clack offer their perspective on Bill's role, suggesting that the auto industry prioritizes public relations over actual reliability improvements.
Keywords
Gear Clash
A loud, grinding noise that occurs when starting a car, often caused by worn teeth on the ring gear or flywheel, preventing proper meshing between the starter drive and the engine's gears.
Ring Gear
A large gear attached to the flywheel or differential, which meshes with the pinion gear on the starter drive to rotate the crankshaft and start the engine.
Flywheel
A heavy disc attached to the crankshaft, which stores rotational energy and helps smooth out engine operation.
Reliability Engineering
A branch of engineering that focuses on designing and manufacturing products that are durable, reliable, and meet performance expectations over their intended lifespan.
Warranty Costs
The financial burden incurred by manufacturers due to repairs or replacements of defective products within a specified warranty period.
Mechanics Poll
An annual survey conducted by Click and Clack to gather insights from mechanics about the most common items they find in customers' cars.
Auto Industry
The sector of the economy that encompasses the design, manufacture, distribution, and sale of automobiles and related products.
Q&A
What is gear clash and what causes it?
Gear clash is a loud, grinding noise that occurs when starting a car. It's often caused by worn teeth on the ring gear or flywheel, preventing proper meshing between the starter drive and the engine's gears.
What is the role of a reliability engineer in the auto industry?
A reliability engineer is responsible for designing and manufacturing products that are durable and reliable. In the auto industry, they work to reduce warranty costs by improving the quality and longevity of car components.
Why do car manufacturers prioritize public relations over actual reliability improvements?
Car manufacturers are more concerned with selling new cars than ensuring the longevity of existing ones. They know that customers are likely to switch brands after a few years, regardless of the reliability of their current vehicle.
Show Notes
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