Re: My new Milano

[Mark Denovich <mark@domain.elided>]

James Cook wrote:

> 01. Three times now, after just starting the engine, I've heard a low
> frequency howl from the transaxle region. The first time I actually 
> thought
> it was a jet taking off overhead until I touched the throttle and it
> diminished.
Clutch throw-out bearing?   Does it only happen when the clutch is 
depressed?


> Is there anything useful but cheap ( or free) that can be done to add
> driving pleasure?
For starters I'd recommend that you inspect the heater fan ducting. 
It's common for leaves to find their way into the ducting... The speed 
control resistors are also in this ducting and they get red-hot.  It's a 
potentially bad combo.   You should be able to inspect/clean this area 
out by going through the re-circ flap in the passenger footwell.

Also check for mud/debris collecting in the rocker panels where they 
meet the front wheel wells.  You don't want to do all the rust repairs I 
had to.

Next up is replacing bushings...   The castor arm pads are almost surely 
shot, and replacing them will provide immediate improvement.   Start 
there and work your way around the car.   The best money I spent was 
replacing those rubber bits...

As for tires on a budget, I like Kumho Ecsta 712s in 205/50 R15 for 
summer performance driving.   I have no specific recommendations for 
all-seasons or winter tires.

	--Mark
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