Cadillac Repair: my escalade, shop rags, brake rotors

Question
my escalate got a air leak in the exhaust system and i cant find it i put some headers but still have that noise and i got some problems with the suspension also it vibrate a lot and when i push the brake start shaking and the stering wheel too where can i start to try to fix this problems thank you

Answer
Hi Jorge,

      Lets start with the exhaust first. 2 things that help me find a leak is to run the engine and have a helper block off the tail pipe useing a towl or shop rags. You won't be able to close it completely but what will happen is the air pressure will force the exhaust out of the leak area and you should see smoke or steam or just get louder from the leak area. The other thing I do is useing a mechanics stethoscope from Sears remove the probe end so there is an open hose. Then place a metal tube of the correct diameter aprox. 2 feet long into the hose and then you can get near the hot exhaust to pin point a leak with the engine running.

      The vibration you feel could be due to warped front brake rotors. Since you feel it when pushing on the service brake pedal go the same speed but try the emergency/parking brake. If you feel it there then the problem is in the back brakes and it could be in the front also. If the vibration goes away then the front rotors are warped and should be turned or better yet just replace them. The reason they warp is the lugnuts get over tightened, there is a rust build-up between the rotor and the hub it bolts to or alot of highway driveing and stopping. Clean the rust off the surfaces with a wire brush, sanding disc or sandpaper and then put them back together. Remember to use a torque wrench.

      Hope that answers your questions. Have a Happy Holiday, Bill