Hi all! I haven't been on since 2018, which was about the time my trunk stopped opening. I replaced the actuator myself. Proud moment. Anyhoo, I have a 2006 TL base model with a little over 57K miles. Obvi I don't drive often. It has a few issues now so I'm hoping that I might be able to get some assistance with issues that my car is having.

1. The side view mirrors no longer move into the position I need them to so I can see cars approaching from the side. I looked into purchasing an the actuators but couldn't find it for the 2006 and the ones I found stated only for 2007 and after. Also, the dealership said that each actuator is $120 and I don't want to pay $240. LOL! Does anyone know if the actuators for 2007 and after will work on a 2006 or can provide the model number that I should look for?
2. My car makes a very loud humming sound when turned on. It eventually goes away after a few minutes but I would like to know what might be making that sound. I know it could be a million things but just kind of want to get an idea so a mechanic doesn't take all my money for nothing. Any thoughts?
3. The steering wheel is very hard to turn in all directions and when in park too. It's so difficult to turn that I'm surprised my arm muscles haven't gotten bigger. Again, what should I know before taking it to a mechanic?
4. The dealership said that I need to replace my brakes and that it would cost $4K which I scoffed at then drove away. I told a friend about this and they said brakes never cost $4K to fix especially on a car that has low mileage. Truth be told though I live in a city so when I drive it is stop and go. Thoughts on cost to replace brakes?

I am the sole owner of the car and the only maintenance I do is to get oil changes when the display shows that I'm at 10%, tires and battery replaced (btw if you don't drive often your battery dies quickly), changed timing belt a few years ago.. so I don't do much.

Thanks in advance everyone for your help.

 

1. The 07-08 part (76210-STX-H03) works fine for 04-06.

2. No idea.

3. Could be a power steering issue, start by checking the fluid level and look for bubbles in the reservoir after driving.

4. That's insane. Was the dealer trying to push you into a trade-in? Even with inflation, elevated parts and labor pricing, and with everything rusted/stuck, I would think this should run closer to 1/4 or 1/3 of that quote. If you can't change the brakes yourself, take it somewhere, anywhere but the dealership.

 

Hi. Thanks for letting me know the actuator part number and for replying. I'll look into the power steering fluid - thank you for that advice. Yes, the dealership always asks for me to sell my car to them everytime I go but the service guy didn't. He just said brake replacement would be $4k and I thought to myself that the car isn't even worth $4k because it's old. LOL! Thank you again for your help!

 

what city are you in? service guy was smoking crack

 

I live in a big city but had taken my car to the suburban dealership. They had a special offer but didn't realize it included ripping me off. But seriously, I've never heard of anyone paying $4k for brake replacement or getting it fixed.

 

buy the brakes yourself, should run you about 500-600 for a high end set. labor should be no more than 400.
Im in Canada and we usually get higher pricing here, so you should definitely be able to get it done within 1k.

 

#2, is the humming coming from your speakers? If so, your amp is failing and needs to be rebuilt.

 

no it's coming from the engine area.

 

Does it change with speed of engine? Driver's side, Passenger's side, how long does it last, does it matter if cold start vs warm start? The most "obvious" humming from the engine would be related to the accessory belt and all the spinny things there.

 

It starts when I turn on the engine then goes away. When it's warm it doesn't last as long as when it's cold which takes a while for the humming to go away.

 

Can you hear it from outside the car?

 

yes😥

 

Besides belts, I would also wonder about the power steering pump. A bad inlet o-ring can make an almost buzz-like noise.

At this point I think you may want to record the sound and post it.

 

Yes, the spinny things.

I'd guess the power steering pump but OP has trouble answering questions with any helpful info.

 

I would do the brake too for $4,000. haha

btw, have you considered a used mirror? The whole mirror may be easier to replace.. But I have never replaced the actuator. But the mirror is easy to pull off. But you would have to find the right color