2000 Solara SE V-6 Air Fuel Sensor and Wheel Vibes

[CandyRayne]

Ok... I just got an 00 Solara SE V-6 and my check engine light is on. The car runs damn near perfect. I'm not experiencing anything major... right now. But since the light is on, and the guy I got the car from assured me that it was just a loose gas cap and then it went off, but then came right back on the next day, I took the car to Aamco and they told me that I needed an Air Fuel Sensor. I asked if I could go to Auto Zone or someplace like that and get the part and the guy told me that if I did, it would be an aftermarket part (of course) and it would probably run me around $300 for the part and only last for about 2 months. I had a 99 Toyota 4Runner that I replaced the O2 sensor on and that junk cost me $565, not to mention the part was $120 from Auto Zone. Does anyone have any ideas on what I should do? Of course I know that it needs to be fixed, but I was wondering if the guy was right in telling me not to purchase the part from an Auto store?

Also, I've noticed that when I'm coming to a stop, my steering wheel vibrates. The brakes are fine, but the wheel vibrates ONLY when coming to a stop. My car has 158k miles on it as well, but otherwise in great condition.

If anyone can help, I'd really appreciate it!

[littlebookworm]

First, you need to have the car hooked up to a scan guage to read the codes. Don't just throw parts in; you'll be throwing money away. The scan will tell you where to look for your trouble. You'll then need a service manual to fix it, if you are mechanically inclined. If not, at least you'll have some idea as to what the mechanic should be looking at. As to the vibration while braking, that's a relatively easy one. The most likely cause is warped front rotors. You probably need to do a front brake replacemnt with rotor resurfacing or replacement. "Cutting" the rotors usually runs $10 each; replacing them is somewhere between $35 and $70 depending on the wheel size. Brake pads run from $35 to $100 a set. Labor can add another $100 or so. The warp, or run-out, can be measured with a dial guage. While the car's up in the air, check out the rest of the front suspension. By the way, don't take the Amoco guy's word on the price or quality of parts. No company would sell a part for $300 which would only last 2 months and expect to stay in business. Bring your car elsewhere. Good luck. Hy