Hey guys I just got back from vacation with the family, and of course we drove the wife's Max. The car did great throughout the whole trip, but I was wondering what kind of MPG you guys were getting with your Max's? According to the trip meter on the car, we averaged about 29-31 MPG. Is this normal, it was all interstate driving, so that might be why. Around home, we only get about 26-27 MPG, but that is city and highway driving. Also, I started to notice a noise in the front end that I never noticed before, it sounds like a grinding noise when I stop or turn the front wheels. But I did just put new tires and brakes on the car. I used a directional tire, so could it be just the tires making a funny noise when the steering wheel is turned, because when the steering wheel is straight, I don't hear the noise. I know some of you guys have had problems with the front wheel bearings, could it be that? Also, is that covered under the powertrain warranty? Our car now has 46,000 miles on it, so I want to get it fixed before it is too late. I know I need to get the tires balanced, because at speed, the tires shimmy a little, especially when you have to hit the brakes at speed. Please advise as to what you guys think it could be, I really want to get it fixed, it is kind of annoying. Thanks

 

I average about 25 highway but I drive a little fast yours seems alright though.

 

If you hit the brakes and it shimmies the rotors are probably worped its a common 2k2/2k3 problem.

 

well I averaged 80mph the whole way there and back, and had the air on on the way back. As for the rotors being warped, I know it is not that, I just had the brakes done on the car front and back, so it is not that. Thanks though.

 

The grinding noise could be bearings or cv boots. Need to get it checked. Vibration/shimmy while braking sound like warped rotors as stated above. Seems to be common problem on 5th gens.
BTW I get 28-29 mpg highway, 16-18 mpg city FWIW

 

@Jimmy: having your brakes done doesn't necessarily exclude you from warped rotors. Your brakes and rotors are different parts of the same system. Even with new brake pads, you might still need to replace the rotors.

 

Take a rotor off and take it to a shop that machines rotors they can tell you if its warped.

 

rotors are warped. and the front end noise might be the wheel bearing, its a common trait for your model...............

 

If you averaged 80mph, you had to be driving pretty darn fast. How did you calculate your fuel economy? If you used the trip computer, I would not consider it to be accurate.

 

Does that mean if we do have wheel bearing problems, we should take it in to get checked ? I ask because I hear the same thing on my car (sounds more obvious in the front left wheel well) And just this quick question, Is wheel alignment and getting the wheel bearings checked under warranty ?
Thanx everybuddy

BUDDHA

 

I don't believe that wheel alinement would be covered unless it was screwed up from the factory. You should take the car in to have any unusual noises checked out while still under warranty.