useing a mechanics stethescope

[97ranger4x4]

So I picked up a cheap stethescope at Harbor Freight last weekend. I know this sounds silly, but exactly what do you use these for?

I figured it would come in handy eventually and for $3, I couldn't go wrong.

So basically clue me in on the basics of using one of these do hickeys so I can kill some time once the weather turns bad and have an excuse to play in my garage and avoid watching TV or shopping with my girlfriend.

Thanks

 

[grey ghost]

it's used for locating weird noises that you can't see you would put it on an angine or alt. to listen for bearings or whatever making sounds for help

 

[97ranger4x4]

Thanks.

BTW I love your avatar. Do you have a link to that thing? I wanna see it larger

 

[MAKG]

It's used for hanging on your dormitory room doorknob so your roomates will know to stay out 'cause you're "busy."

Oh, and it helps locate engine noises too.

 

[97ranger4x4]

well thankfully i am out of the dorm life... But I still have roommates. But they know what to expect when the gf is over.

 

[snake]

I use 'em all the time. Crank the engine and poke around different places, you will be amazed at the different noises you hear. Used it the other day to diagnose a bad wheel bearing on a front wheel drive. Sounded like a differential going bad but it was quiet at the axles. The farther I went down the lower control arm, the louder it got (car on stands wheels spinning). When we checked the other side (which was stone quiet) it was obvious it was the bearing.

 

[97ranger4x4]

hmm well maybe I will just poke around and see what I hear. Should be interesting...

 

[MAKG]

You can hear the coolant flowing in the radiator.....have fun with it.

 

[Carlos Murphy]

usefull tool

Just don't bang it against anything while it's in your ears.

Searching for bearing noise is the most common use but if you remove the probe from the end of the hose, it can be used for finding vacuum leaks as well.

Another great tool is a laser temp gun, point it at cooling system components, just point it the lower and upper rad hoses to determine if the water pump and or thermostat is working.

 

[97ranger4x4]

yeh i have seen those but never really figured I would need one.