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FranticPanic
New User
Apr 25, 2010, 9:06 AM
Post #1 of 5
(3095 views)
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How 2 detect tampering?
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If I suspect my vehicle's brakes - the ABS - and later one of the tires (right rear) may have been tampered with, what steps do I follow? What can I look into (keeping in mind I know nothing about cars but am smart enough to follow directions)? Would a mechanic be able to tell me? Would he be able to document what he found? Would he have a reporting requirement if he discovered something obvious?
That last question is because the individual who may have done this is suffering a medically-related mental breakdown, as well as being in the midst of a new profound medical crisis. Despite the horrendous nature of what I suspect, he would need to be taken care of by the mental health system not our prison system.
Please help.
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Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Apr 25, 2010, 9:14 AM
Post #2 of 5
(3092 views)
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Re: How 2 detect tampering?
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What are the symptoms that you suspect anything was done? What are likely mechanical capabilities of the suspect person that you know of?
I'd make sure wheels are tight, air properly in tires, no warning lights on and have a shop check it out. Nobody here can say what might or might not be vandalism from this so far at all,
T
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FranticPanic
New User
Apr 25, 2010, 9:20 AM
Post #3 of 5
(3088 views)
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Re: How 2 detect tampering?
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The person suspected has a great deal of knowledge about cars and there was an incident in his family where his father was suspected of doing something similiar in a similiar situation. This is an abbreviated version of what I have today posted to a legal advice forum:
Two business partners going through an acrimonious split. Partner B knows cars well. Partner T only knows how to put the key in the ignition but drives one of B's vehicles - a new used car that had just been inspected with the Inspection Report containing one notation: that all wheels had been removed to inspect the brakes.
Car is driven fast over snow embankment at end of drive by T (only way to get out) & once on the road, it slides badly - for the first time after a couple weeks of driving. He notices for the first time ABS Off light is on. (Internet says wheel sensors are involved in ABS - maybe T damaged them on snow mound?) Drives short distance to store. On way back car won't start. Even though it's a 2000 vehicle giving it a bit of gas works. Starts again.
T tells B about problem & B takes vehicle on lengthy drive and reports it is fine. Also advises that you don't want the ABS engaged - it means you are slipping on slick/snowy/wet pavement (!) - but now car really starts acting as if there is something wrong with the brakes. Noticeable in snow and rain and typical to what I've read about online if your ABS is malfunctioning.
T is involved in an accident on the slick, snowy on-ramp of thruway that directly mirrors what he has read happens if ABS is not working. Accident is compounded when T attempts to make it to next exit only to begin losing control of vehicle as right front wheel works itself off axle. Mechanic finds and replaces bad brakes on car which insurance company declares total loss and sells back to B, who has it completely repaired, giving it back to T to drive.
ABS off light is now going on again periodically despite those substantial repairs. Also, left rear tire deflated recently & B points it out to T but only after T drives to distant destination. B advises car will shimmy back and forth and yes, that is what occurred to T on his lengthy drive. Made T wonder if repairs had been sufficient because car drove almost as if the front right area (site of worst accident-related damage) was not right. Friend of T's borrows vehicle for day but first uses fix-a-flat & fills tire back up. Doesn't take pressure reading. Notices nothing unusual.
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Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Apr 25, 2010, 9:37 AM
Post #4 of 5
(3085 views)
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Re: How 2 detect tampering?
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If brakes were good mechanically and an electrical fault happens or an ABS device gets an erroneous signal from any sensor the brakes are designed to default to normal non ABS function.
Driving a car over some snow embankments could do wild damage, pull out wires, cause a flat - who knows?
This isn't a court, we are not there, no chance we could guess with any credibility who could have done what to anything. If you have a police matter call them!
As far as complaints of brakes not feeling right with a light on at 10 years old or so it could be anything?
Among things said - the car drives erratically and driver continues to drive! I'm not Judge Judy but HELLOOOO!
T
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FranticPanic
New User
Apr 25, 2010, 10:03 AM
Post #5 of 5
(3082 views)
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Re: How 2 detect tampering?
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Thank you for the information. It is helpful in offerring me alternative solutions.
I've only just connected the dots of what has gone on with the car and believe me, I will only be driving it to the repair shop a mile down the road until I am sure about things.
Also, I did not mean I drove the car over a snow embankment but over the mound of snow/slush that is left at the end of the driveway by the guy that plows the sidewalks in my town.
Again, though - thank you for your assistance.
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