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Hank’s Automotive, 7410 Division Avenue, Grand Rapids, MI (2026)

02/23/2026

Key components in this view:
• The Driveshafts: Those long metal tubes running down the center are the main arteries of your power. They transfer rotational energy from the transmission to your front and rear axles.
• The Transfer Case: Positioned in the middle, this is what allows 4WD vehicles to split power between the front and rear wheels.
• The Exhaust System: The dual pipes and mufflers running alongside the drivetrain are responsible for safely routing hot gases away from the engine while keeping your ride quiet.
• The Fuel Tank: That large protective shield on the right houses your fuel supply, tucked safely within the frame rails.
Why regular under-car inspections are vital:
Down here in Michigan, road salt and debris are constant enemies. During our digital inspections, we look for:
1. U-joint Wear: Checking for play in the joints that connect those driveshafts.
2. Fluid Leaks: Spotting drips from the transfer case or differential before they run dry.
3. Exhaust Integrity: Looking for rust holes or loose hangers that can cause dangerous leaks or annoying rattles.
4. Hose and Line Condition: Ensuring fuel and brake lines aren't being compromised by corrosion.
Seeing the "big picture" under your vehicle helps us catch small issues before they leave you stranded on the side of the road.

Hank’s Automotive Repair
7410 Division Ave, Grand Rapids, MI
616-827-5057

02/20/2026

What you’re seeing:
• Coated Rotors: Notice the grey coating on the "hat" of the rotor? This helps prevent the severe rust and corrosion that we often see here in Grand Rapids due to road salt.
• New Calipers: We replaced the calipers to ensure the brake pads apply even pressure. Old calipers can often seize, leading to "brake drag," overheating, and premature wear.
• Heavy-Duty Hardware: On a truck this size, the braking system generates immense heat. Using high-quality components ensures that heat is dissipated correctly so you don't experience "brake fade" when you need to stop quickly.
Signs your brakes need a professional look:
• Squealing or Grinding: Metal-on-metal sounds mean your pads are likely gone, and you’re damaging your rotors.
• Soft Pedal: If the brake pedal feels "mushy" or goes further to the floor than usual, you could have air in the lines or a failing master cylinder.
• Vibration: Feeling a shimmy in the steering wheel or brake pedal when stopping usually indicates warped rotors.
Don't wait until you hear a grind to check your stopping power. A routine inspection can catch thin pads before they turn into a more expensive rotor and caliper replacement.

Hank’s Automotive Repair
7410 Division Ave, Grand Rapids, MI
616-827-5057

02/18/2026

Underneath the valve cover lies the "brain" of your engine’s mechanical movement: the timing chain. In the photo above, you can see the new chain we’ve installed, wrapped around the camshaft actuators.
What does it do?
The timing chain synchronizes the rotation of the crankshaft (the bottom of the engine) with the camshafts (the top of the engine). This ensures that the engine's valves open and close at the exact right micro-second to let air in and exhaust out.
Why we’re performing this repair:
Timing chains can "stretch" over time due to wear or poor lubrication from extended oil change intervals. When the chain is loose, it can skip a tooth on the gears, causing the engine's timing to fall out of sync.
The Safety and Financial Risk:
• Engine Failure: In many modern engines, if the timing skips far enough, the pistons can actually strike the valves. This usually results in catastrophic engine failure and a much higher repair bill.
• Performance Issues: A stretched chain often triggers a "Check Engine" light for timing correlation codes, leading to poor fuel economy, rough idling, and a loss of power.
Signs your timing chain needs attention:
• A rattling or "clacking" noise from the front of the engine, especially during a cold start.
• A Check Engine light with codes related to camshaft or crankshaft position.
• Metal shavings found in your oil during a routine oil change.
At Hank’s, we use precision tools and follow strict manufacturer specifications to ensure your engine's "heartbeat" is perfectly synchronized.

Hank’s Automotive Repair
7410 Division Ave, Grand Rapids, MI
616-827-5057

02/16/2026

Have you ever noticed a low growling or humming noise that gets louder the faster you drive? That is often the sound of a hub assembly (wheel bearing) reaching the end of its life.
In the photo above, we have the front suspension of this truck disassembled to replace a failed unit. You can see the old hub assembly sitting on our cart—this is the part that allows your wheel to spin smoothly and quietly while supporting the entire weight of your vehicle.
Why we don't ignore wheel bearing noise:
• Heat and Friction: As the internal bearings wear down, they create intense heat. In extreme cases, this can actually weld the parts together or cause the wheel to seize.
• Steering Instability: A worn hub assembly creates "play" in the wheel. This can lead to a shaking steering wheel, uneven tire wear, and unpredictable handling during braking.
• Safety Risk: If a hub assembly fails completely, the wheel can actually separate from the vehicle.
The Hank’s Difference:
We don't just "swap parts." While we have the wheel off, we inspect the surrounding CV axles, ball joints, and brake components to ensure that once we put it back together, your vehicle is truly road-ready and safe for your family.

Hank’s Automotive Repair
7410 Division Ave, Grand Rapids, MI
616-827-5057

02/13/2026

When "Quick Access" doesn't exist.
Ever wonder why some repairs take longer than others? In the photo above, you’re looking at a vehicle that requires the entire front fascia to be removed just to reach the cooling system.
The Job at Hand:
We have this vehicle on the lift to address a leak that was buried behind the front body panels. While it looks like a lot of parts are missing, this is the correct way to ensure we have a clear line of sight to every hose, clip, and mounting point.
Why we go this deep:
• Precision: Modern engine bays are incredibly tight. Removing these panels allows us to inspect the radiator, condenser, and cooling fans for any secondary damage or debris that could cause overheating later.
• Cleaning: While we're in here, we can clean out road salt, leaves, and debris (like the snow you see at the bottom) that get trapped and cause premature corrosion on your aluminum components.
• Safety: We ensure all structural supports and sensors—like those for your airbags and parking assists—are properly reinstalled and calibrated.
Signs your cooling system needs help:
• The temperature gauge is climbing higher than normal.
• You see bright green, orange, or pink fluid on your driveway.
• You smell something "sweet" after you park.
Whether it's a simple hose or a full radiator replacement, we take the time to do it right, even if it means taking the "face" off the car.

Hank’s Automotive Repair
7410 Division Ave, Grand Rapids, MI
616-827-5057

02/11/2026

Stopping the leak before it stops you.
In the photo above, you’re looking into the side of a transmission/differential where we’ve just installed a brand-new axle seal. While it looks like a simple rubber ring, this small component has a massive job.
What does it do?
The axle seal provides a tight, rotating barrier around the CV axle where it enters the transmission. It’s designed to keep your vital gear oil or transmission fluid inside the housing while keeping dirt and moisture out.
Why we replaced this one:
The customer noticed dark fluid spotting on their driveway. Upon inspection, we found the old seal had hardened and begun to "weep." If left alone, the fluid level would eventually drop low enough to cause metal-on-metal contact inside the transmission—leading to a repair bill in the thousands rather than the hundreds.
Signs your axle seals might be failing:
• Fluid Spots: Red or brown oily spots appearing on the ground, usually near the front wheels.
• The "Wet" Look: During an oil change, we notice the bottom of your transmission or engine is covered in a film of oily grime.
• Low Fluid Symptoms: If the leak is severe, you might experience rough shifting or a whining noise while driving.
Catching a "weeping" seal early is one of the easiest ways to extend the life of your vehicle's drivetrain.

Hank’s Automotive Repair
7410 Division Ave, Grand Rapids, MI
616-827-5057

02/09/2026

The Green "Cancer": Why your car won't talk.
Can you spot the problem in this photo? It looks like a tiny speck of green on a couple of wires, but for a modern vehicle, this is a major "communication breakdown."
What you’re seeing is wire corrosion that has wicked its way inside the insulation. These specific twisted wires are often part of the vehicle's data network—the system that allows the engine, transmission, and brakes to "talk" to each other.
How this small spot takes down a whole vehicle:
• Signal Interference: Modern cars rely on precise voltage to communicate. Corrosion increases resistance, garbling the data signal and confusing the car's computer.
• The Domino Effect: One corroded wire can "take down the bus," causing multiple dashboard lights to flash or preventing the car from starting entirely.
• Invisible Failure: Often, the wire looks fine on the outside, but the copper inside has turned to powder.
Why the "Hank’s" approach matters:
Instead of just throwing expensive parts (like a new computer) at a problem, we perform targeted electrical diagnostics. Finding and repairing this single section of wiring saves our customers hundreds—if not thousands—in unnecessary parts replacements.
If your dashboard is lighting up like a Christmas tree or your car is acting possessed, it might just be a little bit of "green cancer" in the wiring.

Hank’s Automotive Repair
7410 Division Ave, Grand Rapids, MI
616-827-5057

02/06/2026

More than just a "plug and play" repair.
When your car won't start or stalls out on the road, the fuel pump is often the prime suspect. In this photo, you can see the fuel tank lowered so we can access and replace the fuel pump module.
Why this matters for your vehicle:
The fuel pump is the heart of your engine's combustion system. It has to maintain precise pressure to send fuel from the tank all the way up to the engine. If it fails, your car isn't going anywhere.
Why we do it the right way:
• Contamination Check: While the tank is down, we inspect it for any debris or sediment that could clog the new pump.
• Electrical Safety: We check the wiring harness and connectors (the black corrugated tube in the photo) to ensure there is no heat damage or corrosion that could cause a future failure.
• Evap System Inspection: We also look at the v***r lines and seals to ensure your "Check Engine" light stays off and your fuel system remains sealed and safe.
Signs your fuel pump is struggling:
• Difficulty starting (long cranking times).
• Sputtering or stalling at high speeds.
• A loss of power when the vehicle is under stress (like driving up a hill).
• A loud whining noise coming from the rear of the vehicle.
If you're noticing any of these symptoms, don't wait for a tow truck. Let us run a pressure test and catch the issue early.
Hank’s Automotive Repair 7410 Division Ave, Grand Rapids, MI
616-827-5057

02/04/2026

Suspension Spotlight: The Lower Control Arm
If your vehicle has started to feel "loose" while steering or you’re hearing a loud clunking noise when hitting bumps, your control arms might be the culprit.
What does it do?
The control arm allows your wheels to move up and down smoothly while keeping them aligned with the rest of the vehicle. It houses critical bushings (the rubber circles you see at the mounting points) that absorb road vibration and a ball joint that allows the wheel to turn.
Why we replaced this one:
The rubber bushings on the old unit had torn and collapsed. When this happens, the metal of the arm can clank against the frame, and your alignment will shift, causing your tires to wear out prematurely.
Signs your control arms need attention:
• Steering Wander: The car feels like it’s pulling or drifting on its own.
• Clunking Noises: Especially noticeable when going over speed bumps or driveways.
• Uneven Tire Wear: One side of your tire is wearing down much faster than the rest.
• Vibration: Feeling a shimmy through the steering wheel while driving.
Catching worn suspension parts early not only saves your tires but ensures your vehicle responds predictably in an emergency.
Hank’s Automotive Repair
7410 Division Ave, Grand Rapids, MI
616-827-5057

02/02/2026

The Pivot Point: Why U-Joints Matter
If you drive a truck or a 4WD vehicle, you have components called U-joints that allow your drivetrain to flex while still sending power to the wheels. In the photo above, you can see a brand-new one we just pressed into this front axle.
Why did we replace this one?
The old joint had started to "seize," meaning the internal needle bearings were no longer rotating smoothly. This often starts as a small vibration or a faint "chirping" noise, but it quickly leads to bigger problems.
The Safety Risk:
• Total Failure: If a U-joint snaps while you’re driving, the axle or driveshaft can drop or flail, causing massive damage to the surrounding components—or even a loss of control.
• Drivetrain Stress: A seized joint sends vibrations through the entire vehicle, which can prematurely wear out your transmission seals and differential bearings.
Common signs of a failing U-joint:
• A "clunk" sound when shifting from Park to Drive or Reverse.
• Squeaking or chirping that increases with vehicle speed.
• Vibrations felt through the floorboard or steering wheel.
Catching these during a routine inspection at Hank's means a simple part replacement today instead of a major breakdown tomorrow.
Hank’s Automotive Repair 7410 Division Ave, Grand Rapids, MI
616-827-5057

01/30/2026

Seeing the Unseen: Precision Diagnostics
Sometimes, a leak is buried so deep in the engine that you can't see it with the naked eye. That’s where the right technology makes all the difference.
In this photo, we are using a borescope to look into a tight space behind the intake. This specialized camera allowed us to pinpoint a hidden coolant leak that would have otherwise required hours of teardown just to find.
Why this matters for you:
• Accuracy: We find the exact source of the leak the first time, preventing "guesswork" repairs.
• Cost-Efficiency: By pinpointing the problem quickly, we reduce diagnostic time and labor costs.
• Prevention: Finding a small coolant leak now prevents a major overheating event later, which can lead to permanent engine damage.
Whether it’s a faint smell of antifreeze or a mysterious drop in your reservoir level, we have the tools to find the root cause without tearing your engine apart.
Hank’s Automotive Repair 7410 Division Ave, Grand Rapids, MI
616-827-5057

01/28/2026

In this photo, we’ve disassembled the front end to address some major wear and tear. This is a great view of the steering knuckle with several key components removed for replacement.
Can you name the missing parts?
The primary components currently removed from the assembly are:
• The Hub Assembly: This sits in the large triangular opening in the center of the knuckle. It contains the wheel bearings that allow your wheel to spin smoothly and provides the mounting surface for your wheel bolts.
• The Brake Rotor: This fits over the hub assembly and provides the surface for your brake pads to grab onto when you need to stop.
• The Brake Caliper: Currently tucked up out of the way, the caliper holds the brake pads and applies the pressure needed to squeeze the rotor.
Why we’re here: We often disassemble to this level when a customer notices a loud humming or growling noise that changes with vehicle speed—a classic sign of a failing hub assembly. Replacing these before they seize or develop excessive play is critical for keeping your steering predictable and your ride quiet.
Hank’s Automotive Repair
7410 Division Ave, Grand Rapids, MI
616-827-5057

Hank’s Automotive

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Monday	8am - 5pm
Tuesday	8am - 5pm
Wednesday	8am - 5pm
Thursday	8am - 5pm
Friday	8am - 5pm