Hank’s Automotive

08/28/2026

Oil leak between the engine and transmission? The rear main seal is one of the places we check.

This seal sits at the back of the engine around the crankshaft, and when it starts leaking, engine oil can work its way down between the engine and transmission. The tricky part is getting to it — on most vehicles, the transmission has to come out before the seal is even accessible.

That’s why a proper diagnosis matters. You want to be sure the leak is actually coming from the rear main before doing this much work.

If you’re noticing oil spots under your vehicle or constantly having to top off the oil, bring it in and we’ll track down where it’s coming from.

Hank’s Automotive Repair
📍7410 Division Ave S, Grand Rapids, MI 49548
📞616-827-5057
🌐https://hanksautomotivegr.com

08/26/2026

A small upgrade can make a big difference at night.

We just finished up a new fog light install on this one. A good set of fog lights can help improve visibility in rain, snow, and low-light conditions by putting more usable light down low where you need it.

The important part isn’t just getting the lights mounted — it’s making sure the wiring, connections, and aiming are all done correctly so everything works the way it should and looks clean when it’s finished.

Thinking about upgrading the lighting on your car or truck? We can help with that too.

Hank’s Automotive Repair
📍7410 Division Ave S, Grand Rapids, MI 49548
📞616-827-5057
🌐https://hanksautomotivegr.com

08/24/2026

This is what it can take to replace an evaporator core.

This customer came all the way from Florida to have us get the job done right the first time. On this vehicle, replacing the A/C evaporator core means pulling the entire dash just to get access to it.

The evaporator sits deep inside the HVAC box and is responsible for getting the air cold before it comes through your vents. When one starts leaking, the system can slowly lose refrigerant and the A/C quits cooling like it should. Since the part is buried this deep, making sure the problem is diagnosed correctly before tearing into it is a big deal.

It’s definitely not a small job, but when you’re taking a vehicle apart this far, doing it correctly the first time matters.

Hank’s Automotive Repair
📍7410 Division Ave S, Grand Rapids, MI 49548
📞616-827-5057
🌐https://hanksautomotivegr.com

08/24/2026

Sneak peak on what it takes to do a evaporator and heater core on a 19 Chevy Tahoe

08/22/2026

We are out here hanging out with the FabLab, LLC crew! Stop by and say Hey!

Good morning! Cars & Coffee is happening TODAY at FabLab! ☕🏎️

We’ll be here from 8–11 AM, and The Bouje B Coffee will be on site serving up coffee while we hang out and check out some great cars.

No need to overthink it—grab the keys, bring a friend, and come spend your Saturday morning with us!

📍 FabLab LLC
3620 Mill Creek Dr
Comstock Park, MI 49321

8–11 AM
See you soon!

08/21/2026

A lot of important wiring runs through the steering wheel, and the clock spring is what keeps those connections working while the wheel turns.

When a clock spring fails, you may see an airbag warning light, lose the horn, or have steering wheel controls that work only sometimes. Since it’s part of the airbag system, it’s not something we recommend putting off.

This one was opened up so we could replace the failed clock spring and restore those connections properly. If you have an airbag light on or buttons on the steering wheel acting up, let us check it out before replacing parts at random.

Hank’s Automotive Repair
📍7410 Division Ave S, Grand Rapids, MI 49548
📞616-827-5057
🌐https://hanksautomotivegr.com

08/19/2026

That little sensor can cause some big headaches.

This is a Mass Air Flow (MAF) sensor. Its job is to measure the amount of air entering the engine so the computer knows how much fuel to add. When it starts to fail or gets contaminated, you might notice a rough idle, poor fuel mileage, hesitation when accelerating, or even a check engine light.

We see a lot of MAF sensors replaced that didn’t need to be. Sometimes a proper diagnosis or even a careful cleaning is all it takes. That’s why we always recommend finding the root cause before throwing parts at a problem.

If your vehicle isn’t running quite right or the check engine light has come on, let us take a look. A little time spent diagnosing the issue can save you money and get your vehicle running the way it should.

Hank’s Automotive Repair
📍7410 Division Ave S, Grand Rapids, MI 49548
📞616-827-5057
🌐https://hanksautomotivegr.com

08/17/2026

Your A/C system does more than keep you comfortable on a hot day.

The compressor is the heart of the entire system. When it starts to fail, you might notice the air isn’t as cold, the A/C works off and on, or you hear strange noises when it’s running. We’ve also seen failing compressors send metal debris through the system, which can turn a simple repair into a much bigger job.

This vehicle got a new A/C compressor, so it’s ready to keep its passengers cool again. If your A/C hasn’t been keeping up with the heat, don’t wait until it quits completely. Catching the problem early can often save time, money, and prevent additional damage.

Hank’s Automotive Repair
📍7410 Division Ave S, Grand Rapids, MI 49548
📞616-827-5057
🌐https://hanksautomotivegr.com

08/14/2026

A bad turbo doesn’t always fail all at once.

Sometimes it starts with a loss of power, slower acceleration, or a check engine light. Other times you’ll hear a whining noise or notice smoke from the exhaust. Those are signs it’s time to have it checked before the problem gets worse.

This truck needed a new turbocharger to get its performance back. Replacing a failed turbo helps restore power, fuel efficiency, and reliability, while also preventing damaged parts from sending debris through the engine.

If your vehicle just doesn’t feel like it has the power it used to, don’t assume it’s “just getting old.” A quick inspection can often pinpoint the problem and save you from bigger repairs later.

Hank’s Automotive Repair
📍7410 Division Ave S, Grand Rapids, MI 49548
📞616-827-5057
🌐https://hanksautomotivegr.com

08/12/2026

Most people don’t think about their differential until it starts making noise.

This one came into the shop because the original differential had failed and needed to be replaced. The differential is what sends power to your wheels, so when bearings or gears wear out, you’ll often hear a whining, humming, or growling noise that gets louder as you drive.

The biggest mistake we see is people hoping the noise will just go away. Unfortunately, differential problems almost always get worse with time, and waiting can lead to even more expensive repairs.

If your vehicle has started making a new noise from underneath, don’t ignore it. We’d rather inspect it early and help you understand what’s going on before it leaves you stranded.

Hank’s Automotive Repair
📍7410 Division Ave S, Grand Rapids, MI 49548
📞616-827-5057
🌐https://hanksautomotivegr.com