Car Talk

Wordly Andre

Over the past weekend I replaced the rear brake pads on my 03 Mini Cooper, changed out the cabin air filter, and steam cleaned the engine. My friend came over with his 04 Ford Tarus he wanted me to look at some brake noise in the rear passenger side, turns out it only needed to be cleaned and adjusted. I also fixed a dash light that was out on my 03 Focus, then I noticed that my electric trunk latch is going out, guess I'm off to pick a part this weekend! Does anyone else here like working on your own cars?

free2think

I dont have a car WA, or rather im not allowed to drive, (something about not enough peripheral vision lol) but i just wanted to Hi

Brother Apostate

I just picked up an RV-

it's used,

but it was a steal!

I haven't had to put anything into it,

it's great on gas,

but for some reason,

it has trouble making it up big hills,

especially when it's fully loaded:

Wordly Andre

Brother A. Looks like your tire needs some air. HEY Free2, Miss ya sorry been away, working too much lately

marmot

Yes, I love working on my cars. I live in an apartment, though, so I can't do any work on the street anymore. :(

This means I have to rely on the kindness of my future brother-in-law who has a big garage and all the tools I could desire. The last repair we did to was the windshield wiper circuit on my 88 Chrysler Pimp Avenue. I just bought it last month ($400, score!) and the previous owner said that he had it inspected at a garage and they told him the wiper linkage was broken.

We took another look at it and after blowing a few fuses, we checked all the connectors and cleaned them with a wire brush then hit everything up with dielectric grease. Voila, working wipers!

Next up is to replace the saggy rear leaf springs and blown shocks, adjust the throttle load sensor cable on the transmission (right now it'll only upshift at close to redline), and replace Chrysler's terrible emissions control timing computer with a proper ignition system.

My previous car was a focus and I did a lot of work on that myself (where feasible) however when I want to replace the rear brake shoes the bolts were so fused with rust that they just sheared right off. I had to get the garage to finish the job. I also opened up my knuckle pretty badly when I was changing the spark plugs and the ratchet slipped, sending my fist slicing over a sharp raised edge on the timing belt cover.

Do you have the SVT suspension on yours yet?

BrentR

I do alot of my own mechanics and save alot money in doing so. Most of my friends would not know the difference between a radiator and a spark plug. When I was in my teens every guy I hung out with worked on thier own cars. I do not know what is happening to guys now, they seem about as helpless as puppies sometimes.

It seems if a guy swaps out a hard drive on his PC he thinks he's an engineer now. Don't even get me started on home maintenance.

Guys that my wife works with ask her mechanical questions since I have taught her alot of it and she has learned quite a bit on her own. What a sad commentary.

jaguarbass

Does anyone else here like working on your own cars?

No I dont like doing it. But I do. I was a machinist tool maker for 25 years. I've replaced water pumps. U joints. Carbuerators, alternators, points and distributors, spark plugs, regulators. Head lights, wipers. Breaks, radiators. Master cylanders.

worldtraveller

I install aftermarket devices for new trucks and vans, such as door actuators, and back up sensors. GPS, electric window motors and so on. Easy work, and excellent pay. Won't even touch my '05 Venture, because repairs are tax deductible.

oompa

YEEEHAAA! I just bought an awesome 1980 jeep cj-7 on e-bay that has been owned by the original lady owner for 26&1/2 years!!! Almost totally original, and yeah its good to have a toy I can work on again......I'm really back now......oompa....I had one exactly like 20 years ago for 15 years

seawolf

I'm learning more and more. I think it's fun (to a point) working on a car, more so the electrical systems... :)

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