Self servicing your car
Discussion
OMITN said:
Captain Answer said:
What pump is it?
Never had any issue with either of the ones I've used, I usually add a small smear of clean oil to the outside of the pipe beforehand though to help it go down
Came from ECP. Looks like the Pella(?) one. Extraction tube is plastic over a coiled metal tube. Must be very narrow at the bottom of the dipstick tube. Never had any issue with either of the ones I've used, I usually add a small smear of clean oil to the outside of the pipe beforehand though to help it go down
My Merc is designed for oil extraction (they don't have a dipstick, the tube you'd expect to hold a dipstick is purely for extraction) and it works fine. I've seen demos where people have taken the sump plug out and there's none left in.
I tried it on a SAAB, it was slow and by looking at how much came out there must have been a litre left in the sump.
Everything else I have has a more accessible sump plug so I use gravity.
I do as much as I can with the decent set of tools that I have acquired over 30yrs, on my driveway at home.
My interest started as a 7yo in 1979, I watched and 'helped' my Dad fit a new exhaust to the family Triumph 2.5 Pi in the freezing cold one December morning. At the time he told me he did it himself because he enjoyed it, only many years later 'fessing up to the fact that he was skint, Christmas was coming, so he did it himself to save cash. Didn't matter to me: every time we got in that Triumph, the great noise it made from that lovely 2.5 straight six was because of the talents of my Dad - he'd stopped it sounding like a tank - the old system fell off as we were driving - and restored it to its former glory. I was hooked from that moment forward!
I now do as much spannering as I can on my E46 M3 with the help of forums and YouTube but you really have to know your limitations; I have an EML on at the moment which my code reader and various forums say is a temp sensor. I've replaced the cheap easy one on the radiator hose, not fixed it, so anyone who thinks they know these cars says its the sensor in the block, which is a pig of a job to do, involving removal of the inlet manifold. Chatting to my indy mechanic yesterday he thinks it's actually the thermostat at fault - an easier, but still time consuming job. This is where I drop out and let the pros take over, because they work on these cars every day, and know how do do what is (for me) a time-consuming job very quickly.
Everything else though that doesn't require ramps, special tools or to be triple jointed because of space limitations, I'm good to try it.
This place is fairly local to me: get your own car up on ramps to work on yourself. It's an interesting concept, I'd like to give it a whirl.
https://thisisyourgarage.com/
My interest started as a 7yo in 1979, I watched and 'helped' my Dad fit a new exhaust to the family Triumph 2.5 Pi in the freezing cold one December morning. At the time he told me he did it himself because he enjoyed it, only many years later 'fessing up to the fact that he was skint, Christmas was coming, so he did it himself to save cash. Didn't matter to me: every time we got in that Triumph, the great noise it made from that lovely 2.5 straight six was because of the talents of my Dad - he'd stopped it sounding like a tank - the old system fell off as we were driving - and restored it to its former glory. I was hooked from that moment forward!
I now do as much spannering as I can on my E46 M3 with the help of forums and YouTube but you really have to know your limitations; I have an EML on at the moment which my code reader and various forums say is a temp sensor. I've replaced the cheap easy one on the radiator hose, not fixed it, so anyone who thinks they know these cars says its the sensor in the block, which is a pig of a job to do, involving removal of the inlet manifold. Chatting to my indy mechanic yesterday he thinks it's actually the thermostat at fault - an easier, but still time consuming job. This is where I drop out and let the pros take over, because they work on these cars every day, and know how do do what is (for me) a time-consuming job very quickly.
Everything else though that doesn't require ramps, special tools or to be triple jointed because of space limitations, I'm good to try it.
This place is fairly local to me: get your own car up on ramps to work on yourself. It's an interesting concept, I'd like to give it a whirl.
https://thisisyourgarage.com/
Just done the brake servo on the pug. What should have been a 1 hour job turned into 3 because of the stupid, inaccessible pin and clip that link the brakes to the servo. But after lots of perseverance and swearing done, £30 all in. Forr a laugh I asked for online quotes to see what a garage would charge , quotes range from £320 to £380, I think not,
Here’s my take on self-servicing……
It’s my car, I like my car, I take a great deal of pride in my work, I’ve got OCD, and I’m not against the clock. I have the luxury of doing things properly.
99% of garages and mechanics are very much against the clock. If they can save 30 seconds here and there, they will do. How many of them do you think will even bother to add Copperslip to the brake disc retaining screw? That all very well when you’re fitting the disc, not so good if you’re the mug who’s got to try and remove it.
That’s one simple reason why I like to work on my own cars. I then know that the job has been done properly.
It’s my car, I like my car, I take a great deal of pride in my work, I’ve got OCD, and I’m not against the clock. I have the luxury of doing things properly.
99% of garages and mechanics are very much against the clock. If they can save 30 seconds here and there, they will do. How many of them do you think will even bother to add Copperslip to the brake disc retaining screw? That all very well when you’re fitting the disc, not so good if you’re the mug who’s got to try and remove it.
That’s one simple reason why I like to work on my own cars. I then know that the job has been done properly.
Have always serviced my cars, apart from my Jazz which still had a couple of years of a 5 year service plan left when I bought it. So it had full main dealer service history. I did it’s last service (using genuine Honda parts) and was shocked to find the state of the air filter:
In 15 years of servicing cars I’ve never seen one in that state (bearing in mind the car had only done about 4000miles since it was last serviced due to lockdown). wouldn’t be surprised if it was the original one. Safe to say I won’t ever be going back to that garage.
In 15 years of servicing cars I’ve never seen one in that state (bearing in mind the car had only done about 4000miles since it was last serviced due to lockdown). wouldn’t be surprised if it was the original one. Safe to say I won’t ever be going back to that garage.
Edited by lufbramatt on Saturday 3rd July 10:31
105.4 said:
Here’s my take on self-servicing……
It’s my car, I like my car, I take a great deal of pride in my work, I’ve got OCD, and I’m not against the clock. I have the luxury of doing things properly.
99% of garages and mechanics are very much against the clock. If they can save 30 seconds here and there, they will do. How many of them do you think will even bother to add Copperslip to the brake disc retaining screw? That all very well when you’re fitting the disc, not so good if you’re the mug who’s got to try and remove it.
That’s one simple reason why I like to work on my own cars. I then know that the job has been done properly.
It is partly my experience of garages and their standard of work that has pushed me to do more and more of the work myself. I'm not saying that they're all bad, just the ones that I've used who take the money without giving a stuff. It’s my car, I like my car, I take a great deal of pride in my work, I’ve got OCD, and I’m not against the clock. I have the luxury of doing things properly.
99% of garages and mechanics are very much against the clock. If they can save 30 seconds here and there, they will do. How many of them do you think will even bother to add Copperslip to the brake disc retaining screw? That all very well when you’re fitting the disc, not so good if you’re the mug who’s got to try and remove it.
That’s one simple reason why I like to work on my own cars. I then know that the job has been done properly.
If I do the work I control the standard of the service or repair. The state of that air filter says that it stopped being useful years ago. Some people who buy cheaper cars see them as disposable and never lift the bonnet. I maintain mine meticulously and in return I am rewarded with years of mainly trouble free motoring at minimal cost.
Very satisfying! Like quite a few of those who've posted, I too try to work within the limitations of my own experience/competence/access to the right tools. I regard most garages with a certain amount of suspicion since the emphasis is often on speed and getting cars 'out of the door'.
Even my trusted local and very experienced spannerman can occasionally hurry things along a bit to the detriment of quality. Had a comprehensive refresh done a few years ago on the clutch and gear change linkage of my M5. In his haste he'd failed to work out how the large nylon bush (which holds the 'ball' pivot near the end of the gear lever) is locked into position. I only discovered his error when I came to replace the gear knob and leather gaitor and lifted the gear level and nylon bush out with finger pressure instead of the normal manly tussle involving swear words etc..
(Above) The bush is held in place by those two protuberances on the vertical face of the bush which slot into a couple of grooves in a metal housing.
(Above) The bush should be rotated with a quarter turn into the two grooves by pushing on one or other of the two pegs on the top surface. All it needed was a little time spent looking at the bush and where it was supposed to be fitted. Not at all difficult but possibly a victim of time pressures on my garage guy?
I replaced the thermostat on the M5 a few years ago which felt a little balls-out at times but in the end was fine after slowing down a bit and working out why so many people bugger this up. Documented here: https://forum.bmw5.co.uk/topic/134093-cool-running... Having done it once I reckon I could do the 'stat change in about two hours now. Took me about double that at the first attempt.
Oil changes have been a breeze since I bought one of the bigger Pela vacuum pumps. Having the oil filter housing in front of you standing in front of the engine compartment is a bit of a bonus. Have to say if the oil filter was underneath the car I'd probably just drain the oil via the drain plug since I was already down there.
Even my trusted local and very experienced spannerman can occasionally hurry things along a bit to the detriment of quality. Had a comprehensive refresh done a few years ago on the clutch and gear change linkage of my M5. In his haste he'd failed to work out how the large nylon bush (which holds the 'ball' pivot near the end of the gear lever) is locked into position. I only discovered his error when I came to replace the gear knob and leather gaitor and lifted the gear level and nylon bush out with finger pressure instead of the normal manly tussle involving swear words etc..
(Above) The bush is held in place by those two protuberances on the vertical face of the bush which slot into a couple of grooves in a metal housing.
(Above) The bush should be rotated with a quarter turn into the two grooves by pushing on one or other of the two pegs on the top surface. All it needed was a little time spent looking at the bush and where it was supposed to be fitted. Not at all difficult but possibly a victim of time pressures on my garage guy?
I replaced the thermostat on the M5 a few years ago which felt a little balls-out at times but in the end was fine after slowing down a bit and working out why so many people bugger this up. Documented here: https://forum.bmw5.co.uk/topic/134093-cool-running... Having done it once I reckon I could do the 'stat change in about two hours now. Took me about double that at the first attempt.
Oil changes have been a breeze since I bought one of the bigger Pela vacuum pumps. Having the oil filter housing in front of you standing in front of the engine compartment is a bit of a bonus. Have to say if the oil filter was underneath the car I'd probably just drain the oil via the drain plug since I was already down there.
Edited by Depthhoar on Saturday 3rd July 12:02
I do all basic service items myself.
More complex stuff I'll usually do at a mate's workshop, so if I get stuck there's an experienced mech. to help.
I also research the parts required, but get him to order them - he gets trade discount based on volume, so it's a win-win there.
Apart from normal service items, on the MR2 over the years I have :
Rebushed the entire suspension
Replaced springs & dampers
Rebushed the steering rack
Replaced the steering flexis
Swapped engine & gearbox
Rebuilt the engine
Shimmed all the valves
Replaced disks & pads
Relayed & rewired the lights
etc.
With a 35 year old car, there's always something that needs doing, and I couldn't afford to pay a professional for it all.
Bodywork & paint - no way I'm doing that myself.
More complex stuff I'll usually do at a mate's workshop, so if I get stuck there's an experienced mech. to help.
I also research the parts required, but get him to order them - he gets trade discount based on volume, so it's a win-win there.
Apart from normal service items, on the MR2 over the years I have :
Rebushed the entire suspension
Replaced springs & dampers
Rebushed the steering rack
Replaced the steering flexis
Swapped engine & gearbox
Rebuilt the engine
Shimmed all the valves
Replaced disks & pads
Relayed & rewired the lights
etc.
With a 35 year old car, there's always something that needs doing, and I couldn't afford to pay a professional for it all.
Bodywork & paint - no way I'm doing that myself.
lufbramatt said:
Have always serviced my cars, apart from my Jazz which still had a couple of years of a 5 year service plan left when I bought it. So it had full main dealer service history. I did it’s last service (using genuine Honda parts) and was shocked to find the state of the air filter:
In 15 years of servicing cars I’ve never seen one in that state (bearing in mind the car had only done about 4000miles since it was last serviced due to lockdown). wouldn’t be surprised if it was the original one. Safe to say I won’t ever be going back to that garage.
Found exactly the same on my daughter's 5 year service plan Jazz having specifically asked her to tell them to replace it at the service. Receptionist apparently said it would have been done last service, except it wasn't and that was why I asked for it to be done. Queried this with the service manager to be told that they never visually inspect filters. Ever. Replaced it myself.In 15 years of servicing cars I’ve never seen one in that state (bearing in mind the car had only done about 4000miles since it was last serviced due to lockdown). wouldn’t be surprised if it was the original one. Safe to say I won’t ever be going back to that garage.
Edited by lufbramatt on Saturday 3rd July 10:31
Have been working on cars since I was 5yrs old (dad was a mechanic) and can count the occasions I've had work done, except MOT test, on one hand.
On every occasion a garage has had my car I’ve subsequently identified damage, most of it minor admittedly. Dont even get me started on the "safety recall" wrecking crew!
Totally agree with you on all counts.
Most recent escapade (one of the few times I tried to get a garage to do some work) was the 2 hour quote to replace an injector with a 2 week lead time - it took me 11 minutes to do.
Previous escapade was a fuel pump change - had to go back 3 times to get a working pump & fuel gauge combo.
At least when I do it, I know who to blame when it's not done right or I skip something (like the cabin filter).
I also buy oil in 20 litre cans these days - saves quite a bit of money too.
Most recent escapade (one of the few times I tried to get a garage to do some work) was the 2 hour quote to replace an injector with a 2 week lead time - it took me 11 minutes to do.
Previous escapade was a fuel pump change - had to go back 3 times to get a working pump & fuel gauge combo.
At least when I do it, I know who to blame when it's not done right or I skip something (like the cabin filter).
I also buy oil in 20 litre cans these days - saves quite a bit of money too.
5s Alive said:
Found exactly the same on my daughter's 5 year service plan Jazz having specifically asked her to tell them to replace it at the service. Receptionist apparently said it would have been done last service, except it wasn't and that was why I asked for it to be done. Queried this with the service manager to be told that they never visually inspect filters. Ever. Replaced it myself.
Have been working on cars since I was 5yrs old (dad was a mechanic) and can count the occasions I've had work done, except MOT test, on one hand.
On every occasion a garage has had my car I’ve subsequently identified damage, most of it minor admittedly. Dont even get me started on the "safety recall" wrecking crew!
Have been working on cars since I was 5yrs old (dad was a mechanic) and can count the occasions I've had work done, except MOT test, on one hand.
On every occasion a garage has had my car I’ve subsequently identified damage, most of it minor admittedly. Dont even get me started on the "safety recall" wrecking crew!
Arnold Cunningham said:
Totally agree with you on all counts.
Most recent escapade (one of the few times I tried to get a garage to do some work) was the 2 hour quote to replace an injector with a 2 week lead time - it took me 11 minutes to do.
Previous escapade was a fuel pump change - had to go back 3 times to get a working pump & fuel gauge combo.
At least when I do it, I know who to blame when it's not done right or I skip something (like the cabin filter).
I also buy oil in 20 litre cans these days - saves quite a bit of money too.
I've continued to service my own car into retirement even although I can afford to have qualified techs do it. Partly because I enjoy it but mostly because I address additional issues at the time that garages can't afford to do or do things at shorter intervals such as transmission oil changes.Most recent escapade (one of the few times I tried to get a garage to do some work) was the 2 hour quote to replace an injector with a 2 week lead time - it took me 11 minutes to do.
Previous escapade was a fuel pump change - had to go back 3 times to get a working pump & fuel gauge combo.
At least when I do it, I know who to blame when it's not done right or I skip something (like the cabin filter).
I also buy oil in 20 litre cans these days - saves quite a bit of money too.
5s Alive said:
Found exactly the same on my daughter's 5 year service plan Jazz having specifically asked her to tell them to replace it at the service. Receptionist apparently said it would have been done last service, except it wasn't and that was why I asked for it to be done. Queried this with the service manager to be told that they never visually inspect filters. Ever. Replaced it myself.
Have been working on cars since I was 5yrs old (dad was a mechanic) and can count the occasions I've had work done, except MOT test, on one hand.
On every occasion a garage has had my car I’ve subsequently identified damage, most of it minor admittedly. Dont even get me started on the "safety recall" wrecking crew!
Have been working on cars since I was 5yrs old (dad was a mechanic) and can count the occasions I've had work done, except MOT test, on one hand.
On every occasion a garage has had my car I’ve subsequently identified damage, most of it minor admittedly. Dont even get me started on the "safety recall" wrecking crew!
Worryingly garages sometimes bodge work that seems straightforward. A case from my own ancient history - 5 pot Audi 80 valve stem oil seals. Garage could do it without head removal so not sensible for me to do it. Loved that car, ran it up the hill at Doune scaring myself silly.
Got car back with fuel spraying all over the engine. Tech had pulled (instead of carefully levering) the braided fuel hose off the pump tearing it. Not visible under the external braid. OK, cut the torn end off at the side of the road and refit. No biggie. Continued to airport to pick up MIL now hearing high pitched whine (before picking her up!)shortly followed by loss of power and rough running. Under the bonnet at Harthill services and find a spark plug swinging in the air on its lead. Refitted and all is well. Worried now so next day decide to check under cam cover and find one of the cam bearing caps barely finger tight.
Phone service manager directly to be told sorry our new apprentice did that one. Write letter expressing my dismay to dealer principal, get response saying it didn't happen I'm making it up. Sigh. Give up on garages at this point.
Trying hard not to tar everyone with the same brush but recent experience has not beencouraging.
I occasionally have garages/mechanics work on my cars. I love the satisfaction of finishing a job, but I also try not to exceed the limits of myself and my tools.
I recently caved and got an MG specialist to do a service on my TF. Because it hadn't run for 9 years, I needed both cambelts doing and I simply don't have the time to learn that job right now. I know plenty of people on here have DIY'd the K-series belts but I guarantee if I had started then somehow I would have ended up with the MG on axle stands and in bits for the next year. But, the specialist was able to whizz through the whole service inc. both belts in about 2 hours. I'd place a modest wager that he could have done it blindfolded.
What I didn't know was that the alternators tend to seize on that engine. So, he'd actually checked it as he went and told me he was amazed mine was OK. Value added, right there.
I don't begrudge anyone making a living, but I feel sometimes that garages are either taking the piss, or using simple easy jobs as money-makers to offset the PITA jobs which end up taking longer than expected.
I recently caved and got an MG specialist to do a service on my TF. Because it hadn't run for 9 years, I needed both cambelts doing and I simply don't have the time to learn that job right now. I know plenty of people on here have DIY'd the K-series belts but I guarantee if I had started then somehow I would have ended up with the MG on axle stands and in bits for the next year. But, the specialist was able to whizz through the whole service inc. both belts in about 2 hours. I'd place a modest wager that he could have done it blindfolded.
What I didn't know was that the alternators tend to seize on that engine. So, he'd actually checked it as he went and told me he was amazed mine was OK. Value added, right there.
I don't begrudge anyone making a living, but I feel sometimes that garages are either taking the piss, or using simple easy jobs as money-makers to offset the PITA jobs which end up taking longer than expected.
Conversely, I found my alloys seized onto the hubs and couldn't get them off. This being a potential roadside flat disaster, I took it to the dealer, who got them off and returned the car to me. To put copper grease on the hubs and prevent this happening again, I went to take them off. Of the 20 wheel bolts, sixteen were twice as tight as they should be and the rest three times tighter!
I complained to the manager at the dealer, got an full apology and the promise of a free service, but given the quality of their work I didn't take it up!
I complained to the manager at the dealer, got an full apology and the promise of a free service, but given the quality of their work I didn't take it up!
I've got a 135 - so just the single belt. First time I did it took far too long - there is a bit of technique to it. But you're right, once you know how to do it and have the cam locking tool (which is cheap) as well, it's easy.
Hope you got him to the the waterpump as well - that's actually the cause of many head gasket failures through the pump seals leaking.
Last time, I got the best/newest spec, allegedly. The only different is there's a little shelf to catch the leaks and evaporate the coolant away now.
Hope you got him to the the waterpump as well - that's actually the cause of many head gasket failures through the pump seals leaking.
Last time, I got the best/newest spec, allegedly. The only different is there's a little shelf to catch the leaks and evaporate the coolant away now.
donkmeister said:
I occasionally have garages/mechanics work on my cars. I love the satisfaction of finishing a job, but I also try not to exceed the limits of myself and my tools.
I recently caved and got an MG specialist to do a service on my TF. Because it hadn't run for 9 years, I needed both cambelts doing and I simply don't have the time to learn that job right now. I know plenty of people on here have DIY'd the K-series belts but I guarantee if I had started then somehow I would have ended up with the MG on axle stands and in bits for the next year. But, the specialist was able to whizz through the whole service inc. both belts in about 2 hours. I'd place a modest wager that he could have done it blindfolded.
What I didn't know was that the alternators tend to seize on that engine. So, he'd actually checked it as he went and told me he was amazed mine was OK. Value added, right there.
I don't begrudge anyone making a living, but I feel sometimes that garages are either taking the piss, or using simple easy jobs as money-makers to offset the PITA jobs which end up taking longer than expected.
I recently caved and got an MG specialist to do a service on my TF. Because it hadn't run for 9 years, I needed both cambelts doing and I simply don't have the time to learn that job right now. I know plenty of people on here have DIY'd the K-series belts but I guarantee if I had started then somehow I would have ended up with the MG on axle stands and in bits for the next year. But, the specialist was able to whizz through the whole service inc. both belts in about 2 hours. I'd place a modest wager that he could have done it blindfolded.
What I didn't know was that the alternators tend to seize on that engine. So, he'd actually checked it as he went and told me he was amazed mine was OK. Value added, right there.
I don't begrudge anyone making a living, but I feel sometimes that garages are either taking the piss, or using simple easy jobs as money-makers to offset the PITA jobs which end up taking longer than expected.
Superleg48 said:
mk08 said:
How do you sign your service book after carrying out work on your car?
With a pen, I should imagine....
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