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Hi, everyone. I did a forum search for some of my issues, but I found the six hundred pages of results kind of overwhelming, so I decided I’d just post. There are four repairs that I’d like to do myself but I’m not sure whether I should or can. Below I’ll describe each (I’ll order them from simplest to most complex) and I’ll explain why I’m stumped or haven’t started yet. Sorry about the length.
Grateful for any guidance you can offer. Thanks in advance!
Repair #1: Rubber seal torn, air leaking through window
This. What’s the best way of mending it?
Repair #2: Rotor replacement
I started this last year. I got as far as removing the calipers (and replacing the brake pads), but the two bolts (or maybe it was just one of them) holding the caliper bracket in place wouldn’t budge. What’s the best way of loosening them? PV Blaster? WD 40?
Repair #3: Windshield washer pump
I attempted this a few days ago. I disconnected the battery, got the mudguard off, removed the energy absorber and started taking off the bumper. Once again the bolts defeated me: I stripped two of the eight and had no tool for dealing with them and no knowledge of the vairous ways people deal with stripped bolts. What makes things worse is that they’re in a cramped space directly behind the bumper, so I can’t reach the, directly; I have to put two extension attachments (sorry, not sure what vocab to use) on the ratchet and then insert the whole wobbly apparatus four and a half inches through the access holes in the bumper. The presence of those holes must mean I’m not supposed to be able to reach the bolts without passing through the holes, but I doubt it means I’m supposed to jury-rig my ratchet in such a stupid way. Not sure whether my tools are the problem (on my possibly bad tools, see below).
Given how hard to reach the space is, and given how cramped it is, what tool can I use to get the bolts off? Would turbo sockets work? It’s a small space, and I’m worried it might be too cramped for special attachments.
Since I never actually reached the w-washer pump, what other problems can I anticipate? And what would be a good tool?
Repair #4: undiagnosed, loud exhaust system
The issue: my car is quiet when not in gear, loud when in gear, extremely loud when I apply the gas. It sounds somewhat similar to, but not nearly as bad as, when my exhaust pipe broke completely free from the bottom of the manifold(?) on my 1997 Saturn stationwagon. Like the Saturn, too, the smell of exhaust is very strong when the car is stationary.
When I asked the google about loud exhaust systems, I got a lot of instructional videos on various kinds of exhaust leaks: rusted out link pipes, bad gaskets, loose fasteners. If any of those is the problem, it looks as though I can buy and install the part myself or do the necessary tightening. But I have no idea how much expertise I need in order to diagnose the problem. Thoughts?
Additionally: I have ratchet set, but I’m not sure how good it is. I’d be glad to invest in some high-quality tools that I’ll be able to use not just on these repairs but for years to come. What tools would you suggest?
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Ok will be a long post but will do my best.
Repair one maybe 2/10
Will need a new seal a means to remove the old glue either heat and scrape or an adhesive remover, some weatherproof adhesive to stick the new seal on and you’re on your way.
Repair 2 3/10 with stuck bolts
First off leverage is your friend a reasonable 18 inch breaker bar would be handy for this, maybe longer but access can be difficult for longer bars if you’re on axle stands make sure you are using 6 point sockets and shouldn’t be hard to remove.
Watch ETCG vids on pad/rotor replacements and make sure sliders are greased etc before reassembly.
Repair 3 7/10
For stripped fasteners my favourites http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_ss_i_3_6?url=search-alias%3Dautomotive&field-keywords=irwin%20bolt%20extractor%20set&sprefix=irwin+%2Cautomotive%2C254
The holes are there for access and yes bad tools could be playing a part if possible try buying a long 3/8th extension that can slot down in there possible even 1/4 depending on the size of the access hole.
In terms of tooling removing the actual pump is fairly straight forward 1 electrical connection and a few fasteners Not familiar with this modal to be honest so some good pictures of the engine bay and the location would help give a better idea of how to guide you through it.
Repair 4
Diagnosing an exhaust leak is fairly simple Place the car up on axle stands start it up cold and feel for the gas leaking out by placing your hand around parts of the exhaust (dont touch it) This can be done warm but i prefer doing it cold only due to less risk of burning myself.
In terms of tools where to start if you want to do you’re own repairs then you’re going to need tools you dont need the best and I wouldn’t recommend buying anything until a job comes up where you need it, but just put a small chunk of what you would pay a garage to do the work towards the tools you need for each job and you should be good.
THANK YOU very very, much. I’ll start by getting six-point sockets, the 18 inch breaker bar and the other stuff you recommended, and if the w-wiper pump poses any other problems, I’ll come back with photos.
[quote=”deteugma” post=123606]THANK YOU very very, much. I’ll start by getting six-point sockets, the 18 inch breaker bar and the other stuff you recommended, and if the w-wiper pump poses any other problems, I’ll come back with photos.[/quote]
Np Happy to help if you want some more advise on tools just give me a shout.
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