The spinnas thread got me thinking about the cars I've owned over the years. Two I wished I kept were my Buick Grand National and my Mazda RX7. Of course reminiscing quickly turned into talking myself into maybe find another one of either of them (only after I sell the Miata) and low and behold I found both... kinda. This is pretty fucking cool. Mazda RX7 powered by Buick
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Looking for some advice from those with experience working on their own cars. For reference I have an 02 Pathfinder w/Automatic Transmission. It's right around 113k on miles and because I'm cheap and somewhat mechnically inclined I wanted to get some ideas on how difficult some regular maintenance jobs are for a DIY'er. I've never been afraid to tackle jobs around the house (plumbing, electrical, appliances, etc) but I've always been scared of fucking up a simple job on my car and leaving it broken in the driveway or worse finding out I forgot to tighten a bolt at 70 m.p.h. From 1 (my little sister could do it) to 5 (fly in an expert from Dusseldorf), how hard are these jobs? Automatic Trans fluid change Tune Up (plugs, distributor, rotor) Brake Pads/Rotors Fuel Filter Anything tool wise I should absolutely have if I tried to do any of these jobs?
quote="barr_b2" Looking for some advice from those with experience working on their own cars. For reference I have an 02 Pathfinder w/Automatic Transmission. It's right around 113k on miles and because I'm cheap and somewhat mechnically inclined I wanted to get some ideas on how difficult some regular maintenance jobs are for a DIY'er. I've never been afraid to tackle jobs around the house (plumbing, electrical, appliances, etc) but I've always been scared of fucking up a simple job on my car and leaving it broken in the driveway or worse finding out I forgot to tighten a bolt at 70 m.p.h. From 1 (my little sister could do it) to 5 (fly in an expert from Dusseldorf), how hard are these jobs? Automatic Trans fluid change Probably a 1 to 1.5. Just change the fluid, don't do a flush if the trans is running fine Tune Up (plugs, distributor, rotor) 1.5 to 2. Brake Pads/Rotors 2 Fuel Filter could be anywhere from 1 to 4, I'm not familiar with that vehicle Anything tool wise I should absolutely have if I tried to do any of these jobs? Get a Haynes/Chilton manual for your specific vehicle. They'll have instructions for all of these, along with pictures. They'll tell you the easiest way to do the jobs, and any tricks you need to know. They'll also tell you for sure what special tools you'll need. Make sure you have a spark plug socket, it is deep enough, and has a rubber ring to hold the spark plug in place inside the socket You may need a tool to turn the cylinders on the brake caliper back in It would be a good idea to have a good torque wrench for the calipers/rotors Some manufacturers require you to use new bolts when reinstalling the calipers/rotors, it's because the bolts actually deform when tightened properly. The fuel filter may require a special tool to disconnect the fuel lines Again, a Haynes or Chilton manual is absolutely your first step. I'd buy that, and read through each procedure a few times until it all makes sense, then buy the tools/materials you need.
Pretty much everything he said. On the fuel filter, it looks like a Ford one with 2 nipples on each end, so it should be easy to change.
I pretty much agree with everything Slipping said except the brakes. If it's your first time doing brakes I'd give it a 3 rating. Most importantly, if you're just putting your toe into the automotive DIY pool (good for you by the way) make a list of everything you need for the job (this is where those Haynes manuals come in handy) and triple check it. With your home if you forget a fastener or wire etc you can just run out in your car and get whatever you need. If you're vehicle is already up on stands, brakes apart, and you realize you don't have something you're in trouble. Unless you live near an Autozone or have another vehicle to use. I learned this the hard way on multiple occasions.
Here's something I think we can all enjoy. How to Drive Fast on Drugs While Getting Your Wing-Wang Squeezed and Not Spill Your Drink
Luckily, a lot of parts stores will deliver parts locally. Just ask them. Good point on the brakes, a lot really does depend on the vehicle. My vehicles have all been fairly easy to replace brake pads on, but I've helped other people do theirs, and some vehicles are absolutely horrible. I probably should have given it a 2-3.5 range, depending on model.
Anyone have experience with stripping and then powder coating wheels? I know there's instructions online and whatnot, I'm more concerned with how the finish has held up over a year or two. Thanks.
My Yoko all season tires are getting bald. My cheap ass doesn't want to replace them until the winter time when I actually need tread. I figure that it's reasonably safe to run bare tires in the summer time as long as I use caution in the wet. Has my cheapness overpowered my common sense or is this ok?
Get those replaced ASAP. You have seriously extended braking distance, unstable at highway speeds. After 20,000 miles on a tire the speed ratings are irrelevant, Michelin study shows proof of that. Do not for your sake or more importantly for other drivers' sake keep driving on those like an irresponsible jack ass.
Ho-leeeee shit. Those are some of the baldest tires I've ever seen. You have literally ZERO tread except for on the extreme edges of the tire. Jump on Craigslist or hit a couple tire shops and see if they have anything used that's cheap and will last you half a year or so. Do it now. How the fuck did you pass inspection with those things?
Wow... Darwin in action. If it weren't for the real danger you currently pose to others on the road right now, I'd say "go ahead", and let you remove yourself from the gene pool. Oh, and there's no "taking it easy" in the rain on those, you'd be fucked. To think otherwise is just fooling yourself. Some part of me thinks that you're fucking with us, because that is just so fucked up it's not funny, and I have a hard time believing that you're being at all serious. Mind you, if you HAVE to get them to last longer, you could Amor-All the tread (or where they used to be)... it'll increase their longevity. The by-product of that is that they'll also look way better than they do now. Just a thought.
That was pretty much my thought. I am surprised the cords are not showing. I would not be surprised if it would be the same thing as not using snow tires in winter, you can be found liable for not taking proper precautions. I would follow his advise, it is pretty sound.
I'm right on time with all this tire talk. I have an opinion question for all you car guys. First, a scenario: I'm a new home owner, getting married in August, and have been blowing money left and fucking right on wedding and house stuff. I'm about to drop a few more grand on a honeymoon. At this point, although I have some money, I don't spend on anything but groceries, gas, and bills. I don't want to spend a fucking dime on anything. That being said, my truck blew a fucking tire last night. It had a broken belt, and it destroyed the tire. The other 3 tires are still good for about 10k or so. I drive my truck about 10 miles per day. The fiancé and I drive her car on long trips. I've checked with my favorite local tire shop, and they can no longer get the tires that are currently on the truck (Cooper Weather Master). So, if I just get 1 new one, it will be mismatched and look like dogshit. Now put yourself in my shoes. Would you buy all 4 tires or try to get by on just 1 for a while? I think the treads in that one tire are past the point of armor all.
This is my DD that I drive 4 miles a day doing 40mph tops. That's where my hesitation lies. I have a full set of winter wheels that I just swapped off (inspection is in January so I always pass with winter tires).
I'm super anal about tires. I like shit to match so I'd buy new shoes for it and save the old ones for spare or sell em on craigslist to someone like Maxi who is in much worse shape. Or try to find something used with the same amount of wear in the same size at a tire shop. I know every place around here has a $20-$30 rack out front that has various used sizes... I'm sure you'll find something. Plus you don't want to have one odd ball new tire if your others are worn down to the 10k left marks on their tread. You honestly expect us to believe you only drive 4 miles per day, every day? You never go anywhere else? Never need to jump on the highway? Bullshit. I'm with Nett in hoping this is some type of joke. Also have you ever suffered a blowout at highway speed? Because that's what'll happen. Your car goes all over with 3 other good tires that have tread, imagine how squirrely you'll get on those erasers.
Try a used tire shop. But yeah, driving with one new and 3 almost-dead tires is more than just uncomfortable, it can be a bit dangerous. When different corners of the vehicle have different grip properties, it can be a bit of a handful to deal with. Personally, I'd go with 4 of the cheapest pieces of shit new tires rather than mix 3 old and 1 new. $0.02