Why You Can (and Should) Wrench On Your Ride

"valsidalv, reminding you that infiniti is an option" (valsidalv) 04/29/2015 at 11:05 • Filed to: None

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I love cars and for a long time envisioned myself working on my ride, but after I bought my first vehicle reality set in and my grand ideas of playing mechanic flew out the window. Recently, however, I decided to take the leap and began wrenching on my car. If you’ve been wanting to do the same perhaps this write-up will help convince you.

A while ago Tavarish !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! asking Jalops why they might not wrench on their own cars. At that time I fell squarely into that category of gearhead - the kind that knows all the horsepower figures but only opens the hood to top off the windshield washer fluid. I expected a follow-up article from Tavarish in which he’d bust many of the myths about working on a car. It never came (or I missed it) but Justin Hughes wrote a !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! where he weighed the options of doing your own work versus taking it to a shop. I really liked how he began his final paragraph:

Which Is Better?

In my opinion, neither. They’re just different means to the same end. I would never consider someone to not be a true gearhead because they don’t wrench on their own car.

“So, does this mean I’m still a real gearhead? Hooray!” I exclaimed. But this victory didn’t feel sweet. For years I had wanted to work on my car but every time I had an excuse. The truth was that I was just scared: scared of breaking something, scared of doing a sub-par job, scared of hurting myself, and scared of looking stupid. Let me tell you that this is the dumbest mentality to have, and if you have ever wanted to work on your car but never committed to doing so you should read on.

( Full Disclosure: I agree with what Justin said in his article. I am not trying to convince anyone that they should attempt to fix every problem their car has on their own. I want this write-up to be a kick in the butt to those who have hesitated about wrenching because even without any previous mechanical skills you can get some stuff done. I’m living proof of that. And even though my DIY resume is short I’m eager to share and learn more.)

Sources of Opposition

Family and Friends

I was surprised as to how many people gave me funny looks and called me crazy when I told them that I wanted to change my own oil. Clearly I surround myself with the wrong type of people, but chances are you will come across the same thing. And it’s so very annoying.

I told my sister that I want to change my own oil and she called me nuts and told me to go to a garage. I told my mom and she said I shouldn’t waste my time and offered to pay for half of it. I told a friend and he gave me a blank stare and asked “why?” Do yourself a favour and don’t listen to these people. They don’t get it and almost anything they say will be negative. They would never work on their own vehicle because they don’t want to get dirty and they can’t be bothered - in other words, they don’t care . However, you do, and that’s what matters.

Yourself

“You are your own worst enemy” . Read the introductory paragraphs of this article. If you don’t set your mind to doing something or if you hesitate, you’ll never get anything done.

Preventative Factors

Space

This is perhaps the easiest and most go-to reason someone can use in the argument against wrenching so I want to tackle it first. The truth is you don’t need a lot of space to work on your car. Sure, a covered, private area can be very nice but you should stop using this point as a dealbreaker. “I’ve only got a one-car garage! It’s too narrow for any work!” I call BS. There’s enough space to maneuver if you park dead centre and you can even jack up your car - the only “trick” is to position your jack on a slight angle (as opposed to being completely perpendicular to the car) in order to have enough room to pump the handle. “I only have an uncovered driveway! I can’t work out in the open!” Once again, BS, since I changed my spark plugs and put in my intake on such a driveway. You might have to wait to get a sunny day but... so what? “I don’t have any private space! I live in a condo!” This one can be a bit tricky. Some jobs you can do almost anywhere - I changed my in-cabin air filter in my condo’s outdoor visitor parking lot. Other jobs, however, you might want to avoid doing in a place you don’t own. For example an oil or any fluid change has the potential to get messy and it would be asshole-ish of you to leave a giant stain on someone else’s property. You can usually do some work in the parking lot of a car parts store and they won’t mind (you also get the added benefit of help being nearby).

Another workaround is to rent a bay at a garage. These self-serve garages seem to be popping up so do a search to see if there’s something like this available in your area. They’ll even rent tools out to you.

Moral of the story: stop using space as an excuse, but be reasonable about the jobs you do if you don’t own the land.

Cost of Parts and Tools

“Tools are expensive !” Correction: tools can be expensive, if you buy the expensive ones when they’re not on sale. I will briefly mention that many of you most likely already have enough tools to get some work done on your ride (screwdrivers, wrenches, ratchet and sockets...) but for argument’s sake let’s say you have absolutely no tools. Tools go on sale all the time and you can pick up good quality stuff for cheap prices if you wait a bit. It’s best when you’re not in a rush to get something done so you can pick up one set of tools one week, and another the next, etc... Sometimes it’s also worth looking at online retailers like eBay and Amazon for parts and tools.

Car-specific tools also don’t necessarily have to break the bank. I picked up a kit consisting of a 2-tonne hydraulic jack, 2 jack stands, and 2 wheel chocks for under $45 CAD. $45!!! Synthetic oil, a filter, and an oil drain pan kit brought my total bill to around 100 bucks which is only $20 more than what I would pay for a single oil change at a shop. So for an extra $20 I got a jack and an oil pan, which means I will be saving a bunch of money when I’m due for my next change.

Keep a look out for deals. If something goes on sale grab it and at the very least the money you already spent should be motivation to do it yourself.

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This is a very personal issue because everyone has drastically different schedules and so I can’t advise you to just “find the time” if you are so busy that you, in fact, do not actually have the time to work on your car. But if you have weekends off or can spare a part of a day then you are good to go!

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If you’ve ever been on the Internet you will know that this is no longer a valid excuse. You will find an abundance of tutorials for the specific job you want to do and most likely for your exact car model. If that’s not enough you can post questions on car-specific forums and overly-eager members will help you. However, be wary of forum people - they could be wrong, and (more likely) they might explain things at a level you may not understand (either they want to show off by flaunting their knowledge or they might genuinely be bad at explaining things to beginners). Lastly you can gain some first-hand insight from someone at a shop - whether it is a chain or an independent garage - a friend, or your own mechanic.

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Correction: it can be fun. Usually it’s frustrating and annoying and a bit scary, but...

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There is definitely a satisfaction unlike anything else in knowing that you accomplished a task on your vehicle. It’s like solving a physics problem without glancing at the solutions manual, or painting the walls of your house, or mowing your lawn, or doing your own taxes (I can only speculate about that last one).

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This may be a primary goal for some or simply a byproduct of an adventure for others. Either way you save on labour costs that would usually go to the mechanic.

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Knowing an extra thing or two about your ride won’t hurt you. If something goes wrong on the road you might even be able to diagnose the problem and decide the next best course of action. Or, you simply will have a conversation topic for the office on Monday and your boss might overhear and ask you for some advice and then give you a raise and promotion. It just might happen.

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This was, and continues to be, my biggest problem when I try to do some work on my ride. I will always find a tutorial with detailed instructions and try to follow them to a tee. I become so preoccupied with doing exactly what the instructions say that I sometimes forget the bigger picture and this can be problematic when the instructions don’t line up with what’s in front of you. Don’t forget that your car has (probably) been worked on by different mechanics and they could have routed a cable differently, or used a different part altogether, etc. Do your best to look up a tutorial that is as generic as possible or just explains the goal of the job before finding one specific to your vehicle.

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If your car is older you will come across rusted screws and stuck bolts and other annoyances that will easily make one simple step that should take 5 minutes into a laundry list of instructions that will take half an hour. This is part of the challenge. If it’s your first time wrenching on a particular part then it will take you longer to orientate yourself and figure things out... it’s natural not to rush things, so keep in mind that just because someone on the Internet says it’s a 2-hour job doesn’t mean it will take you 2 hours.

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A car is a durable machine. It’s made from metals and can take a beating. Of course, you can easily ruin some of the intricate systems and components of a vehicle but keep in mind that it is not a porcelain doll! Sometimes some good ol’ fashioned elbow grease is necessary to power through a stubborn part. I kept forgetting this initially because I work with computers and dainty electrical systems on a daily basis where a single line of code can in fact cause everything to crash. In the case of a car (or motorcycle, or whatever) this simply isn’t the case for the majority of entry-level jobs.

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There are times when you just gotta do your best MacGyver impression and come up with a clever way to get something done. This can be avoided if you have the proper tools... but it’s also the nature of hands-on work. Keep some WD-40 around. Use a pipe or wrench placed on a ratchet to gain move leverage. Wrap a towel around a hammer to make a faux rubber mallet. The list goes on and the more experience you get the better you will become.

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If you have never done this type of work before it is probably best to start out with a very simple job. Gain experience and work your way up. I put in a cold air intake with the help of a friend as my first job, then I changed the in-cabin air filter on my own (just a little tricky but all the work happened in the passenger seat), recently I changed my oil and after that I did my spark plugs.

The second thing to consider is where to start. I’m going to suggest an RC car as one option. Within ten minutes of unleashing my first gas-powered radio controlled car in a parking lot I was headed to the nearest hobby store to find a replacement axle (in the RC world known as a “dogbone”). I genuinely learned quite a bit from repairing my little RC car, plus it was majorly fun.

Another possibility is to start wrenching on a motorcycle if you’ve got one. Due to their size and far fewer components, motorcycles are easier to work with than cars. Changing the exhaust on my motorcycle wasn’t very difficult simply because everything was quite easy to get at. Of course, not everyone has a motorcycle so that brings us to our third option.

Start with your current car! Do it now!

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This builds upon the previous points about starting off small. Basically, don’t bite off more than you can chew. In the last month I was on a roll - changing my car’s oil and spark plugs, and doing maintenance work on my motorcycle plus installing a new exhaust. I really, really , wanted to try and replace a noisy bearing on my car’s front right tire and even found an extremely detailed and well-written tutorial for my exact model. But I had to slow myself down and consider the challenging scope of that job. Eventually I decided to hand it over to a mechanic. Hopefully between now and my next faulty bearing I will have gained enough experience to tackle that job.

Have a Friend

Although by no means a requirement, wrenching can be simpler when you have someone to help you out. Even if they know no more than you do it is nice to have a second opinion and a helping hand. Ask around, and you can always sweeten the deal for the other person by offering to do the same job on their car (e.g. if you want to change your oil, ask a buddy to come help out and change both cars’).

Have the Right Tools

This is always difficult to nail down because there will be unforeseen circumstances and you may find yourself missing a socket, wrench, hex key, or whatever. When you find a tutorial specific for your vehicle make sure you have at least all the parts listed. Sometimes they will skip a tool if it’s too obvious to include in the author’s perspective.

Let me offer just one tip: socket wrenches are very handy to have for jobs. They come in different sizes (called “drives”): usually 1/4”, 3/8”, or 1/2” so make sure the socket heads you buy will match the drive of your socket wrench. If you buy a tool set this won’t be much of a problem. Keep in mind that larger sockets don’t always come in 1/4” drive, and smaller sockets might be difficult to find in anything larger than 1/4”. Converters between drives are available.

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Wrenching isn’t for everyone. I’d never poke fun at someone who doesn’t want to work on their car and in turn I don’t expect to be made fun of for wanting to do my own work (I’m looking at you, friends and family!). If you are curious but have never done any work, I hope that this write-up might convince you to take action. It’s fine to be nervous but there are plenty of ways to get help and assistance.

I want to offer a bit more help. As I stated it is very important to have a good understanding of the job rather than just the ability to follow instructions - this is something many tutorials lack because they are usually written by someone with experience who might skip some steps or even forego an overview entirely. For example, when I was changing my spark plugs I was at the step where I had to remove the coils. Wait. What’s a coil? What does it do? What does it look like? Do I need to remove them in a specific order? If that article started with even a brief description of the job then I would have all my questions answered. This is why I propose a new style of tutorial that does not get into specific details about a certain car but provides a high-level overview of the job, including its scope, intent, special tools, and tips you can only offer after doing it yourself. I think the tag “noobDIY” sums it up perfectly. I would love to have tutorials like these even for myself when attempting a new job. What do you guys think?

CalzoneGolem > valsidalv, reminding you that infiniti is an option 04/29/2015 at 11:09

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I love wrenching but fuck changing my own oil. I’ll happily pay the premium to have my mechanic do it and dispose of the oil and filter.

Will with a W8 races an E30 > valsidalv, reminding you that infiniti is an option 04/29/2015 at 11:12

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I pulled the engine out of an Rx7 in my apartment complex parking lot a few years ago, then tried to rebuild it in the living room (too far gone, scrapped). Had a jack handle to hold the trans up, and pushed the car to a new spot every couple of days to make it look like it ran. Eventually an oil cooler line fell down and made a puddle, which tipped off the apartment managers. Needless to say, they were not happy.

For Sweden > CalzoneGolem 04/29/2015 at 11:13

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I don’t trust the mechanics with retightening the plug.

F1ramos > CalzoneGolem 04/29/2015 at 11:21

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I guess area is an issue sometimes too... I can say that i usually do it myself cause the disposal site is like 2 miles away.

Leon711 > CalzoneGolem 04/29/2015 at 11:22

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as part of the test drive I drive to the local municipal dump where they recycle oil and filters for free.

F1ramos > valsidalv, reminding you that infiniti is an option 04/29/2015 at 11:23

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space is an issue for me as I only have one designated tight parking spot... And inclined that my car leans a bit to the side when lifted 

JKER > valsidalv, reminding you that infiniti is an option 04/29/2015 at 11:28

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Need pics/video of that exhaust on your bike.

thebigbossyboss > valsidalv, reminding you that infiniti is an option 04/29/2015 at 11:28

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Did you get your jack stands from Cambodian tire? That store is the best. I got mine there too. Great article although I TL DR’ed part of it.

Here in a north a key component for me is “is it nice out?” If yes I will wrench away happily. If not and it’s -29C in the dead of winter, aside from adding fluids I don’t do anything. I don’t car that I could change something myself, I hate the cold and here in Ottawa it barely got above -20C for a month.

I didn’t know anything about car mechanicals starting out, but a year or two ago I changed my spark plugs and then shortly there after I changed my own suspension. I really love telling people I changed my suspension in my yard it makes me very proud!!

Friends are key. In fact one of the guys on here helped me out with the rear suspension in the pouring rain!!

His name on here is zippy and he is the best. Sometimes I get in over my head, but doing your research first is key!!

Best of wrenching luck!

-BBB

JawzX2, Boost Addict. 1.6t, 2.7tt, 4.2t > valsidalv, reminding you that infiniti is an option 04/29/2015 at 11:29

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Just last night I tried to do front pads and rotors on my GF’s 2003 Toyota Tacoma 4x4...

It’s an easy job!

The rotors aren’t even rusted onto the hub!

I have the parts in hand...

4 hours with a propane torch, PB-Blaster, a two pound sledge, 1/2” breaker bar, various extension pipe, a second jack (that was a bad idea, but when I lifted the truck off the jack-stands with the wrench I knew it was time to give up...) And those two, relatively clean, non-rust-encrusted 17mm bolts that hold the calipers on have not budged a micron.

Lesson: There are some things on cars that will require an acetylene torch and prodigious application of a high-torque air-impact wrench... even when they look easy :/

biturboism, the cult > For Sweden 04/29/2015 at 11:29

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or changing the actual oil/filter, Jiffy Lube style.

CalzoneGolem > Leon711 04/29/2015 at 11:39

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Yeah, fuck that noise.

CalzoneGolem > For Sweden 04/29/2015 at 11:40

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Yeah well you don’t trust anyone.

Leon711 > CalzoneGolem 04/29/2015 at 11:40

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each to their own.

sony1492 > valsidalv, reminding you that infiniti is an option 04/29/2015 at 11:45

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Really the hardest part I’ve had with repairing my car is untorqing bolts and hurting myself (minorly) when the bolt loosens and all the force that was at the wrench goes to you slamming your fist into metal. Having to fit hands/arms in unnatural positions to loosen bolts is also fun. Beware of too much haxardous fluid getting on your hands as they will not feel the same for weeks if ever. This is coming from someone who does his repairs on uneven dirt/mud and has done, exclusively, incorrect repair methods because:poor.

valsidalv, reminding you that infiniti is an option > CalzoneGolem 04/29/2015 at 11:59

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When I changed my oil I had the most difficult time loosening the drain plug. The mechanic who did it last overtightened it like no tomorrow, I don’t know what setting his NASCAR-spec torque wrench was at but it was stupid tight. In the future it will take me 30 mins which is about the same time as driving to a shop and waiting in line.

valsidalv, reminding you that infiniti is an option > thebigbossyboss 04/29/2015 at 12:01

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Love Crappy Tire! They had huge sales on tools and oil this past weekend so I picked up some new stuff.

PNO TECH > valsidalv, reminding you that infiniti is an option 04/29/2015 at 12:02

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First, get rid of the WD-40! I cannot stress this enough: it does not work beyond a very, very light film of rust. PB Blaster is at any auto store-and even MallWart

2nd, you can often get great deals on Craftsman tools around Father’s Day

3rd: pay attention! Use decent jack stands, throw the tire under there, etc. Also, look at where your hand will hit when that stubborn bolt breaks loose...

4th just do it: it was put together by a human, you can take it apart & probably get it back together again.

valsidalv, reminding you that infiniti is an option > sony1492 04/29/2015 at 12:06

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because:poor

Hahaha! Save up a bit, get some work gloves... I used BMX gloves to get a better grip when installing my bike’s exhaust and it saved me once from hitting my hands on metal. Don’t think they’d fare too well against hot fluids though...

valsidalv, reminding you that infiniti is an option > JKER 04/29/2015 at 12:07

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I will deliver. Not sure if a video will do justice to the noise... it is very loud (especially considering my bike is only a 400).

valsidalv, reminding you that infiniti is an option > JawzX2, Boost Addict. 1.6t, 2.7tt, 4.2t 04/29/2015 at 12:10

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o_O that is the kind of stuff I still don’t feel prepared for. Not only do I not have the tools, but all that time... 4hrs! You’re a trooper.

valsidalv, reminding you that infiniti is an option > PNO TECH 04/29/2015 at 12:14

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Sounds like a good tip, I have never heard of PB Blaster before. Thanks!

Your last point is very good as well.

Justin Hughes > valsidalv, reminding you that infiniti is an option 04/29/2015 at 12:16

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Wow - someone actually read and thought about something I wrote?! Sweet!!

Great piece. You’re not arguing with me at all, and even if you were, that’s totally your right. You’re just giving people more reasons and more ways to overcome obstacles that might prevent them from doing their own work should they want to. Very cool.

Full disclosure: Though I originally wrote that I don’t do my own wrenching on my BRZ, that has since changed. I swapped my own brake pads and fluid for track use, and will swap the stock pads back on afterward. I also tinted my stock tail lights red instead of clear, and plastic welded a crack in my front bumper sustained in an ice time trial. I guess I ate my words! Though I’ll still get regular maintenance done for me because of my warranty, since a shop receipt is more credible than a crumpled wad of paper saying I bought oil that may or may not have actually made it into my car eventually.

There’s one more obstacle I’d like to point out: condo management. While doing all this work last weekend, some dumb... I’ll just use the word “neighbor” came out, already on the phone with them, ranting about how what I was doing is illegal. I was allowed to finish, fortunately, since I wasn’t swapping my engine in a visitor space (like some other people did recently, which is probably why I’m getting this negative attention), but now I have to find somewhere else to wrench - and, eventually, live. Thanks, Obama!

Sethersm > valsidalv, reminding you that infiniti is an option 04/29/2015 at 12:16

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On Tools: Everyone has a birthday, a lot of people also celebrate Christmas. Whenever someone asks what I want, tools is my answer. I tend to get specific too, lest I get a set of cheap screwdrivers when I’ve already got screwdrivers galore. Channel your inner Ralphie Parker. For example, I might say “A set of 3/8” drive, 6 point, metric deep sockets. I saw a nice set in (insert store name) the other day.” If you can e-mail a link and say “like this” it is even better. The idea behind being specific is that if they don’t know tools, they’ll probably ask someone who does for help. If they do know tools, you’re gonna get something nice.

Also, even good tools come in a variety of price ranges. If your significant other wants to spend about $100 on your birthday, there are tools out there to satisfy that price range. Maybe a nice socket set, or perhaps a specialized tool of some sort? At the same time, if your kid wants to spend $10 on your birthday, there are tools out there in that price range too. Rather than a socket set, he can buy you another ratchet handle or an extension set or a pair of pliers...

valsidalv, reminding you that infiniti is an option > Justin Hughes 04/29/2015 at 12:24

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Can’t stay away from wrenching, can you?!

I agree with getting maintenance done at the dealer if you’re under warranty. I’ve never experienced what it’s like to have a warranty... maybe that will change if Subaru decides to bring back the STi in hatch form.

Thanks for reading!

valsidalv, reminding you that infiniti is an option > Sethersm 04/29/2015 at 12:26

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Next thing I want to pick up are some work gloves. I think gloves are often overlooked, but they’re a small price to pay for keeping your hands and fingers safe.

sony1492 > valsidalv, reminding you that infiniti is an option 04/29/2015 at 12:28

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Nerve damage builds character.

thebigbossyboss > valsidalv, reminding you that infiniti is an option 04/29/2015 at 12:38

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Which province or territory of our great nation do you call home?

Justin Hughes > valsidalv, reminding you that infiniti is an option 04/29/2015 at 12:42

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And to you as well!

Once I'm out of warranty and have a place to do it, I'll totally do my own oil changes. Subaru made it so easy on this engine!

valsidalv, reminding you that infiniti is an option > thebigbossyboss 04/29/2015 at 12:46

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Toronto. Cuz we are self-centred like that.

Joking! I don’t like Toronto. I did a co-op in Ottawa (Kanata) and really liked it there though.

Destructive Tester > For Sweden 04/29/2015 at 14:31

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THIS!!! Every time I've ever paid for an oil change (busy, injury, etc.) they've over-torqued the drain bolt and oil filters. I've had to re-thread oil pans, replace plugs (because they were rounded-off) and mangle the filters to get them back off. Which part of hand tight do they not understand?

For Sweden > Destructive Tester 04/29/2015 at 14:32

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I think the hand part.

Destructive Tester > JawzX2, Boost Addict. 1.6t, 2.7tt, 4.2t 04/29/2015 at 14:34

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The Chicago Tools electric impact wrench from Harbor Freight is an inexpensive answer to your predicament.

FWIW, I have a '98 Tacoma so I feel your pain...

Destructive Tester > PNO TECH 04/29/2015 at 14:39

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+1 on the Craftsman Tool sales, I bought the 105-ish piece kit (I can't remember the exact number, but its around that) for $99 last Father's Day. That's name brand tools for Harbor Freight prices.

+1 more on "it was put together by a human, you can take it apart & probably get it back together again." Also don't forget that most of us have smart phones on us with high resolution cameras for when we're not sure we'll remember where things go. I'm always taking pictures during disassembly so I can reference exactly how something looked when I'm re-assembling it.

Destructive Tester > For Sweden 04/29/2015 at 14:41

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"Well I tighten it with the impact wrench in my hand . That must be what they mean..."

blackhawk > sony1492 04/29/2015 at 15:16

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I used to run into the exact same issue so I got a pair of mechanix impact gloves so whenever I need to bust a bolt I put those on cause they can take the punishment. I’ve slammed my hands into things with them on and haven’t gotten so much as a scratch and I have a ton of scars to show from busting bolts without gloves.

Once the bolt is loose I take the gloves off if I need the dexterity.

450X_FTW > valsidalv, reminding you that infiniti is an option 04/29/2015 at 15:17

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Wrenching is therapeutic. And fun with a GoPro

450X_FTW > CalzoneGolem 04/29/2015 at 15:18

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I’ll spend the extra $5 of having someone do it vs me doing it myself, cleaning up the mess, and disposing of the oil

blackhawk > JawzX2, Boost Addict. 1.6t, 2.7tt, 4.2t 04/29/2015 at 15:20

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I can’t tell you the number of pictures I have of me flipping off stuck bolts haha.

Having a car that spent most of it’s life in New England I hate that a 20 minute job quickly turns into a 4 hour job because of stuck bolts. I had to replace a midpipe in my exhaust so 4 bolts...should be quick right?

Of the 4 bolts, I got one out normally, one I actually sheared and pushed out, one I cut off and one I got loose after a combination of propane torch and freeze off. It ended up taking me several hours to replace what should have been a 10 minute job. I already knew the bolts were gonna be trashed so I had replacements so at least that wasn’t an issue.

The-Guy-They-Warned-You-About > valsidalv, reminding you that infiniti is an option 04/29/2015 at 15:21

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Why wrench yourself?

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You will never ever pay anyone enough to take the same kind of care and dedication as you will yourself. I take the time to clean, prepare, and fit parts properly. I use a torque wrench. I know my vehicles from top to bottom.

Besides, my town loves it when I drop off full 5-gallon containers of used motoroil. They have a special oil burner in their garage that uses the stuff. Saves them money and I don’t have to pay to dispose of it.

burninaballoffire > valsidalv, reminding you that infiniti is an option 04/29/2015 at 15:21

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i bought a audi a4 1.8t hoping i would wrench on it. only to find out that without vag-com you are so limited on what you can do. also none of my tools would work. and parts are expensive.

i pretty much fucked myself with wanting a audi, and i havent driven it in 11 months becuase parts are so expensive and i cant fix the issues it has myself because i would have to take it to a dealer to have them tell me whats wrong and yea, just fuck me.

ShillyDevane > valsidalv, reminding you that infiniti is an option 04/29/2015 at 15:21

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Protip: have a second car, because the first time you are stranded for days because you decided to tackle that rotor replacement and it doesn’t isn’t going on right, you will regret having listened to valsidav and tavarish about wrenching your own car.

450X_FTW > valsidalv, reminding you that infiniti is an option 04/29/2015 at 15:22

1

In high school my auto shop teacher had me rebuild a 440 for him. The car was off of it for 30 years sitting in a field letting rain poor in the cylinders. Needless to say it was seized from the rust. Put about 3 ounces of PB blaster in each cylinder (with the cylinder pointing straight up) and let it sit over night. Sure enough with time those pistons came free. PB is up there with Starter Fluid for list of great inventions

The-Guy-They-Warned-You-About > valsidalv, reminding you that infiniti is an option 04/29/2015 at 15:22

0

Ever remove factory spark plugs? I swear every factory employs Mongo to install them. WAY too tight.

StevenG > PNO TECH 04/29/2015 at 15:22

1

Yup, WD40 is for water displacement not freeing stuck bolts.

mrbwa1 > Destructive Tester 04/29/2015 at 15:24

2

Exactly. You get the cheapest possible oils filter which will not come off without an oil filter wrench and/or massive knuckle damage. My oil filters tightened to the proper specs always come right off.

My wife’s car has one of those cartridge filters and an underbody tray for aerodynamics so I don’t mess with it. My old F150 on the other hand sits high enough to slide under and with the inline 6, I could probably stand next to the block in the engine bay. It also dislike anything but a Motorcraft FL-1A filter. By the time I get that filter and 6qt of oil, a cheap oil change gets pricy.

Most Walmarts recycle oil and they sell Shell Rotella super cheap. I get the T5 2.5 gallon 10w-30, FL-1A and whatever filter my Scion takes for about $50 total. Not bad considering I get the exact filter and oil I want (the Scion Xa LOVES T5 10w-30) and I can dump the old oil when I get new stuff.

Christopheroni > valsidalv, reminding you that infiniti is an option 04/29/2015 at 15:25

0

Just remember, doing things on your own will likely take twice as long if not more if you’re not doing this type of work every day. Sometimes it’s worth it to pay a shop an hour or two of labor to save yourself the hassle of dealing with certain things, like rusted bolts and the like.

GMart > valsidalv, reminding you that infiniti is an option 04/29/2015 at 15:26

0

Also RE: Knowledge - People often ask me “how did you learn how to fix all that stuff on your car?” (I fix anything/everything myself) My answer for them has always been that cars are held together with bolts, and bolts all (with very few exceptions) come apart to the left and go together to the right. If you can loosen and tighten bolts, you can fix a car. Is that simplified? Yeah, kinda, but it’s also pretty darn true.

Christopheroni > For Sweden 04/29/2015 at 15:26

1

Or using the proper spec’d oil. A lot of times they can’t even get the viscosity right.

If I had a new car under warranty, I’d have the dealer do the oil changes, but I’d bring my own oil/filter and save the receipts.

55_mercury > valsidalv, reminding you that infiniti is an option 04/29/2015 at 15:27

1

I have two very drastically different cars and perhaps they explain the differences in “wrenching” today and in the past. One car, a 55’ Mercury ( like my handle ) has a zillion grease zerks, a carb, drum brakes, points, and so forth. All of that needs to be maintained so when its time to grease all the zerks it takes probably a good 30 minutes. Oil changes need to happen more frequently. Crap also wears out faster. I drove the car as my daily commuter for a year and I worked on the car probably every month.

The other car is a 2011 Volt. No grease zerks. No carb. Long-life transaxle fluid and engine coolant. Plus the engine barely runs anyway. But the same would apply to most new cars: everything simply lasts a LOT longer and on top of that, a lot of the items that needed maintenance now are basically maintenance-free. In one year I have changed the oil. Once. That’s it. That and most new cars are pretty damned reliable. My other “new” vehicle is a 96’ Tacoma. It usually needs new brake pads every 60k, plugs and wires every 50k or so and then coolant changes at 60-70k. Now at 260,000 there is starting to be a slight oil leak but so what.

I enjoy working on my cars but at the same time it also seems we’re increasingly going to an era where they hardly really need it anyway.

HiMyNameIsJayAgain > valsidalv, reminding you that infiniti is an option 04/29/2015 at 15:27

1

You can usually do some work in the parking lot of a car parts store and they won’t mind (you also get the added benefit of help being nearby).

Not any more! They’ve recently started putting “No Working On Cars Allowed” signs in the parking lots of most auto stores. I assume it’s a liability issue.

Eddie Brannan > valsidalv, reminding you that infiniti is an option 04/29/2015 at 15:27

0

I see that you mentioned it, but I absolutely concur with wrenching on a bike first. I started on my bicycle and could and would do pretty much everything myself. Motorcycles came next and once you realize you can take bits off and put them back on and it’ll still run it’s a big confidence booster. I still don’t really wrench on my car but I’m about to put on a CAI and that’s basically plumbing so this one I’m going to do myself.

Eddie-Kulk > valsidalv, reminding you that infiniti is an option 04/29/2015 at 15:28

0

And a lot of the fun of doing it yourself, is that YOU get to pick the parts that are used... and not the mechanic.

Right now, Wagner TQ brake pads.. $15 manufacturer rebate per pair... and they’re already half the cost at Amazon, compared to the auto parts store.

$69.99 at Auto Parts store vs. $32 at Amazon. After rebate, pads are less than $45 from Amazon.

Using a certain discount code on brake rotors at Advance Auto, gets the cost of 4 brake rotors to $101. With tax, it is $110.

Since my labor is worth all of $0.... I’ll be getting all new brakes on my Sierra (new pads and rotors, all four corners), for right at $150.

JawzX2, Boost Addict. 1.6t, 2.7tt, 4.2t > Destructive Tester 04/29/2015 at 15:28

0

I have been contemplating getting a 1/2” drive electric impact for a while... I’ve got a little Craftsman C3 cordless, but that thing will barely take off lugnuts.. it’s a “driver” not a “wrench...” Sadly, the nearest Harbor Freight is 123 miles from my place of residence, and in my current live/work situation I’d have to run an extension cord across the road...

I might break down and go to Lowes to pick up a Kobalt 8-amp anyway...

55_mercury > CalzoneGolem 04/29/2015 at 15:28

1

Taking time out to go to the oil changers seems like a bigger pain to me. Takes me maybe 10 minutes on average to change my own. Like others said, I don’t trust those oil changer places either.

Doug Nash > For Sweden 04/29/2015 at 15:29

0

We just had that exact issue with one of our cars. And that was at an indie shop I have enjoyed using for years. Shit happens, though.

sp1nz1 > Justin Hughes 04/29/2015 at 15:29

1

Yeah they did! It’s like they’re handing the damn oil filter right to you! “Are you looking for this, Sir? Here ya go!”

Skinnayyyy > valsidalv, reminding you that infiniti is an option 04/29/2015 at 15:29

0

The most important step is to not tell your friends and family that are part of the don’t ever do any work on their car crowd, that you work on your own car. You then get talked into doing jobs for them for likely free. (if you want to gain more experience, this isn’t that bad, but when you don’t want to be a driveway oil change shop, this is the way to go)

And sometimes they take it even further, “My car is making a noise coming from such and such, can you fix it?”

Source: I was constantly working on my car and became the family/friend mechanic.

Justanormaldude > thebigbossyboss 04/29/2015 at 15:30

0

Heeeeeyyyyyyyyyyyy Ottawa!!!

Agree on all points. I picked up a portable propane heater last winter... best decision ever.

MTY19855 > valsidalv, reminding you that infiniti is an option 04/29/2015 at 15:30

0

If I only had one vehicle, I wouldn’t do anything myself, I’d drop it off and pick it up at the end of the day repaired. When it’s 10pm and you’re trying to get the car back together so you can get to work the next day, it’s not very fun. Now when you can take over the two car garage and ride a motorcycle or take the truck to work and take your time on the repair, then I’ll do it myself.

HiMyNameIsJayAgain > Destructive Tester 04/29/2015 at 15:30

0

Yep! That little, cheap electric impact ($40 with coupon) is strong enough to loosen a staked axle nut (torqued to 162 ft lbs + whatever additional torque required to break/unseat the stake). And it makes tightening and loosening lug nuts a breeze (obviously careful not to over-torque them).

55_mercury > valsidalv, reminding you that infiniti is an option 04/29/2015 at 15:30

1

I’ve never been able to use mechanics gloves. Can’t get in there and feel the parts and so on. I just buy a big-ass box of those nitrile gloves and when they rip, put another one on.

Someone Else's Projects > valsidalv, reminding you that infiniti is an option 04/29/2015 at 15:31

3

Aaaguh, the adjustable bolt-rounder!

HiMyNameIsJayAgain > valsidalv, reminding you that infiniti is an option 04/29/2015 at 15:32

0

PB Blaster is amazing!

For heavily rusted bolts (i.e., if you live in the North) it helps to spray the part a few days ahead and re-spray every day leading up to the repair.

golfball > JawzX2, Boost Addict. 1.6t, 2.7tt, 4.2t 04/29/2015 at 15:33

0

After a few experiences like that, most people break down and get one of these:

But you need to be careful, after I got a nice big rolling tool box and a good impact wrench, now I’m shopping for one of these:

The next step will probably be trying to convince the wife that the garage going out of business down the street would be a GREAT investment.

albo > valsidalv, reminding you that infiniti is an option 04/29/2015 at 15:33

0

Knowing your limits is important, as is not getting cocky too early. Most of us hit our Peter Principle level at some point. Just hope it doesn't occur when you're replacing a timing belt on an interference engine.

KillerBee > For Sweden 04/29/2015 at 15:34

3

Get a Fumoto valve and put it on during your next oil change. Not only does it make changing your own oil easier and less messy, if you have to take it in, you don’t have to worry about the gorilla cross-threading the drain plug.

Of course, there’s always the possibility that the monkey doesn’t recognize the valve and removes it, only to cross-thread the valve. But a simply word of warning to him should reduce the liklihood significantly.

TylerLinner > Destructive Tester 04/29/2015 at 15:34

0

I’ve been told that it’s a liability issue. They don’t want something to fall off, so they overdo it.

user9000 > sony1492 04/29/2015 at 15:34

0

mechanics gloves/carpentry gloves are a godsend.

The Old Man from Scene 24 > valsidalv, reminding you that infiniti is an option 04/29/2015 at 15:36

0

I have a 2014 Dodge Charger. I cannot even change the headlight bulbs on my own car because my hands are too large to fit in the space behind the headlamp assembly to get at the bulb. Plus, too and also removal of the airbox is required to access the driver’s side assembly.

My Olds Intrigue OTOH, I could replace all four bulbs in under five minutes.

Justanormaldude > valsidalv, reminding you that infiniti is an option 04/29/2015 at 15:36

0

Started with my pedal bike as a kid, moved onto lawnmowers, then snowblowers, then oil changes on the family sedan. Bought my own car and did oil, tires, plugs, etc. Start small, work your way up, go slow. Bought 2 snowmobiles last fall, amazingly fun to wrench on.

Buy the tools once - do the repairs forever.

Nothing can replace the feeling of fixing something..

golfball > valsidalv, reminding you that infiniti is an option 04/29/2015 at 15:36

0

I shudder at the thought of attempting to complete any automotive repair with this tool box:

webmonkees > valsidalv, reminding you that infiniti is an option 04/29/2015 at 15:36

7

Trust. Do you trust that mechanic in the mirror? Can they do your brake pads?

Socket set for your vehicle (most likely metric) then the odd mm that they always leave out.

Ramp . Check for clearance before losing the reciept.

Cheaping out: Will break. Buy used. Or buy cheap, break, buy nicer and know how it works. A decent set is only subject to misplacement, if it rusts you cheaped out.

In complexity: Sensor/spark plug, Oil change, Oil change with filter (the correct one), Coolant, wheel, brakes, belts, components the belts go to, interior bits, Jobs requiring helpers or hoists are in 202 class.

Safety : well, lots of jack stands or ramps and chocks but let someone know you’re going out to work on the car, so if you don’t come back they know to check. Same thing for a test drive after a radical fix.

Notes : if that’s how you work, take them. maybe a before picture. Even the ‘pros’ mix up the plug wires sometimes.

bitemark01 > valsidalv, reminding you that infiniti is an option 04/29/2015 at 15:37

1

Yah yah, we get it, it’s fun and cool to hate on Toronto. :/

Good article though, I’ve considered taking this step, going from not even having my license 5 years ago, to driving and owning a car. A friend who’s a mechanic keeps telling me horror stories of other mechanics in garages, and it makes me afraid to have others do the work.

golfball > CalzoneGolem 04/29/2015 at 15:37

1

Most auto parts store have free oil recycling. When you buy the oil for the next oil change, you dispose of the oil from the last. Easy peasy.

Doug Nash > valsidalv, reminding you that infiniti is an option 04/29/2015 at 15:37

2

I use various gloves for everything around my house. Not just automotive. I use Mechanix for bigger / heavier / sharper things. But also don’t under-estimate a couple boxes of basic nitrile gloves. While those won’t protect you from something sharp or crushing, they will keep your hands clean, and at least prevent abrasions from repetitive tasks (like sanding).

Just be sure to never wear any gloves if you’re working with bench power tools. That’s always one of the first rules to avoid having something catch and pull your hand into the device.

The-Guy-They-Warned-You-About > JawzX2, Boost Addict. 1.6t, 2.7tt, 4.2t 04/29/2015 at 15:37

4

Long handle breaker bar and heavy dead-blow hammer. One of my favorite “YOU WILL COMPLY” solutions. Been known to do leg presses from time to time too. Managed to unscrew the U-bolts off a 1982 Jeep CJ (in 2006) using the longer breaker bar, and impact socket (you’ll snap a regular one) and pushing with the legs. of course, I only loosened it enough to get the angle grinder in there with the cut-off wheel. (^_^)

My 2 most frustrating jobs ever?

Starter on a Geo Prism - it’s located between the engine and the firewall with spaces designed for toddlers to reach in.

Turbo vacuum controller for the wastegate on a Volvo T5 engine. You can get one hand in there - just one.

And who the freak thought it was a good idea to put a diesel truck battery into a VW Passat? More importantly, who thought it was a good idea to locate it in an oddly shaped compartment in the center of the car at the base of the windshield? Every try to finesse some 60 lbs of battery at arm’s length?

Oh, and the same Passat - did you have a contest as to how much of the car you need to pull apart to change a headlight?

I love adjusting valves on my ‘46 Willys. I can reach everything, see everything, and don’t need to contort into some unnatural position. But damn it, I’m going to keep wrenching until I die.

drivesatruck_notaredneck > valsidalv, reminding you that infiniti is an option 04/29/2015 at 15:38

0

I buy PB blaster by the case, and I am far from a professional mechanic.

TylerLinner > valsidalv, reminding you that infiniti is an option 04/29/2015 at 15:38

3

One thing that helps is getting a GOOD shop manual, written by the company, that was meant for dealership mechanics. They’re usually over $50- the reprinted three-volume set for my F-100 was $75- but they will tell you in detail every step and every model and trim variation for a given task. They offer detailed exploded view drawings to tell you which parts go where. They are WORTH the money if you keep the car more than a couple years, and you can pass it along to the next owner if you sell the car.

Haynes and Chilton are a good starting point, but they can only go so far. The car manufacturer put out shop manuals for a reason- they’re just as useful as a good wrench!

PS- A lot of these are available on CD as well. Get the book- you don’t want to be smudging grease all over a laptop that’s sliding around on the garage floor, and a book doesn’t need batteries.

Eggshen2012 > valsidalv, reminding you that infiniti is an option 04/29/2015 at 15:40

0

I assumed all jalopniks worked on their cars.

Like, loving cars and getting into their innards go hand in hand.

The-Guy-They-Warned-You-About > valsidalv, reminding you that infiniti is an option 04/29/2015 at 15:41

0

If you can find some, try to get a product called Pend. I don’t even know if they make it anymore. Got mine from a military mechanic years ago. When I can’t get something to move using ‘conventional’ means, I hit the area with a little of this, get away coughing and gagging on the smell, and an hour or so later it comes apart nice and easy.

albo > 55_mercury 04/29/2015 at 15:41

0

Yep. I just bought a 2015 Sonata. The maintenance schedule is shockingly light. And it says the automatic transmission fluid can't ever be checked. It's a big difference even from the 2008 Grand Caravan we bought, which in turn was an eye-opener from the 2001 Caravan.

Things are so less worry, less wrenching required these days. And of course this all seems to be a miracle to guys like me who remember the days of points and plugs and roters and timing lights ever six months.

Chris11LE > valsidalv, reminding you that infiniti is an option 04/29/2015 at 15:43

0

It was a Tmaxx, of course it needed to be fixed within 10 minutes of taking it out of the box! Mine would break if you looked at it funny. On the flipside, Ive found it almost impossible to break my Savage.

Stan > CalzoneGolem 04/29/2015 at 15:43

1

The problem with that is the most unskilled “techs” are the ones that generally are relegated to doing oil changes.

The-Guy-They-Warned-You-About > Sethersm 04/29/2015 at 15:44

1

Always buy impact sockets. Even if you don’t have an impact wrench. Yes, there are some times the socket is too thick, but for like 99% of the time, they work fine. Best of all, you are not likely to break one. Can’t tell you the number of Craftsman sockets I’ve snapped over the years until I did this. And I’m talking about the good sockets made back in the 70’s and 80’s.

Nonster > valsidalv, reminding you that infiniti is an option 04/29/2015 at 15:44

0

less space makes things harder, but you can do pretty much anything in a one car garage. I did an engine swap in the tiny garage in the apartment complex that I lived in a few years ago.

timgray > sony1492 04/29/2015 at 15:44

1

Put an extension on there and use a breaker bar so you can easily get it loose.

Treemendous > valsidalv, reminding you that infiniti is an option 04/29/2015 at 15:44

0

Thanks for posting. I got an 01 Honda that was mechanically sound, but needed some love and restoration, to learn to wrench basic stuff without worrying about breaking something. I figured worst case scenario I’d have a $500 repair bill on my hands.

I did plugs, wires, dis. cap, hoses, rust repair, power steering oil cooler, intake installation (returning to the stock airbox), and taking apart my doors re-align the windows. Nothing required more than basic tools and a few hours, it was fun and extremely rewarding.

Be warned: it gets addicting. I have Taverish fantasies of installing turbos and doing engine swaps.

albo > The-Guy-They-Warned-You-About 04/29/2015 at 15:45

0

The mechanic I use said I needed a wiper fluid pump to pass inspection. So, fine, I said do it. So 3 months later it's not working. I check, and turns out he had just zip-tied a universal moter to the reservoir, and one tie broke and crimped the hose. So I duct-taped the damn thing back on.

JawzX2, Boost Addict. 1.6t, 2.7tt, 4.2t > The-Guy-They-Warned-You-About 04/29/2015 at 15:45

0

haha, I did a full top-end job on my ‘98 V70 AWD, I feel your Volvo T5 pain... wait until you have to deal with the turbo oil-return line :P

I actually have a second jack, put it on the handle of the wrench, WITH a 2ft extension, and proceeded to jack the truck up off the jack and stands by the wrench.

1st) Goodonya Craftsman, that 1/2” ratchet and socket are STRONG!

2nd) You win bolts. You. Win.

The-Guy-They-Warned-You-About > valsidalv, reminding you that infiniti is an option 04/29/2015 at 15:46

4

You need 2 types of gloves.

1) protective mechanic style made of a sturdy fabric to protect your hands.

2) surgical style when you are working with oil and other fluids to keep the crap off your hands.

Don’t make the mistake of using your #1 gloves when doing an oil change or you’ll be tossing your nice oil soaked mechanic gloves.

ShouldHaveBoughtaFERD > valsidalv, reminding you that infiniti is an option 04/29/2015 at 15:46

0

Lol I remember when I put my after market exhaust on in my driveway. It was a gravel drive way and I had jacked up my truck and put it on blocks. I used the box that the exhaust came in and layed it out so I wouldent have rocks logged into my back. Got lots of weird looks but it was worth it.

StuntmanDan > valsidalv, reminding you that infiniti is an option 04/29/2015 at 15:48

1

I use knit gloves with a rubber coating on them. They’re not as durable as some mechanic’s gloves but they’re far better than doing things with your bare hands, and they’re cheap. I think the last time I got them I paid $6 for a 3-pack at Home Depot. Here’s a link to them on Amazon if it works:

http://smile.amazon.com/dp/B007VS21JC

hellohowareyouimfinehowareyou > JawzX2, Boost Addict. 1.6t, 2.7tt, 4.2t 04/29/2015 at 15:48

3

I cannot believe this. I’m sorry, but seriously if you were applying enough force the BOLT ITSELF should’ve come off through that process. You can move a planet with a long enough bar.

My biggest stuck-nut problems typically revolve around “how can I loosen this stubborn nut without being under the car in case I pull the fucking thing off the jackstands”

ShouldHaveBoughtaFERD > Destructive Tester 04/29/2015 at 15:49

0

I got the oil in my truck changed ONCE by a mechanic. Over tighten the living fuck out of my drain plug and the fucking filter.

JawzX2, Boost Addict. 1.6t, 2.7tt, 4.2t > hellohowareyouimfinehowareyou 04/29/2015 at 15:51

0

wanna come over and get ‘em off for me?

TylerLinner > The-Guy-They-Warned-You-About 04/29/2015 at 15:51

0

Nice. The worst I can remember included helping a friend’s friend with a distributor on a 454 GMT400 HD. It’s located on the back of the engine, below the rain tray, and completely out of view. He couldn’t tell within 1/4 turn which way it was oriented. The other was the exhaust manifold bolts on a counterflow 1.7L VW Rabbit engine. Can’t see where the bolts go, can’t get a hand in there, and can barely get a wrench in between the mani and firewall. Oh, and you’re holding up a hunk of cast iron with one hand.

I haven’t done a huge amount of wrenching in my life, but I’ve done enough to kind of hate it. Why do I keep coming back? Perhaps abusive automotive relationships combined with (in some ways) cheapness. Why pay for labor when I’ve got a free Saturday? Ha!

Bob Zuercher > CalzoneGolem 04/29/2015 at 15:51

1

I disagree:

Changing oil is one of the easiest jobs you can do.

It costs me half of what it would cost to get it changed by a mechanic.

Oil recycling is easy - just drop it off at an auto parts store.

I get to use the filter and oil I want to use rather than whatever the shop has on hand.

I can actually make sure the drain plug and other fittings are torqued to spec.

I can allow adequate time for the oil to drain.

I can change it whenever I feel like - middle of the night, crack of dawn, on a Sunday.

While I’m under there, I also get a chance to check out any other potential issues the car might be having.

bbbdang > valsidalv, reminding you that infiniti is an option 04/29/2015 at 15:53

0

Want affordable and reputable tools? Hit up a Pawn Shop. They are overloaded usually and you can usually get them for a next to nothing. I bought a drill set with charger and bits at my local pawn shop for $30. It was $160 on Amazon and more at the hardware store

golfball > JawzX2, Boost Addict. 1.6t, 2.7tt, 4.2t 04/29/2015 at 15:53

0

Do yourself a favor and get a Milwaukee M18 Fuel 1/2in High Torque Impact. At over 1,000ft lbs of loosening torque, it’s stronger than most air tools. Loosens over-torqued lug nuts like they were hand-tight.

JawzX2, Boost Addict. 1.6t, 2.7tt, 4.2t > golfball 04/29/2015 at 15:53

0

haha, my boss actually has a two-post in his garage at home... if there weren’t currently a half-dissembled Rolls Royce Silver Cloud on it I’d head over to his place and ask to borrow some lift and air ;)