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Self Servicing

  • 12-08-2014 3:19pm
    #1
    LawlessBoy
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,001 ✭✭✭


    Anyone able to give me a bit of advice here. Looking to service my car myself both just to know how to do it and save a bit of cash instead of bringing it to a mechanic.

    Whats tools would i need? I know i need a new air filter, spark plugs, oil filter and oil anything else?

    Any help is appreciated looking to see if i can do little small things for myself:pac:


Comments

  • #2
    Interslice
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,506 ✭✭✭Interslice


    What car, year and engine is it?


  • #3
    LawlessBoy
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,001 ✭✭✭LawlessBoy


    Bora 2001 1.4 petrol


  • #4
    jimgoose
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 20,180 ✭✭✭✭jimgoose


    First thing you're going to need is a decent socket-set, a set of combination spanners and, ideally, a light-range torque wrench. A water-pump pliers should handle those VW oil filters at a pinch, but ideally you'll want the cap-wrench type.


  • #5
    Del2005
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 19,031 ✭✭✭✭Del2005


    jimgoose wrote: »
    First thing you're going to need is a decent socket-set, a set of combination spanners and, ideally, a light-range torque wrench. A water-pump pliers should handle those VW oil filters at a pinch, but ideally you'll want the cap-wrench type.

    Proper jack and axle stands or ramp and axle stands would be handy.


  • #6
    jimgoose
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 20,180 ✭✭✭✭jimgoose


    Del2005 wrote: »
    Proper jack and axle stands or ramp and axle stands would be handy.

    You can get away with that if you have an oil vacuum pump, but a good one costs a few shillin's.


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  • #7
    livingthedream
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 202 ✭✭livingthedream


    Hi,

    In terms of tools, you will need a good socket set.
    I'd suggest buying a good all round comprehensive set of good quality. If you are planning on looking after your car long term then the tools will pay for themselves..

    These sets from halfords are of good quality and will be enough for most jobs you will be doing though you could probably start out with a smaller set just for servicing.
    http://www.halfords.ie/motoring/garage-equipment/socket-sets

    I have the big set above and have found it very good. I'm sure someone will critique those sets but the genereal gist of my advice is invest in a good comprehensive set if you are serious about doing the work long term.

    You might want to invest in a set of ramps to get under the car to drain the oil though you may not need to if you have kerb handy that might allow you access to the sump with some creative parking.

    If money is tight then the bare minimum you could probably get away with will depend on the car (make/model). You will need some small sockets probably or torx screw driver to remove an engine cover and possibly coil packs depending on the make/model.

    You will also need a long spark plug socket to actually remove the plugs.
    If you haven't done it before then when you are putting the new plugs back in you should tighten them by hand first, you really don't want to cross the threads!

    Then it will also depend on your make/model as to what kind of sump plug there is and you will need an appropriate socket etc to open it.

    Also the make/model will determine what kind of oil filter you need and in turn how you remove the original one...

    Cheers,

    ~LTD


  • #8
    LawlessBoy
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,001 ✭✭✭LawlessBoy


    thanks for the replies, am i right in all the car parts ive mentioned didnt leave anything out?


  • #9
    jimgoose
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 20,180 ✭✭✭✭jimgoose


    livingthedream wrote: »
    ...These sets from halfords are of good quality and will be enough for most jobs you will be doing though you could probably start out with a smaller set just for servicing.
    http://www.halfords.ie/motoring/garage-equipment/socket-sets

    I have the big set above and have found it very good...

    Yeah, I have the 150-piece. It is excellent. :cool:


  • #10
    LawlessBoy
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,001 ✭✭✭LawlessBoy


    Havent got that sortve money to be forking out for tools can prob borrow them off a friend sure someone has the bits i need.

    Looked at a few videos and it seems easy enough and the only messy part seems like the oil change. Other then that seems very screw this out, take it out put new one in and tighten again


  • #11
    jimgoose
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 20,180 ✭✭✭✭jimgoose


    LawlessBoy wrote: »
    Havent got that sortve money to be forking out for tools can prob borrow them off a friend sure someone has the bits i need.

    Looked at a few videos and it seems easy enough and the only messy part seems like the oil change. Other then that seems very screw this out, take it out put new one in and tighten again

    Be very careful with the oil filter, if you overtighten it you'll roger the seal and she'll piss oil.


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  • #12
    Mycroft H
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 9,313 ✭✭✭Mycroft H


    jimgoose wrote: »
    Be very careful with the oil filter, if you overtighten it you'll roger the seal and she'll piss oil.

    Hand tight means just that.


  • #13
    jimgoose
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 20,180 ✭✭✭✭jimgoose


    Mycroft H wrote: »
    Hand tight means just that.

    Correct-and-right.


  • #14
    LawlessBoy
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,001 ✭✭✭LawlessBoy


    Sound lads give it a shot tomorrow so i reckon if the weather dosent take a turn for the worse i know ill manage all the other bits only bit im worried about is the oil change/filter change


  • #15
    tossy
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 9,590 ✭✭✭tossy


    There should be plenty of guides on youtube at this stage.

    Another tip is always change the spark plugs when the engine is hot, same applies for draining the oil.


  • #16
    LawlessBoy
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,001 ✭✭✭LawlessBoy


    yeah watched a micks garage vid on servicing a mk5 golf so hopefully shouldnt be to different to the bora.


  • #17
    biko
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 81,220 ✭✭✭✭biko


    Read the sticky. Generally servicing is similar for all cars, you just need to find out if there is anything different about your particular model.
    Well done on giving it a go DIY :)


  • #18
    LawlessBoy
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,001 ✭✭✭LawlessBoy


    Havent a clue how i didnt see that :eek::pac::pac:


  • #19
    MAJJ
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,679 ✭✭✭MAJJ


    Biko bet me to it, that thread started by Voloboy started me off. Have serviced my two cars now with no issues and knew little before. This forum has great folks and really helpful people.


  • #20
    Del2005
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 19,031 ✭✭✭✭Del2005


    jimgoose wrote: »
    You can get away with that if you have an oil vacuum pump, but a good one costs a few shillin's.

    There's more to servicing a car than changing the oil. One way or another some wheels are gonna have to come off to check the pads or shoes, at least.


  • #21
    LawlessBoy
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,001 ✭✭✭LawlessBoy


    ahh i know how to change a tyre now :pac::pac: As for brakes and shoes i can learn as i go


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  • #22
    toastedpickles
    Closed Accounts Posts: 9,607 ✭✭✭toastedpickles


    See here

    http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showpost.php?p=89534930&postcount=53

    Here

    http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showpost.php?p=89535774&postcount=56

    And here

    http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showpost.php?p=89536536&postcount=57

    For a general service on any car, same thing applies to most cars, bar one or two little bits on mine, but the general jist is there! :)

    Also fair play for having a go! :D

    Ps. Invest in a haynes manual, it'l be the best 25 euro you'l ever spend


  • #23
    GTE
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,915 ✭✭✭GTE


    The Haynes manual has been excellent for my Mark 4 Golf (Bora).


  • #24
    toastedpickles
    Closed Accounts Posts: 9,607 ✭✭✭toastedpickles


    bbk wrote: »
    The Haynes manual has been excellent for my Mark 4 Golf (Bora).

    They're bloody invaluable for some cars


  • #25
    nc19
    Banned (with Prison Access) Posts: 1,395 ✭✭✭nc19


    LawlessBoy wrote: »
    ahh i know how to change a tyre now :pac::pac: As for brakes and shoes i can learn as i go

    As sure its only the brakes. Nothing important like:O

    Ffs, a decent local fella or someone after a nixxer would do your service for 50 quid(u supply parts) an engine or even a damged coil pack will cost more

    what oil you using btw?


  • #26
    jimgoose
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 20,180 ✭✭✭✭jimgoose


    Del2005 wrote: »
    There's more to servicing a car than changing the oil. One way or another some wheels are gonna have to come off to check the pads or shoes, at least.

    To be sure. And you can drop-and-change all the fluids every two years as well, as you're at it. Halfords sell a decent range of lifting gear - trolley-jacks and wheel ramps - at good prices.


  • #27
    porsche boy
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,560 ✭✭✭porsche boy


    tossy wrote: »
    There should be plenty of guides on youtube at this stage.

    Another tip is always change the spark plugs when the engine is hot, same applies for draining the oil.

    Tossy, never heard about changing plugs when the engine is hot. Whats the logic behind that?


  • #28
    LawlessBoy
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,001 ✭✭✭LawlessBoy


    nc19 wrote: »
    what oil you using btw?

    Told to use 5w40 full synthetic


  • #29
    nd
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,855 ✭✭✭nd


    They've this in aldi this week. It might get you by for an oil change, until you've the money for a full set. But yeah a decent set is invaluable.

    https://www.aldi.ie/en/specialbuys/thursday-14th-august/products-detail-page/ps/p/ratchet-handle-with-sockets-1/


  • #30
    toastedpickles
    Closed Accounts Posts: 9,607 ✭✭✭toastedpickles


    nd wrote: »
    They've this in aldi this week. It might get you by for an oil change, until you've the money for a full set. But yeah a decent set is invaluable.

    https://www.aldi.ie/en/specialbuys/thursday-14th-august/products-detail-page/ps/p/ratchet-handle-with-sockets-1/

    Never a better word said, my first set cost me a tenner and it done me great, got my halfords one now for 150 and even though it's nothing fancy, it's paid for itself a million times over already


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