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How to service your car
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vengeance52 wrote: »the pic were ya turned the bottle into a funnel, i looks like ya cut the bottle with the grinder... a bit overkill dont ya think
Nice job VB. good to see it in pics
Sure if you have it use it haha.
Great write up. Im determined to do mini services like that by myself. I may get some axel stands once I get some money in. See how im positive there? "one I get money in" . . .
Great post!!!0 -
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Continuing on from the previous info people have posted in this thread I thought I would do a photographic run through of what a full service in an independant garage consists(read should consist) of.(yes work was a little quiet for once today:P)
It might give you some pointers as to other relitavely straight forward things that people may not think of checking if they are doing their own car at home.
I admit that some things are much simpler on a lift but you'll get the idea...hopefully:D
Vehicle is a 2005 Ford Focus 1.4 with 72k on it.
The first step is a test drive, this shows up any driving/handling/noises etc that may be present, not really relevent if you servicing your own car of course.
Back in the garage and start with the external checks,
So lights,
Check the light alignment,
Check the wipers, both an inspection for torn/cracked blades and for streaks and poor clearing of the winscreen, Also test the washers work and spray correctly on the windows.
Next, a check under the bonnet for levels and fluid condition etc,
Power steering fluid, was overfilled on this car so some was removed.
Brake fluid level and boiling point checked. Most manufacturers specify that the brake fluid should be changed every 2 years.
Coolant level and strength checked, the lower the coolant ratio, the less freeze protection the car will have,
Also check the auxiliary belts for fraying, cracks or other damage,
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Next, with the car raised, or on axle stands,
Check CV boots, Inner and outer as well as steering rack boots.
This car had grease leaking from the inner CV boots which required two new retaining clips,
Anti roll bar links, checking for damaged rubber boots, leaking grease, or play in the link joints,
Suspension arm bushes etc, again checking for cracking, excess play etc,
Also checking the exhaust system for corrosion, leaks at the joints, worn or damaged mounting rubbers etc,
Then remove the wheels and inspect the tyres for wear, damage etc
Front tyres in this case are only just above the safety limit, although well above the legal limit,
However there is signs of misalignment on the inside edge(right in the pic)
A rear tyre was found to be badly cracked/perished,
The age of the tyre is likely to blame, 6 years is the recognised age limit for tyres before deterioration of the rubber and steel belts etc sets in. Manufacting date of the cracked tyres is feb 05(0805 = week 8, 2005),
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Onto the brakes next,
Measure the disks and pads against manufaturer minimum tolerances.
Front disks were worn slightly below minumim, mimimum for this car is 23mm,
The pads were still above the minimum(2mm) so in this case the customer is advised that they will need replacing before the bext service and given the option to have them done now.
On the rear, drum brakes fitted to this car so remove the drums and check the brake shoes for uneven wear, cracked friction material and remaining thickness,
Check cylinders for leaks, early leakage is often contained within the seals so always check the seals as in the pic,
Finally check the drum condition, wear, scoring etc,
Then check the brake lines for damage, cracks, corrosion on the fittings and steel pipes, Bend the brake line where it joins the steel fitting to check for cracks,
A visual check of the shocks and springs for damage, leaks and torn bumpstops/dust shields,
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Now the engine service itself,
The air filter, as on most cars, is straight forward enough, 6 torx head screws,
Spark plug recess showing the very common corrosion problem that focus's(foci?) suffer from,
One of the reasons for the focus often suffering misfires, Rusted/damaged plugs due to the water ingress above,
Checking and setting the spark plug gap before fitting,
Draining the oil, it can be a good tip to run the engine for a few moments(not up to full temperature) as this will make the oil flow easier,
Remove the oil filter, made much easier with the correct tool, they are cheap from Halfords,
Fit the new filter, always put new oil on the seal and check that the old seal has come off with the old filter,
Clean off the excess oil, customers don't like oil drops on their drive!
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The final items, admittadly most of which can't be carried out at home,
Diagnostic check of all systems,
Wheel alignment check, confirms the evidence seen earlier on the tyre,
And to finish, stamp the service book....This car has no history aside from its first service so its stamped at year 6(service 6).
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Padraig Mor wrote: »Halfords do a kit with trolley jack, axle stands, chocks and creeper for €65. One DIY service will cover the cost!
Was just about to post the exact same link:D Thats a really nice kit for the job. All i need to do now is save up to buy the kit because im broke as **** hence why I want to service the car myself
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Chauffe, Marcel, chauffe!Join Date:Posts: 64436
How do I get under the car safely while also having some room to see what im doing? I do have the cars jack.
Never go under the car with the cars jack. EVER!!! Don't even do it with a big jack trolley. A man was killed in this country a few days ago doing that
Use axle stands and other precautions too if you have them (trolley jack as backup, wheels, wood, etc.)My ads on adverts.ie
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Never go under the car with the cars jack. EVER!!! Don't even do it with a big jack trolley. A man was killed in this country a few days ago doing that
Use axle stands and other precautions too if you have them (trolley jack as backup, wheels, wood, etc.)
I can't understand why anyone would do it. You'd want to be off yer rocker in this day and age to get under a car without axle stands, and yet a wally over the road from me does it every week.:eek:
NissanDoctor, do you just set the distance on the plugs with the tip of a hammer, down to the feeler gauge?0 -
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