Car D.I.Y.

[CXRAndy]

My little ongoing EV UTV had a poor brake master cylinder. I've just replaced it, bled the brakes which is 3 port design. Amazing how dark the fluid is in the rear brake lines-all flushed now

 

[fossyant]

The little Aygo, has had an issue with the drivers side rear light, i.e. the captive 'thread' had snapped off the light unit - the whole rear light assembly is made of cheese on these. It's been stuck in for the last 12 months with silicone. I've decided, as we're getting to winter, to get a replacement unit. The cost of used units are around £100 normally (for a facelift MK1 Aygo). Found one for £40 delivered on the bay. Turned up this morning and I also ordered replacement gaskets for both lights to ensure a watertight seal (known issues on these).

All fixed, and the replacement unit even had a full set of working bulbs in it. Happy that I know the rear is guaranteed water tight. It's a problem with the whole lot including the newer models.

 

[Drago]

The little Aygo, has had an issue with the drivers side rear light, i.e. the captive 'thread' had snapped off the light unit - the whole rear light assembly is made of cheese on these. It's been stuck in for the last 12 months with silicone. I've decided, as we're getting to winter, to get a replacement unit. The cost of used units are around £100 normally (for a facelift MK1 Aygo). Found one for £40 delivered on the bay. Turned up this morning and I also ordered replacement gaskets for both lights to ensure a watertight seal (known issues on these).

All fixed, and the replacement unit even had a full set of working bulbs in it. Happy that I know the rear is guaranteed water tight. It's a problem with the whole lot including the newer models.

Take the light off. Fill the hole with epoxy. Drill out the hole slightly undersize and cut a hew thread into it.

 

[fossyant]

Take the light off. Fill the hole with epoxy. Drill out the hole slightly undersize and cut a hew thread into it.

Have you seen Aygo rear lights ? Tried the epoxy to re-fit. It's like a threaded post that sticks out of the plastic, the whole surrounding plastic fell to bits. Seriously crap design, but attracts a premium as I suspect loads fall to bits. The other side, I've 'modified' with epoxy and an extra 'screw' to hold it together.

Cheap cars, cheap bits. Great little town cars though, if a bit basic.

 

[keithmac]

Put the Active Aero rear spoiler back on our GTO-TT today with my daughters help.

Managed to find the aero switch after a long while looking for it.

Spent another 2 hours looking for the front Aero motor (this is needed to control the rear spoiler) and then gave up and we went out for a drive instead!.

Spent tonight re-writing the firmware (Idle code) for my Golf's ECU.

 

[gbb]

I had a screw perhaps in my tyre the other day, tyre went down withing hours.
It's getting toward the end of its life, maybe 2mm so I tried the plug kit I brought earlier this year.
Worked perfectly !!!! I'd thoroughly recommend one if like me, your car has no spare tyre and you don't want to use the inflator/sealer kit.

 

[CXRAndy]

Tyre worm kit, essential for emergency repairs with no spare vehicle.

 

[Richard A Thackeray]

Wednesday 6th

Nothing much

I was checking pressures on wifes Q3, when pump stopped working

Pulled the plug & the (cig-lighter plug) tip had melted!

I didn’t have a spare plug, but did have a DIN plug
On wiring it didn’t work

So… l can’t remember which way round it is
- Does a DIN plug work with a cig-lighter socket
Or…
Is it a DIN socket works with a cig-lighter plug?

 

[CXRAndy]

The negative terminal is more on the outside on cigarette 12v socket.

I doubt they are interchangeable for use . Happy to be corrected

 

[derrick]

Fitted new clutch into my sons vw Golf, At 72 i can still lift a gearbox, Saved him a few bob, he did give a bit of a hand, but he is completly useless when it comes to cars. Next job wet belt on my wifes fiesta, i need a few weeks to recover before i start that one,

 

[CXRAndy]

Fitted new clutch into my sons vw Golf, At 72 i can still lift a gearbox, Saved him a few bob, he did give a bit of a hand, but he is completly useless when it comes to cars. Next job wet belt on my wifes fiesta, i need a few weeks to recover before i start that one,

I saw a wet belt change video on a transit van with 65k miles. What a terrible design fault. The company had the process well and truly sorted, around 4 hours to do the job. They replaced everything you would expect plus things like sump pan, it deforms when removing, no messing trying to use excessive sealant when a new pan is quick and more guaranteed to seal properly. The owner was lucky belt was coming apart but hadn't yet fully clogged the oil pickup tube. £1k plus vat full job

 

[Drago]

For reasons of significantly reduced inertia and friction, and thus notably more power and economy, it's a great idea. The gains in those areas are notable.

It's just horribly executed in a manner that only Ford ever seem able to manage.

 

[Drago]

Fitted new clutch into my sons vw Golf, At 72 i can still lift a gearbox, Saved him a few bob, he did give a bit of a hand, but he is completly useless when it comes to cars. Next job wet belt on my wifes fiesta, i need a few weeks to recover before i start that one,

You do realise that depending on the exact variant of motor your good lady has the official book time is 11.5 to 16 hours?

As much as I'm happy to wield my array of hammers I think I'd just want some portraits at a reputable garage for that one.

 

[raleighnut]

For reasons of significantly reduced inertia and friction, and thus notably more power and economy, it's a great idea. The gains in those areas are notable.

It's just horribly executed in a manner that only Ford ever seem able to manage.

Some of the 'dry' belts are self lubricating, there is an element of Graphite in the construction. A long time ago but Uniroyal belts spring to mind.

 

[Drago]

I think you're right,seem to recall something along those lines.

Wet belts can get away with smaller and lighter pulleys, a good reduction in inertial losses, and the cams and crank can be shorter and more compact, lighters, and further reduced inertia.

It's clever stuff...until Ford (and to a lesser degree Stellantis) have a go at it.