basic auto maintenance & repair

[Execut1ve]

Hello all, I am interested in learning some basic auto repair to try my hand at maintaining my vehicles myself. Anyone here have any knowledge in the field and can direct me in how to get started?

Thanks!

[Unrepresented]

My girlfriend actually took a course at our local community college that was an introduction to automotive maintenance. It was intended for everyday people who aren't necessarily experienced or interested in a career in the field, but just want to not get ripped off by mechanics and know how to do basic service on their own car.

She's in no way automotively inclined and thought it was a good experience.

[link wray]

Read this:
http://www.carbibles.com/index.html

[MJ5150]

Go to a forum like TalkBass dedicated to your ride. I get all my Ram truck info from DodgeTalk.com.

-Mike

[Mike N]

We don't know how old you are (cough.....fill out your profile......cough), but most high schools offer a basic auto maintenance course, or like already suggested a community college course. You may also contact AAA and ask if any participating AAA repair shops offer a how-to maintenance clinic.

[Execut1ve]

there, happy? :P

[chicago_mike]

Buy an old Jeep....you'll automatically be found by the hordes of Jeep clubs that infest this country..you'll learn EVERYTHING. Transmissions, engines, Keying cop cars...

Note: Keying cop cars is not the typical "keying"...its a CB thing. Oh thats another thing...you'll automatically become a CB geek too.

Jeeps are odd manifestations.

[Linas]

Originally Posted by MJ5150

Go to a forum like TalkBass dedicated to your ride. I get all my Ram truck info from DodgeTalk.com.

-Mike

+1 When i still had a volvo, I learned everything i needed to know through the FAQs and forums set up on www.brickboard.com and www.turbobricks.com

I didnt know a thing about cars going into it, and by the time i sold my car, i was able to fix most issues my car was having.

[elgecko]

Buy a Chilton's manual for you ride. It'll walk you through all the basics, complete with pictures/diagrams, specifically for your car.

[UnsungZeros]

http://www.amazon.com/Auto-Repair-Du.../dp/076459902X

[hartke20g]

Originally Posted by chicago_mike

Buy an old Jeep....you'll automatically be found by the hordes of Jeep clubs that infest this country..you'll learn EVERYTHING. Transmissions, engines, Keying cop cars...

Note: Keying cop cars is not the typical "keying"...its a CB thing. Oh thats another thing...you'll automatically become a CB geek too.

Jeeps are odd manifestations.

i can attest to this statement. they become quite the addiction- i've spent almost as much on my Jeep as my bass gear. they're like giant meccano sets.
however, that's not a very practical solution. i've learned everything i know about cars and engines from the internet, friends and neighbors who have worked in the field, and personal experience.
IMO, if you ever need to fix something that's not incredibly important, by all means try it yourself. it's incredible what simply being able to completely see the part in question can teach you about how it works. for example, next time you have to change the air filter, go ahead and remove the tube that goes from the filter box to the intake manifold. not only does it show you how the throttle and intake work, but it also give you a chance to clean out all the crud that's most likely building up in there.

[m0nst3r]

First thing is to get some tools. I was in your shoes, and I bought myself a decent ratchet/socket set with standard and metric sockets for about $35 and a decent set of screwdrivers for about $20. Then I bought myself the repair manual that went along with my car.

The first thing I learned how to do is change my oil and oil filter. Then I moved on to giving my car a tune up, which includes changing the air filter, spark plugs, spark plug wires, fuel filter, pcv valve, etc. Eventually I moved on to harder stuff like changing my brake rotors and pads and brake fluid, but I had to buy more tools. From there I moved on to changing my oil pan and CV axle. Granted I had no idea what I was doing the first time I did these things, so it took forever, but now I can do everything a lot faster. Also, I've accumulated a good amount of tools. I started off with the ratchet, sockets and screwdrivers, but I now I have things like a torque wrench, C clamps, a set of needle nose pliers, and rubber mallets. I would at some point love to take my engine apart and put it back together, but I still have a lot learn, and I need to get more tools!

[chicago_mike]

The next thing you know..you'll be visted by the MAC and Snap-On man.....


Think you got G.A.S. now..

[stratovani]

Never mind the Jeep, get yourself a 1974 Dodge Dart and a friend to show you how, like I did!

[68Goldfish]

Originally Posted by chicago_mike

The next thing you know..you'll be visted by the MAC and Snap-On man.....


Think you got G.A.S. now..

[vbasscustom]

Originally Posted by m0nst3r

I would at some point love to take my engine apart and put it back together, but I still have a lot learn, and I need to get more tools!

word of advice, dont take YOUR engine apart and put it back together. go to a junk yard, and pick up an old honda four cylinder engine from a civic or similar, i only say honda because they are easy to come by, and parts are readily available. tear it down, have storage for all the parts, lable EVERYTHING so you know what its for, and rebuild the motor.

[king_biscuit]

Originally Posted by chicago_mike

Buy an old Jeep....you'll automatically be found by the hordes of Jeep clubs that infest this country..you'll learn EVERYTHING. Transmissions, engines, Keying cop cars...

Note: Keying cop cars is not the typical "keying"...its a CB thing. Oh thats another thing...you'll automatically become a CB geek too.

Jeeps are odd manifestations.

+1 on the Jeep thing. An old CJ would be perfect.

[Phalex]

Originally Posted by chicago_mike

Buy an old Jeep....you'll automatically be found by the hordes of Jeep clubs that infest this country..you'll learn EVERYTHING. Transmissions, engines, Keying cop cars...

Note: Keying cop cars is not the typical "keying"...its a CB thing. Oh thats another thing...you'll automatically become a CB geek too.

Jeeps are odd manifestations.

^ This.

Look for any vehicle manufactured by AMC. Guaranteed to need repairs on a regular basis!!

[guroove]

Originally Posted by MJ5150

Go to a forum like TalkBass dedicated to your ride. I get all my Ram truck info from DodgeTalk.com.

-Mike

This is exactly what I do, except it's a Subaru forum. Also, read your car's owner's manual from front to back. Get a shop manual from your car from autozone, pep boys, or whatever your preferred auto parts store is. Find out from your car forum what the most important sockets are for your ride and buy them. Get a 3/8" and 1/2" drive ratcheting socket wrench and some ramps, and start with changing your car's fluids. Also, this is very important. When breaking a very hard to move bolt, use PB blaster, and pull the handle, never push. If you push, and it budges, you can fall in towards your car and bruise your knuckles.

[guroove]

Another thing you can do that's easy is removing your battery and alternator and having them tested. Autozone offers free testing. While you are there, you can get the appropriate tools for removal and reinstallation. This is something that you really should be able to figure out for yourself. It might help to take pictures of everything before you start removing stuff. Always keep track of your bolts, and be careful not to drop them in the engine bay, or you'll be fishing for them on the ground.