Maybe I’m having a quarter life crisis, but I want to learn some DIY car maintenance. Fortunately, I’m in a position where my family really could get by with one car, and my partner’s old car, a 6th gen Ford Fiesta, mostly sits unused.

I figure that this might be the best opportunity for me to learn some new skills. I have to force myself to take occasional errands in this car just so it doesn’t rot in the driveway, so I’m pretty sure I can take my sweet time with any project I start on it. I’d like to think I have some mechanical aptitude and have half a clue on how basic systems work on a car. I already do some really basic stuff - air filters, wiper blades, windshield washer fluid.

What are some basic projects that I should look into? What are some essential tools to have on hand that may not be too obvious?

  • LanyrdSkynrd [comrade/them, any]@hexbear.netEnglish
    8·
    1 year ago

    Learning to do your brakes can save you a ton of money over time. Most of the time you can do a complete brake job with a basic socket set and a large c clamp(or anything to compress the caliper piston, like a big pair of channel locks or a specialized tool). I believe you also need a large hex key to remove the caliper slide pins on that car.

    I’d recommend getting a torque wrench for safety reasons. Buy a repair manual or find a tutorial before you start and check what tools you’ll need. A good guide will include torque specs for the caliper mounting and slide bolts.

    Many auto parts stores will do free loans of specialized tools, like spring compressors, bearing tools, pullers, etc. I’ve saved tons by borrowing tools from AutoZone.

    Don’t force it if a bolt won’t come loose. Apply penetrating oil and wait, if it still won’t come loose apply heat and more oil.

    Have fun!

    • CarsAndComrades [comrade/them]@hexbear.netEnglish
      4·
      1 year ago

      Some cars need a special caliper wind-back tool because the cylinder screws into the caliper. As with most specialty tools, you can usually get a loaner tool from an auto parts store if you put down a deposit.

    • LaGG_3 [he/him, comrade/them]@hexbear.netOPEnglish
      3·
      1 year ago

      That’s the goal - a new hobby that’ll eventually save me some money!

      I’d recommend getting a torque wrench for safety reasons. Buy a repair manual or find a tutorial before you start and check what tools you’ll need. A good guide will include torque specs for the caliper mounting and slide bolts.

      I picked one up last week, actually, and used it this weekend when I fixed a misaligned hubcap (held on by lug nuts) on the family car. I’ll probably shop around for repair manuals next.