Why I dont like working on cars

[rh1]

So I had to replace my wife reverse light switch. Probably 15 minutes work, 1.5 hours unnecessary sukkeling. First getting the connector of the switch, 5 seconds once I figured out how, but I swear I took at least a half n hour figuring it out. Next it is actually unscrewing the switch, which I recommend you get an 1/2 universal joint, which I did not have, so I had to use this. Which is too long so I was limited in my turning movement. I struggled to get a good position. When I finally loosen the switch, I basically had to lift up the socket and reposition so that I can turn it further. Reverse (installing new switch) was a similar pain the butt.

Recommend, you buy the switch before hand, it will help you determine the size of the socket needed. In my case I needed an 21mm deep socket, normal size wont work, I also took it to auto spare shop and confirmed in my case a 21mm socket spanner would not work as it does not clear the top of the switch.

Still it was not worth paying the stealerships to do the job and would probably been easier if I had the 1/2 drive universal joint.

 

[Pineapple Smurf]

Could you please re do it and take some photos for us? Thank You

 

[TheChamp]

YouTube is usually a very good idea, it saves a lot of time trying to figure things out.

 

[rh1]

YouTube is usually a very good idea, it saves a lot of time trying to figure things out.

None for my car.

 

[rh1]

Could you please re do it and take some photos for us? Thank You

Will do, the car is 15 years old, so definitely in the next 15 years.

 

[Herr der Verboten]

So I had to replace my wife reverse light switch. Probably 15 minutes work, 1.5 hours unnecessary sukkeling. First getting the connector of the switch, 5 seconds once I figured out how, but I swear I took at least a half n hour figuring it out. Next it is actually unscrewing the switch, which I recommend you get an 1/2 universal joint, which I did not have, so I had to use this. Which is too long so I was limited in my turning movement. I struggled to get a good position. When I finally loosen the switch, I basically had to lift up the socket and reposition so that I can turn it further. Reverse (installing new switch) was a similar pain the butt.

Recommend, you buy the switch before hand, it will help you determine the size of the socket needed. In my case I needed an 21mm deep socket, normal size wont work, I also took it to auto spare shop and confirmed in my case a 21mm socket spanner would not work as it does not clear the top of the switch.

Still it was not worth paying the stealerships to do the job and would probably been easier if I had the 1/2 drive universal joint.

You should have checked her whatsapp(s) first

 

[The_Traveller]

This is knowledge and growth.

Next time you need to do some DIY, it could be much easier.

 

[bwana]

I remember the first time I replaced the bearings on my Captiva. The first side took almost three hours, the other side 15 minutes.

 

[Smugs]

Your wife has a reverse light switch..?? Is this some form of birth control..??

 

[unobeat]

Cars are interesting and some jobs that look easy to DIY can easily take an hour or more because you are doing it for the 1st time.

This reminds me the 1st time i DIY a service(oil, filters, plugs, check fanbelt, brakes, all rear lights that they work and adjust handbrake) which included replacing the tappet cover gasket that was leaking. While the service, i discovered that that my one engine mount was worn out.
I took my time doing the job as i did not want to make mistake as such it took me the whole day, at the end i cleaned the engine bay and watched the car.

I tired after that job but the job was rewarding.
The Uno needs a new clutch kit which i would like to DIY but i have never done a clutch job on any car or even done such a huge job on a car. I am in 2 minds to tackle the job myself, will see.

I enjoy working on cars.

 

[rh1]

Your wife has a reverse light switch..?? Is this some form of birth control..??

Thanks, did not catch it. Sometimes I think she does.

 

[Pineapple Smurf]

Thanks, did not catch it. Sometimes I think she does.

Your first sentence

So I had to replace my wife reverse light switch.

 

[TheChamp]

Cars are interesting and some jobs that look easy to DIY can easily take an hour or more because you are doing it for the 1st time.

This reminds me the 1st time i DIY a service(oil, filters, plugs, check fanbelt, brakes, all rear lights that they work and adjust handbrake) which included replacing the tappet cover gasket that was leaking. While the service, i discovered that that my one engine mount was worn out.
I took my time doing the job as i did not want to make mistake as such it took me the whole day, at the end i cleaned the engine bay and watched the car.

I tired after that job but the job was rewarding.
The Uno needs a new clutch kit which i would like to DIY but i have never done a clutch job on any car or even done such a huge job on a car. I am in 2 minds to tackle the job myself, will see.

I enjoy working on cars.

It's really not as complicated as it was made out to be, what usually gets to you is not having the right tools and working while lying on your back having to balance heavy stuff, otherwise it's not really bad.

Next time mine goes I am also tackling it myself, it helps when you don't need the car for your daily travelling requirements.

 

[unobeat]

It's really not as complicated as it was made out to be, what usually gets to you is not having the right tools and working while lying on your back having to balance heavy stuff, otherwise it's not really bad.

Next time mine goes I am also tackling it myself, it helps when you don't need the car for your daily travelling requirements.

At least i have another to use to get parts and i can afford for the Uno to be off the road while i do the Job.


Yes
Tools are extremely important plus i need to invest in a Torque wrench for the flywheel bolts.

 

[Moto Guzzi]

Whats annoying is to take the engine out, remove both heads to remove an O-ring on a good working Merc V12 engine for an oil leak. Couch engineers can make life difficult believing their perfect creations will never fail.

 

[TheChamp]

Whats annoying is to take the engine out, remove both heads to remove an O-ring on a good working Merc V12 engine for an oil leak. Couch engineers can make life difficult believing their perfect creations will never fail.

That sounds like a chore.

 

[xtm]

Most of the time you break more than fix. This apply to dealership too

 

[upup]

a Friend teached me, every time I am going to do a job and don't have the correct tools, buy it.

 

[upup]

I have found that if the car is in America, you tube will have a fix it video for the job. Americans love to post fix it videos.

 

[TheChamp]

a Friend teached me, every time I am going to do a job and don't have the correct tools, buy it.

A friend taught me, buy all your tools before you even need them, so some time ago I got myself a pair of these.

MAC AFRIC Steel Car Ramp with 2-Ton Garage Jack (each) - Adendorff Machinery Mart

Ramps sold each. 1 unit. Weight Limit: 2 Tons. Min height: 270 mm. Max. Height: 400 mm. Net Weight: 19 kg. Size: 119 x 38 x 31 cm.

www.adendorff.co.za

I just need to get myself a decent electric impact wrench, I have realised that a lot of valuable time is lost undoing bolts, the harder you struggle with them, the more tired you are when you have to do the actual job.