Wicked Weasel

Just wanted to say thanks to all the people that respond to threads in the RR section.

I have learned a lot about my car over the last few months. Prior to this I would go to the shop for almost everything, but now I am changing all my fluids, brake pads, rotors and many other things.

For instance last week I bought the pressure bleeder. I would have filled the fluid in there until a suggestion was to replace the old brake fluid in the MC and use the pressure bleeder only to apply the pressure. 1st time out this worked great. Now I can change my brake fluid at my leisure and not wait until there is an open bay at the garage.

I think doing this stuff gives me a better understanding of the car which makes me a better driver on the track.

I know there is still more to learn (and more $$$ to spend) so keep the tips flowing.....

Maineiac

You know how to change rear rotors now......

Wicked Weasel

I am going to practice at home so that I can beat your 10 min change.....


BTW - I am looking into the new Snap-On Cordless impact wrench. I heard the new one (that just came out this month) is really good.

AU N EGL

Doing your own inspections while changing things is a big safty part on the track. Your not going in blind.

Yup one can learn a lot from this section, expect which WAX.

ghoffman

Before you get that one, consider the new 28V Milwaukee Li-ion. I have had the 18v Ni-Cad Milwaukee for 5-6 years now and it has been flawless with more than enough torque for everything I do with it including things like the huge trailer hitch nuts. All Ni-cad batteries have only so many charging cycles, especially if you don't drain them all the way before recharging. Li-Ion batteries are better in that regard, but need to run at higher voltages. Try them both and see what you think before you decide.

Wicked Weasel

not bad $409 @ ToolUp.com

mlongo99

It's also good because when something goes wrong, you can start investigating it, and often find that there is an easy solution. It's a lot better than just going and hauling the car to a shop.

Jason

Here's another thank you to all the big time guys that answer all the dumb questions us beginners can come up with.

95jersey

It becomes a question of necessity. Even if cash was not an issue, taking your car to the shop everytime it needed any little thing would drive you nuts. I find my problem (besides cash) is time (very little of it). This has forced me to do all kinds of stuff I would never attempt at weird hours of the night. Man if I had the shop change my pads and bleed my brakes, I would be signing over my whole paycheck.

Hope to see you at an event soon if I can get my car back on track (speaking of the devil itself). It's soo damn fast now, but I can't keep her on the track long enough to really stretch her legs. It takes me about 3 sessions to get up to full speed and by then, she is broken...

Dirty Howie

You are welcome ......... JUST KIDDING

I too can now do a brake job

And I agree that inspecting ones car before track is imperaitve .... I will do mine as I bleed brakes tonight......gotta hit the track on saturday.


DH

ghoffman

WW, no prob, I'll tell you whatever you want if you tell me who the babe on your website is? Molly Sims? I may be getting married but I'm not blind...

Wicked Weasel

JRD77VET

Glad to hear you liked the car set up and corner balancing at Phoenix

It was definitely worth the drive

Jeff

NoOne

Good for you.

5 years ago I didn't do squat on my car.

Today I do pretty much everything except when time is greater than dollars. Meaning, out of all that I do I still don't do my own oil changes. Too much time, PITA, etc to get the car in the air just for that.

I've learned the right way I think, on other people's cars

Seriously. I have a garage full of tools and am always picking up this and that for specific projects so when friends and coworkers are going to have some overpriced work done I offer to help them and show them instead.

Soon you'll be looking at a hoist

Jason

Anyone mounting their own tires? At what point does it become economical to mount your own?

JRD77VET

Check out prices in your area for mounting http://www.tirerack.com/installer/index.jsp


PHOENIX AUTO CENTER OF PALM, PALM, PA 18070 Overall Customer Rating:
0 Miles Away Vehicles Serviced Mounting & Balancing (per tire) Additional Services (per tire)
Tires: All

Other Products: All
by sidewall aspect ratio
Close | More About Aspect Ratio Rubber Valve Stems: $1.00
35 Series and lower $11.00 Disposal Fee: $2.25
40-45 Series $11.00 Run-Flat Tires Service N/C
50-55 Series $11.00 Light Truck Tires Service N/C
60 Series and higher $11.00 TPMS Service N/C

Kurt at Phoenix is in my backyard. Can't beat $11 a tire

forhamilton

I am also a newbie and appreciate the information and responses.

Undoubtedly, this might be the greatest reason. When you start checking pads, fluids, temps, etc you know how everything was before the event, thus being able to evaluate what has changed.

Thanks!!

Dirty Howie

I found a local place (TireMan):

$15 to mount and balance ...no scratches


DH

AU N EGL

Local place for me too. $11.00 mount and balance. I take my used oil there too, plus state inspections on all the cars.

varkwso

Local place for me - $10 mount and balance. I am looking for a used machine since the travel time is cutting in to my repair time even at $10.

I am headed to finish a clutch job as I type on my 99 FRC - it is amazing what you can do with a little experience and patience. Now if I could just sort out the electrical problem on my ZO6 headlights I would be a happy man.

The amount of quality advice here is quite good