Author Topic: Fixed two cars in a week  (Read 1770 times)

ontheheel

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Fixed two cars in a week
« on: November 20, 2017, 01:13:11 PM »
My wife's 2004 Odyssey started groaning when turning the wheel, and was growing worse until I decided to fix it. What was supposed to be a simple rebuild of the power steering pump ended with me losing all power steering and the purchase of a new pump. Popped the new one in and all steering woes are now in the rearview mirror! Total cost was $140 (including the failed rebuild).

My 1999 Jeep Wrangler broke down on the side of the road the other night because of a clogged radiator (always do the required maintenance on your vehicles). While I had the radiator out, I replaced the thermostat, ECT sensor, and thermostat because there was just so much sediment in the system. Flushed and filled it and got back on the road for about $200.

It was an expensive week for car repairs, but luckily they are rare. Also, the total cost of my repairs was half of what my peers spend every month on car payments, and not much more than the cost of just having a dealer LOOK at the cars. Feeling pretty good.

GettingClose

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Re: Fixed two cars in a week
« Reply #1 on: November 20, 2017, 04:35:16 PM »
Nice work

Melf

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Re: Fixed two cars in a week
« Reply #2 on: November 20, 2017, 05:34:37 PM »
Great work!  Had to replace a power steering pump and high pressure hose on my 02 Maxima and rebuild the pump on our 02 MDX not long ago.  It's a good feeling to be able to do that kind of work on your own and save money.

Car Jack

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Re: Fixed two cars in a week
« Reply #3 on: November 22, 2017, 08:37:35 AM »
DIY is the way to go.  I have found that when I let someone else work on my car, I'm often disappointed that the job isn't done right or things are left incomplete.  I'll only bring a car in for something I simply cannot do.

With that radiator swap, you might want to drain the coolant from the lower hose in a month or so into a clean container.  Look for crap in it that could have accumulated in the system and not come out with the flush.  If nothing....great!  If something, then perhaps flush again and then button it back up.

ontheheel

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Re: Fixed two cars in a week
« Reply #4 on: November 27, 2017, 05:20:42 PM »
DIY is the way to go.  I have found that when I let someone else work on my car, I'm often disappointed that the job isn't done right or things are left incomplete.  I'll only bring a car in for something I simply cannot do.

With that radiator swap, you might want to drain the coolant from the lower hose in a month or so into a clean container.  Look for crap in it that could have accumulated in the system and not come out with the flush.  If nothing....great!  If something, then perhaps flush again and then button it back up.


Great tip, thanks for the head's up. I'll definitely do that. It's still running crystal clear, but I'll be sure to check it in a few weeks.

Slee_stack

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Re: Fixed two cars in a week
« Reply #5 on: December 13, 2017, 02:33:41 PM »
Change an evap purge valve and addressed a poor coolant sensor this week, and fixed an A-pillar squeak in one vehicle this week.

Purge valve prices varied from $20 to $80.  Bought the $20 one and removed its bracket.  fit just peachy.  Annoying how basically identical parts can be priced so differently!

The coolant sensor requires a whole expansion tank replacement since its integrated ($100 - $140).  Honestly, checking fluid levels is not that challenging for me (is it really for anyone?).  Instead I installed a jumper to cut the warning light.  I'm good with checking the expansion tank fluid level on occasion myself.  I'll give in and buy a tank if I start spotting leaks elsewhere.


Paid to have tires put on our other car.  I'm not so good at DIY tire mounting  :D   Also tried to track down a rattle, but haven't found it yet.

Oh well, one for two this week!
« Last Edit: December 13, 2017, 02:36:49 PM by Slee_stack »