DIY Car Maintenance with function over finesse!!

[myglaren]

Frustrating but a good decision to let fully equipped mechanics take care of the awkwardness.

[mickthemaverick]

Hopefully it will turn out that way Steve but the fact is I don't have a trusted garage to turn to as I have always done my own work. I have all the equipment they have, except the lift of course, which will make the difference. However I am mainly concerned about not having a disabled car on my drive as SWMBO would not be at all happy about that!!

[myglaren]

That would be a bit of a disaster. Access to a lift would be handy but as few of us have that then best to take i to someone who has.
I used to do all my own maintenance and repairs too but got out of that habit a few years back, although I have been known to check oil and replace light bulbs.
I'm fortunate in having a very good garage to take care of the oily bits, a Polish proprietor who is Citroen trained, not that I have a Citroen but eldest daughter still has (bought from him too).

[Gibbo2286]

Hopefully it will turn out that way Steve but the fact is I don't have a trusted garage to turn to as I have always done my own work. I have all the equipment they have, except the lift of course, which will make the difference. However I am mainly concerned about not having a disabled car on my drive as SWMBO would not be at all happy about that!!

Should have got SWMBO to come and undo it for you.

[mickthemaverick]

Should have got SWMBO to come and undo it for you.

Now why didn't we think of that?

[MattBLancs]

Suppose a counter point: how much is the rear diff cover (maybe second hand) ?
as you could have a replacement ordered incase you did crack the current one.

Know how you feel when "just take it to your usual garage" is a non starter when YOU are the usual "garage"

[MattBLancs]

Not sure if the diesel diff is different to the petrol, but a full diff, £78 is best I could find

https://ebay.us/m/Rm24A6

[mickthemaverick]

Suppose a counter point: how much is the rear diff cover (maybe second hand) ?
as you could have a replacement ordered incase you did crack the current one.

Know how you feel when "just take it to your usual garage" is a non starter when YOU are the usual "garage"

If I didn't have the drive blocking problem I could have gone down that path but even then the top two bolts on the diff are inaccessible without removing the exhaust and anti roll bar so it turns into a real hassle just for an oil change!!

[Stickyfinger]

With all the trouble this car is causing Mick, you should have bought a C5x7

[mickthemaverick]

It hasn't given me any trouble other than the plug seals last year. Everything else I've done has been improving the ride out of choice and service maintenance..I replaced the diff oils in 2021 at 80k and so due now as it approaches 160k. Been a great car and I intend to run it for a long time yet. Besides which I couldn't find an affordable C5 with all the features this car has!!

[MattBLancs]

.I replaced the diff oils in 2021 at 80k and so due now as it approaches 160k.

Ah ha! So, cheekily, I feel necessary to ask

Spoiler: show

why did you do the drain plug up so tight last time, Mick?

Torqued to spec Matt, 34 iirc

[CitroJim]

At that point I decided it was not wise to go any further due to the danger of cracking the diff casing if I got too adventurous and with the car half in the garage and blocking access I simply did not want to risk it. So I made the decision for once to take it to a garage to have the fluids replaced and swallow the cost on the basis that if they damage it they will have to replace it!! So we packed up, cleaned up and went out for lunch!!

As you say Steve, a very wise decision...

The lunch was exceedingly good and it was great to see you Mick and B

The drive home was epic. There was so much surface water about it was almost akin to sailing at times

Despite that, I chose my time well as no congestion, even through Hitchin and the Clophill roundabout on the A6. That roundabout, despite a million pound redesign and rebuild last year, just does not work. Luckily, both times I was going against the main flow of traffic; the opposite direction had some very significant queues.

[mickthemaverick]

I have just returned from dropping my car into Highline Autos in Hertford who are going to change the oils for me. It is the first time I have taken a car to a garage other than MOTs and I find myself a bit nervous that they will do a proper job!! Given their speciality work and general feedback on the website I hope so!!

[mickthemaverick]

I received a call at 11.00 and walked down to collect the car. All done with no issues, samples of each used oil in my little bottles and the left over gear oil back in the crate I had left all the fluids in. Excellent service, nice people and only £89 an hour + VAT. They had the car for 3 hours and charged me for 2. It now drives even smoother with imperceptible gear changes and very smooth power delivery

[MattBLancs]

Excellent