Nope I don't agree. I do see where you are coming from though. BUTt My reasoning being. My 16 year old son is mechanically minded and could (has) changed front pads on a car of similar vintage.But ALLhe could do was what was right there to see.-Undoo bolt,push back piston. slide old pads out,new pads in and bolt back together A mechanic will show the OP to check the "other" stuff you automatically look at whilst under there.-Slides,piston,look at disks for excess grooving.lube where needed ,showthe op the anti rattle plates etc. More importantly explain why you do the other stuff
tigra,
Dec 30, 8:01am
The most important piece of advice in this thread.
johnf_456,
Dec 30, 8:08am
i didn't mean in that context, someone who is a diy mechanic and has done it numerous times not someone that just knows how to use tools basically. So i don't agree.
If you have done out numerous times and follow a workshop manual for when you get stuck you can't go wrong.
Plenty of diy mechanics out there in nz doing work on their own cars, not everyone can afford expensive mechanics rates. I know lots of them, and most know what to look for rather than unbolt, place pad in and bolt up.
llortmt,
Dec 30, 8:15am
'most know what to look for' most that's ok then. 'not everyone can afford expensive mechanics rates' then they should take the bus or walk.
trader_84,
Dec 30, 8:15am
Yeah man.
trader_84,
Dec 30, 8:17am
This has never let me down before and if in doubt - ask on here.
johnf_456,
Dec 30, 8:18am
if you dont know find someone that does to show you. Not a fan of diy I take it.
trader_84,
Dec 30, 8:21am
I reckon so too . and I'm guessing also - that more kiwi's come to grief by drinking and getting behind the wheel than having a go at changing their brake pads and their wheel falls off or something.
a.woodrow,
Dec 30, 8:23am
Have you ever wondered how mechanics learnt how to work on these new fangled automobiles! It all starts learning at home helping dad with the oil changes etc
johnf_456,
Dec 30, 8:24am
yip, like above do one side at a time especially if you have drum brakes for reference. Basic common sense goes a long way.
chebry,
Dec 30, 8:30am
Why should I pay money out on repairs I can easily and competently do myself, its the reason I learned to fix cars they have a habit of developing faults Thousands of Ks from any repair facility. Maybe you should go under a bus
llortmt,
Dec 30, 8:34am
No they need a professional to supervise them; they clearly know VERY little and should thus NOT rely on the untrained 'skill' of a DIY'er as they have no way of assessing said skill. There are plenty of people on here that to the eyes of an amateur talk a good job. (like you right now John) But, as a qualified, experienced professional, I have real concerns (and amusement) at times about/at the ???expert advice??
johnf_456,
Dec 30, 8:34am
Maybe he rides in a bus everyday and is jealous others have cars and enjoy fixing them themselves.
johnf_456,
Dec 30, 8:40am
fyi i am a experienced professional as well. I totally disagree with only qualified professionals working on everything.
As long as its done right there is no problem, diyers like mrfixit are very good with there mechanical skills. Alot of us pick up skills from reading workshop and haynes like manuals and experience over time. Even us mechanics at times are rookies when fronted with a car and problem they haven't seen before.
johnf_456,
Dec 30, 8:40am
fyi i am a experienced professional as well. I totally disagree with only qualified professionals working on everything.
As long as its done right there is no problem. Alot of us pick up skills from reading workshop and haynes like manuals with experience gained over time. Even us mechanics at times are rookies when fronted with a car and problem they haven't seen before.
llortmt,
Dec 30, 8:46am
As I said.
edangus,
Dec 30, 9:00am
The biggest problem with DIY on the family car is if its your only car and you need it. This is sometimes why it is better to pay a professional.
So if it doesn't matter that your vehicle is out of commision for a few days and you have a spare (to go get any parts you may accidently, lose, snap or find broken and in need of repair) then go for it.
I have always done most of my own work on my classics. But they were all daily drivers too, sometimes, no matter how well you plan it, how many parts you have, things can go wrong. Ask any pro.
kazbanz,
Dec 30, 9:10am
Your two statements are contradictory mon. One suggests for example someone who has never changed pads but might (for example) have changed a plug in a lawnmower. The other suggests someone who hasn't any qualifications as such but is experienced at doing pad changes propperly The first person Is who I reacted to -the second would be a darn sight better without doubt. I still feel that"you don't know what you don't know" applies in this situation. Would it be dangerous not cleaning/lubing slides! Or not putting copperkote on the backing plates.Nopebut why not be shown the right way to do the job the first time! Im not saying to pay for it just have someone supervise.so you don't muck it up
master-trader,
Dec 30, 9:28am
Wow, a number of repsonses have come through. thanks for the input.
My next question was going to be re bleeding the brakes and the rotors (!) How often do they usually get machined ! I know it's not a one size fits all question, but was wondering what people had found from experience.
TIA
llortmt,
Dec 30, 9:28am
As you would say John +1
edangus,
Dec 30, 9:34am
I have only machined discs a couple of times (when getting pulsating from pedal) normally I just buy new ones, but when money has been tight, gone for the remachined option. Same with Drums.
If you are doing any brake work, in my honest opinion, you should always bleed the buggars.
mugenb20b,
Dec 30, 9:36am
Oh dear.read the second sentence of post#22.
mugenb20b,
Dec 30, 9:39am
I can't legally hard wire someone's stove, but anyone can work on their own car's brakes.the mind boggles.
OP, how often will you be replacing your own brake pads! Once every few years. The price to change brake pads is around $100, half of that is the price of parts, not really an expense, is it!
johnf_456,
Dec 30, 9:39am
don't name call please
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