The 10 Simplest Repairs You Ought to do Yourself

[Stubby79]

Originally Posted by redpoint5

First time I tackled a rusty brake caliper on my quest to get my dad's motorcycle running again (so I could use it), I installed the piston backwards. No front brake as a light turned to red. Sailed into the intersection sideways with the rear brake locked up. Nobody was there, so I just went on my way. Learned what I had done wrong after tearing it back down.

I didn't do any brake work for the first few years of owning & driving a car...didn't trust myself.

Incompetent/uncaring mechanics who took over a week to do a two-hour job (fuel pump) was the last time I let a tech touch one of my cars. Being without my car for that long, being dicked around and over-charged, was motivation enough to overcome almost any hesitation. Haven't found many jobs since that I'm not up for overcoming.

[Xist]

Everyone says to use a turkey baster to de-baste as much brake fluid as possible before replacing pads, but that was wholly inadequate for me. When a friend said that he was going to replace pads for the first time on his own I recommended de-basting more frequently.

Would you say after compressing each caliper?

Can we agree on checking your brakes before entering traffic?

[redpoint5]

TV often says "don't try this at home, these are professional stunt men". Well, before they were professionals they were amatures.

I can just hear the Wright Brother's mom lecturing them that they aren't certified to operate that thing.

[skyking]

Originally Posted by redpoint5

You have an airplane AND an excavator. I'm green with envy.

One day I will own a mini excavator with rubber tread, and a thumb. Haven't decided if I want to pay extra for an enclosed cab or not.

No idea what I'll do with it yet, but I bet once I have one I'll do everything.

Ahem, *two* excavators in that picture
I use the mini and Mjolnir to repair watches.

[skyking]

Originally Posted by Xist

Everyone says to use a turkey baster to de-baste as much brake fluid as possible before replacing pads, but that was wholly inadequate for me. When a friend said that he was going to replace pads for the first time on his own I recommended de-basting more frequently.

Would you say after compressing each caliper?

Can we agree on checking your brakes before entering traffic?

you should never have to remove fluid, as you should also not be adding it to keep it at the full line as the brakes wear. That lower line is there for a reason, don't fret till it gets there. I have not had a car ever "get there" that did not have a leak.
A complete flushing now and then is a good thing.

[redpoint5]

Originally Posted by skyking

you should never have to remove fluid, as you should also not be adding it to keep it at the full line as the brakes wear. That lower line is there for a reason, don't fret till it gets there. I have not had a car ever "get there" that did not have a leak.
A complete flushing now and then is a good thing.

I've pushed the piston in with the cap off the reservoir, and it sent a stream of fluid about my engine compartment.

Cap loose, but not off.

[skyking]

Precisely! Been there LOL.