tlo
Active Member
I second that, don`t ask its a long storyI don't like them 3 legged axle stands, you have to be very carefull on how you position them. Also, soft Tarmac is the DIY mechanics enemy.
Col
I second that, don`t ask its a long storyI don't like them 3 legged axle stands, you have to be very carefull on how you position them. Also, soft Tarmac is the DIY mechanics enemy.
Col
I like the idea of wooden blocks. There is no messing about with them. I’ve got a trolly jack as I’m always helping family with punctures etcI've always done all my own spanner work and don't trust anyone to do a job as well as me
I don't use axle stands for supporting vehicles. I use blocks of timber under the sub-frames. These are more stable than stands, and don't chip the paint or dent the underside. Remember that if you use axle stands, you need a trolley jack to go with them. Only lift the complete front or back, which is why the trolley jack is needed.![]()
Don't get cheap tools they are bad for your health the more exexpensive ones pay for themselves however don't get sucked into snap on either. I use teng.
Thank you so much for your input and advice on going under the car. I am drinking in all of this adviceYeh, go for it. When I was young I did bits and pieces on my car, but then just put them into a garage after that. Then got fed up with garages doing a poor job, so decided to do all maintenance myself. I've had my Freelander for 8 years and done all the maintenance on it apart from changing the timing belts. I'm no ninja mechanic, but have kept the old girl reliable and in decent condition. Most jobs on a car don't require an awful lot of knowledge, especially when there's help on the forum, but they do usually require care which you'll give it if you're doing you're own car. Freelanders are very easy cars to work on. You get a bit more space to work in as its a bit bigger than a 'normal' car, but all the bits are 'car' bits rather than big heavy cumbersome 4WD truck type bits. Its a good combo for working on them.
As for the axle stands, like most things, nobody knows what to do with them when they first need to use them in anger. Just ask around for advice. I've had my car up on axle stands on numerous occasions and it still scares me a bit. I won't get under the car if its on axle stands if I can help it - I will either drive (or jack) the car onto blocks (I use paving blocks but search hippo ramps!) or use my inspection pit (I'm lucky to have one). I try to only use axle stands when doing stuff like brakes when I'm working side on to the car. Even then, I'll still have both my trolly jacks supporting bits and the wheels below the sills
As said, you'll get a great deal of satisfaction from it, even if getting to that point may be fraught at times, and you'll save yourself a load of cash. I think of it as one of my hobbies - which it is.
Oh yes I forgot tools.... I’ve got loads of Aldi and Lidl tools. I searched ‘teng’ and there are loads. Mind if I do a couple of services they will be paid for.Don't get cheap tools they are bad for your health the more exexpensive ones pay for themselves however don't get sucked into snap on either. I use teng.
Definitely.Mind if I do a couple of services they will be paid for.
VCU, IRD, propshaft.Then once you find out you quite enjoy tinkering with the car, you come across a stumbling block that nothing's broke! So you start heading to the breakers yard or go online to buy bits to improve the car - be they roof rails, consoles, lights, reversing mirrors with lights
I did use the word "improve"VCU, IRD, propshaft.
Cough, splutter
Mike
Depending on the vintage..
The hose kit looks decent where did you get them from?if you don’t mind me askingStarting to get excited. All the bits are arriving. Few more to come and I can get cracking eek