In part two, you'll be introduced to more do-it-yourself opportunities, but please wear safety glasses when working under the hood of the car for replacing the serpentine belt or the radiator hose. Safety glasses will not be required for the window wiper replacement and defogger repair. Nonetheless, make sure to take all safety precautions necessary.
Inspecting and replacing a radiator hose
Tools Required: Proper screwdriver, funnel for coolantThe internal combustion engine generates a substantial amount of heat when producing power. If it weren't for the automobile's cooling system, our engines would be up in smoke in no time. The radiator hose should receive dedicated attention from the do-it-yourself mechanic. There are upper and lower hoses that connect the radiator to the engine. When you pop the hood, they should be easy to locate.
When the engine is cool, the first step to checking the old radiator hose in your car should be to squeeze the hose while looking for any cracks or leaks. Also take note if the hose feels very soft, which could be another sign that the rubber is worn. Next, inspect the hose clamps -- ensure that they are not too loose or too tight. Overly tightened clamps can wear out the hose, causing leaks.
If the hose is worn, start by locating a large pan to place under the radiator's drain. Loosen the drain cock and allow the coolant to empty into the pan. Now, loosen the clamps with a screwdriver and remove the hoses. Twist the hose off the radiator and the engine. Attach the new hoses with the same hose clamps used for the previous hoses. With a 50/50 blend of antifreeze and water, refill the radiator and the coolant reservoir. Start the car to allow the new coolant to circulate, checking for leaks during the process.
Mechanic: $85.00 (labor) + $19.99 (parts) + $9.99 (coolant) = $114.98
DIY: $19.99 (parts) + $9.99 (coolant) = $29.98
Savings: $85.00
Window wiper replacement
Tools Required: Flathead screwdriverYour window wipers (forward and rear) can be a neglected part of your car's performance until the time of a considerable rain or snowfall. When inspecting a vehicle's wipers, look at the rubber blade for any tearing, cracking or discoloration. Also check to see if the wiper's metal frame is bent or damaged.
If you deduce that the window wiper blade needs replacing, purchase a full wiper assembly (frame and blade) since it's cheaper and easier to replace. Be aware that wiper assemblies do vary in size between makes and models. At most reputable auto stores, there will be a parts guide to consult to get the right length for your vehicle.
To remove the old blade, one of four methods will be employed depending on your vehicle. The first one is the bayonet fashion with which an arm holder needs to be lifted off the retaining rivet. The second one is the hook method, which requires a small hook tool (often included with the wiper assembly products) to shift a U-Clip.
The pin-on style needs only for you to press your finger against a spring tab. The fourth type of wiper attachment is the twin-screw variety, which involves two screws and a bracket. All four of these methods are quite simple and can be done very quickly.
Mechanic: $50.00/4 (labor) + $23.98 (parts) = $36.48
DIY: $23.98 (two wipers)
Savings: $12.50
Window defogger
Required tools: Wooden spatula, test light, electrical tapeThere is nothing more irritating than driving a car with steamed-up windows. Commonly found in the rear window of all cars, window defoggers use a series of wires to heat the window so fog and frost will disappear. For a vehicle like a wagon or a minivan, over time your window defogger might have been damaged due to some accidental contact.
To repair the problem, turn on the defogger system and conduct a simple electrical test with a test-light tool to locate the break. Run the light tool across each defogger strip. The light should grow brighter through swiping the tool left to right. If the light stays the same, that heating strip has a problem. Many companies have developed products used to seal the gap within the heating strips in a liquid polymer.
To begin, disconnect the negative cable from the battery. Buff the repair area clean with steel wool and apply the electrical tape above and below the repair area. Apply the repair polymer with the wooden spatula and remove the tape after application. Follow the directions provided with the polymer, but heating may be required.
Mechanic: Repair not normally done by auto shop.
DIY: $10.99 + $2.49 = $13.98
Savings: N/A
Replace serpentine belt
Required Tools: Ratchet with a socket or a box-end wrench, a straight-edge rulerAn inexpensive piece of high-grade rubber, a serpentine belt (or V-belt) is important in synchronizing the major accessories of the vehicle, including the power-steering pump, the alternator, and the air-conditioning. Unlike a multiple belt system, all of these devices run off the crankshaft when the engine is operating, allowing power to be spread appropriately through the series.
Now that we're aware of its role, it should be understood that if this belt fails catastrophic damage to the engine could occur. Inspect the belt for any cracks or missing chunks on the inner ribs. If the cracks are seen within one-eighth of an inch apart, the belt will need replacing.
Before going to work, make sure that you know the pattern of your belt around the pulleys. Sketch out the pattern on a piece of paper unless you can find another reference. To replace the belt, find the belt's manual or an automatic tensioner. In either case, locate the tensioner and turn it counterclockwise with a proper-sized box wrench or ratchet while removing the serpentine belt.
Once the belt is removed, install a new belt specifically matching your vehicle by reversing the removal procedure. With a straight edge ruler, assure that all the pulleys are aligned and that the belt is sitting properly throughout the pulley assembly. For belt tension, make sure that the belt doesn't flex more than a quarter of an inch in areas where the pulley extends seven inches to 11 inches.
Mechanic: $85.00 (labor) + $14.99 (new belt) = $99.99
DIY: $14.99
Savings: $85.00
be your own mechanic
The complexity and ongoing computerization of the modern vehicle is beginning to leave few opportunities for the shade-tree mechanics to do it themselves. These more difficult repairs ought to be performed by a certified mechanic for reasons that were mentioned at the end of part one of this feature. However, as evidenced in this two-part series, a handful of tasks can still be easily accomplished with a little know-how and a little time. Now you can take care of your car -- inside and out.References
http://www.ehow.com/how_1500_check-radiator-hoses.html - radiator
http://www.ehow.com/how_112835_replace-leaking-radiator.html - leaks
http://www.partsamerica.com/ProductDetail.aspx?mfrcode=BOS&mfrpartnumber=40917&parttype=326&ptset=A
http://autorepair.about.com/gi/dynamic/offsite.htm?zi=1/XJ&sdn=autorepair&zu=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.nwb.co.jp%2Fe%2Fencyclo%2Fchenge.html
http://www.aol.com/
http://www.partsamerica.com/
http://www.about.com/
http://www.aa1car.com/
Warren, L and Haynes, J. (1998) General Motors J-Body Automotive Repair Manual. Somerset, England: Haynes Publishing Group
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