![]() |
Driver side rear end torn all the way down after the components were damaged from high heat. |
While I was in there I also replaced the splash shield (shockingly, the dealership had this item in stock! The first time ever). So the whole process went like this:
- Remove wheel
- Remove brake caliper
- Remove rotor
- Remove hub nut (after locating my old VW hub nut socket!)
- Pull hub assembly (used jaw pullers)
- Unbolt stub axle
- Get the &*@#$!ing bearing race off without damaging the stub axle (I used air chisel. It was fast but delicate work.)
- Replace splash shield
- Reinstall stub axle
- Install new hub
- Install new hub nut
- Reinstall rotor (it was only a little warped, acceptable).
- Repair and grease caliper pins
- Reinstall caliper
- Install new brake pads
- Install wheel
I did this all in under 2 hours, as I needed to get my car back on the road in a hurry so I could return the trailer I had borrowed. Then I finished building a deck.
On a philosophical note.
I've spent a lot more time this summer working on my house instead of the car. The work wasn't really that hard (I didn't have to figure out how to drill out a single rusty bolt), and now we have a beautiful kitchen and a new deck. I have a great feeling of accomplishment and something that I can share with our friends and family. Really got me thinking. If I put half the amount of labor I put into my car into my house, I would end up with something that is actually worth money in the end. Meanwhile, my car just sucks money and time and, if I'm lucky (and determined enough), I am left with a car that will get me around. I looked at my car log, and the amount of money I've been putting into it for parts alone would pretty much justify the payments on a $20K auto loan. Add to that the fact that I'm really getting tired of dropping everything so I can lose an entire morning, afternoon, day, or days working on my 12-year-old car. Even though I love my car, I think the time has come for me to trade up to something that I can "just drive". When I got my Golf TDI, they were very difficult to come by, but the new ones are pretty easy to find and absolutely drool-worthy. I've also considered getting a Prius, as they are loaded with tech opportunity. They get similar mileage, but they run on gas which is cheaper than diesel (at least it has been for about 10 years). I wouldn't have the option of running on vegetable oil, but it's been quite a while since I've done that, and I probably won't have time to do it again.
Anyway, just something I'm considering. I'm not in a hurry to do anything yet, and as it happens it looks like the crop of cars I found interesting on Craigslist has sort of dried up. Meanwhile. my inspection is due and I have a coolant temp sensor to replace. So for now, tune into the next episode!
No comments:
Post a Comment