Advice on doing some car work myself!

[neil4374]

Hey,
I am needing some advice on the list of jobs I have below.
I would like to know the difficulty level of these jobs. I am not a complete novice and can follow instructions but I am no mechanic!

The jobs I have to do are:

1.Change spark plugs
2.Change ignition leads,
3.Change passenger compartment filter
4. Change 2x belts (Accessory belt, a/c belt) (I have the tool to help fit them)
5.Install catch can
6.Tighten handbrake
7.Install tyre sensors
8.Check brake pads condition- replace if necessary/check noise. Add shims if needed.

The brakes are noisy when braking after about 5 minutes of driving. They work perfectly and the guy that sold me the car which was 6 months ago said dont worry about the noise, he had it checked. The reason is because they are racing brake pads. My brakes are not stock Camaro, they are some AMG callipers. The brakes are really good and stop the car well .There is no vibration through the brake pedal. The pads still have some wear on them.

Any advice is most appreciated

[Bigdumogre]

1- spark plugs are pretty easy just get a few size extensions ,spark plug socket and a swivel
2- leads? Do you mean wires? Just and pull to break them free
3-pollen filter is pretty easy just remove the passenger side wiper cowl
4- the ac belt sucks even with the tool my advise is to watch out for the crank sensor with the tool
5- catch cans take 10 mins just follow the directions to where the hoses connect
6 and 7 have not done
8- the pads slide out so easily and no need to remove the caliper, also you can compress the pistons easily with a screw driver between the pads and the rotor

[davidscamaro]

Other than tire sensors, all easy jobs. Only hard part of tpms sensors is you need a tire machine to break beads

Also you never shim brakes , new pads and rotors if needed

[Vegas Bound]

Originally Posted by davidscamaro

Other than tire sensors, all easy jobs. Only hard part of tpms sensors is you need a tire machine to break beads

Also you never shim brakes , new pads and rotors if needed

This ^^^^^^^^^

[neil4374]

Originally Posted by davidscamaro

Other than tire sensors, all easy jobs. Only hard part of tpms sensors is you need a tire machine to break beads

Also you never shim brakes , new pads and rotors if needed

Thanks for the advice.

[neil4374]

Originally Posted by Bigdumogre

1- spark plugs are pretty easy just get a few size extensions ,spark plug socket and a swivel
2- leads? Do you mean wires? Just and pull to break them free
3-pollen filter is pretty easy just remove the passenger side wiper cowl
4- the ac belt sucks even with the tool my advise is to watch out for the crank sensor with the tool
5- catch cans take 10 mins just follow the directions to where the hoses connect
6 and 7 have not done
8- the pads slide out so easily and no need to remove the caliper, also you can compress the pistons easily with a screw driver between the pads and the rotor

Thanks a lot for the advice.
2. I mean spark plug wires (In the UK there called something else!)

I assume a proper car garage hydraulic ramp is much easier to work on then some cheap ramps that only raise the car 30 inches?

[Vegas Bound]

Originally Posted by neil4374

Thanks a lot for the advice.
2. I mean spark plug wires (In the UK there called something else!)

I assume a proper car garage hydraulic ramp is much easier to work on then some cheap ramps that only raise the car 30 inches?

A commercial lift always makes the work easier but not required for what you want to do. Ramps or jack stands will work as long as you fit under the car. 30" is more than enough room, are you sure you didn't mean to say 30cm? I speak metric and there is a big difference.

Change the engine oil and filter, check the engine air filter(change if needed), check the cabin filter (change as needed), change the spark plugs and HT leads (make sure the plugs are gapped properly), check and top off power steering as needed.

Leave everything else to the pros. You could cause more trouble than what you were trying to save by doing it yourself. Maybe the pros will let you watch and maybe help so you can learn for the future.

[neil4374]

Originally Posted by Vegas Bound

A commercial lift always makes the work easier but not required for what you want to do. Ramps or jack stands will work as long as you fit under the car. 30" is more than enough room, are you sure you didn't mean to say 30cm? I speak metric and there is a big difference.

Change the engine oil and filter, check the engine air filter(change if needed), check the cabin filter (change as needed), change the spark plugs and HT leads (make sure the plugs are gapped properly), check and top off power steering as needed.

Leave everything else to the pros. You could cause more trouble then what you were trying to save by doing it yourself. Maybe the pros will let you watch and maybe help so you can learn for the future.

Hey, yes I meant cm! I don't think I would be able to fit under a 30 cm gap. I love food and beer too much! Is there a way of lifting the car higher off the ground? But not a commercial lift?

I noted what you said to change now and thats the list that I have once I reread the camaro manual!

I will leave the rest to the pros. Definately

[Vegas Bound]

I built these out of 2x4s and some #10 2" deck screws. These and a floor jack give me more than enough room to work under my car. And they are extremely stable.

[neil4374]

They look good. But I still think fitting under there would be hard!!

[Vegas Bound]

Originally Posted by neil4374

They look good. But I still think fitting under there would be hard!!

I'm not a small person and have more than enough room to work while on my back. I can always add layers (additional cut 2x4s and screws) if needed.

[neil4374]

Originally Posted by Vegas Bound

I'm not a small person and have more than enough room to work while on my back. I can always add layers (additional cut 2x4s and screws) if needed.

I hear you. How do you get the car on them? Jack up each wheel and lower back onto the wood wheel by wheel?

[Vegas Bound]

Originally Posted by neil4374

I hear you. How do you get the car on them? Jack up each wheel and lower back onto the wood wheel by wheel?

Jack up the rear by the diff, lower onto the stands. Then use 2 jacks, one on each side, to lift the front onto the stands.

[neil4374]

Originally Posted by Vegas Bound

Jack up the rear by the diff, lower onto the stands. Then use 2 jacks, one on each side, to lift the front onto the stands.

That sounds easy! Thanks