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Slow Fit Clutch ClinicWork on my vehicle has been suspended for the past 5 days, Big daughters vehicle came up with a bigger problem. The clutch thrust bearing 'pivot rod' had snapped (At first I didn't know what it was either...lol...). Daughter made enquiries as to the cost of a 'new clutch' being fitted, as at the time that is what we presumed to be the problem, she was given the price of nearly £300 to fit a new clutch. After closer inspection we noticed the 'Pivot rod' had snapped, to replace this rod involved much the same procedure as for repairing a 'clutch', (or so I had been told), removing the gearbox to access the part to repair it. I have never removed a gearbox before let alone fit a new clutch and with no 'workshop manual' available for my daughters vehicle it was quite a foreboding task for Brother-in-law Shane and myself to try and strip and repair the item at fault. After plenty of discussion we agreed that putting the vehicle in for repair would probably finish up costing a fair bit, even if the clutch didn't need doing, so we decided to 'have a go'.
After 2 days, and frequent rain showers, we had managed to remove the gearbox to gain accessibility to the broken rod, it was at this point that it was decided that we should fit a new 'clutch' whilst we was at it, With plenty of Tea/coffee and Smoke breaks, whilst considering our next bit to remove or refit, we eventually managed to replace the broken rod, fit the new clutch and put the vehicle back together. What a good feeling, and a feeling of relieve, when the engine stated first time and all seems to be fine, I say ''seems' because I don't want to have to eat my words within a day of so if something goes wrong...lol...
Daughter gave it a successful test run 'around the block' and seemed well pleased with the result.
It may have taken 5 days to complete, off and on (more off then on,) but it is amazing what can be achieved if you are prepared to 'have a go', and the total cost!!? around £200 for the new parts. We worked it out that to have the 'professionals' replace the item that was broke and to fit a new clutch would have been in the region of £400/£500, the feeling of accomplishment is worth almost as much as that I reckon. Mot TestThe reason for my absence.My vehicle is due it's annual MOT (Ministry of Transport) Test, without the test certificate you cannot tax a vehicle and the tax disc is needed to allow you to use it on the public highway. I have had a busy week preparing said vehicle, I like to know it is roadworthy at all times and am constantly checking that things are right with it. I noticed a few tiny bits of surface rust underneath and patched them up with rust killer, I then decided that I would give the underneath a complete overhaul with 'WaXoil' as I intend to keep my vehicle for a good few years to come. I never realized all the work that this would involve.The good thing about it is that I can get underneath without having to 'Jack' the vehicle up but the, not so good, thing about it is the fact that 'WaXoil' is not 'drip free' and I have been covered with it for the past 3 days, I don't mean I have had this stuff all over me for 3 days, I have had to have a shower each day to wash it off, what I mean is that it has taken me 3 days to complete the job, working between rain showers, Taxi trips, and other essential activities.I still have the oil change to do and then, oil filter, fuel filter and air filter to fit and then a quick check of lights, wipers, tyre pressures, fluids, seat belts, horn, indicators, bearings, brakes etc.. the list goes on... Another week and I might be happy with the result, If it doesn't pass first time I will want to know why...lol...I think I will have earned another day out at the seaside when it is completed, that's if we ever get another full day of sunshine. I could count the whole days of sunshine we have had this summer on 1 hand. Everyone seems to be suffering from extremes in weather this year, next on my list of jobs is to start building my 'ARK' just in case the big flood arrives, If it does it may take me awhile to get round to picking up all my 'space friends' but keep paddling and I'll get there as soon as I can...lol... Best wishes. |
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