Shocks and brakes

[mrfixit]

There is more to a man doing his own work, than simply saving his money or his machismo. Not only do you KNOW you've done it "By the book" with a quality manual by your side, but you also take the time to look beyond the simple procedure, looking over other components that you might not have the time or even opportunity to look at otherwise.
There are steering knuckles, bushings and potential leaks to be spotted that the Brake Shop might not either notice or mention since it might be out or their realm of service. To me, THAT is far riskier than turning it over to the corner brake shop just because it seems a little intimidating.
No doubt, there are fine shops and mechanics all over. I have a couple that I would trust with anything. But the truth of the matter is, these guys are booked solid. Why? because they have EARNED the very reputation I speak of and the respect I hold for them.
That being said, if you can book the appointment, and can get by leaving your vehicle, it's not a BAD idea to use competent mechanics in critical areas where your, my, OUR expertise falls off. I, for one, will not mess with the inner workings of an automatic transmission, not just because I haven't DONE it.... I have watched one rebuilt from the valve body on up and realized in that moment I do not have the patience or ability to keep all those balls, springs, clips, clutch rings etc in order and so neat and clean as a pro. But I WILL pull it out and take it TO him~!
Brakes are not so complicated. If you can take your time, follow instructions, and listen to the advice here on FTF you can do this and more. Just make sure to ask a lot of questions of trusted associates... AHEM... you will find them here.

 

[03Explorer]

There is more to a man doing his own work, than simply saving his money or his machismo. Not only do you KNOW you've done it "By the book" with a quality manual by your side, but you also take the time to look beyond the simple procedure, looking over other components that you might not have the time or even opportunity to look at otherwise.
There are steering knuckles, bushings and potential leaks to be spotted that the Brake Shop might not either notice or mention since it might be out or their realm of service. To me, THAT is far riskier than turning it over to the corner brake shop just because it seems a little intimidating.
No doubt, there are fine shops and mechanics all over. I have a couple that I would trust with anything. But the truth of the matter is, these guys are booked solid. Why? because they have EARNED the very reputation I speak of and the respect I hold for them.
That being said, if you can book the appointment, and can get by leaving your vehicle, it's not a BAD idea to use competent mechanics in critical areas where your, my, OUR expertise falls off. I, for one, will not mess with the inner workings of an automatic transmission, not just because I haven't DONE it.... I have watched one rebuilt from the valve body on up and realized in that moment I do not have the patience or ability to keep all those balls, springs, clips, clutch rings etc in order and so neat and clean as a pro. But I WILL pull it out and take it TO him~!
Brakes are not so complicated. If you can take your time, follow instructions, and listen to the advice here on FTF you can do this and more. Just make sure to ask a lot of questions of trusted associates... AHEM... you will find them here.

He can do them if he would like but I think he should have someone who knows what they are doing there to make sure everything is going correctly.

 

[mrfixit]

It was more just my rambling thoughts. Not directed at any one person!

I had the wonderful opportunity of my father always there, at hand, with his voice still echoing in my ears:
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Don't do THAT!!!!​

 

[Brian_B]

Some people have fond memories of learning automotive work. Mine is not quite so fond. I bought my first car at 14 (paper route money). I either fixed it or rode the bus all through high school. Plus I was working. Walking to work from school was not an option.

I learned what little I know from books.

Dad is very mechanical...he just does not play well with others back then .

Yes...I learned some from him (like automatic transmissions), but not much at all as far as basic repair and maintenance.

 

[Blue Goose]

Perhaps you should have professional do it. After all you would be messing with the breaks.

On the love of your life's car....

 

[slmann]

guess I know where I stand now.

 

[mrfixit]

I did the love of my life's car. Put ultra-quiet ceramic pads on the front, shoes and bearings in the rear. hardest part was getting the throughput shaft for the rear wheels to line up the Abs ring within 1 mm of the sensor. But again, I've done brakes before.

 

[Blue Goose]

I did the love of my life's car. Put ultra-quiet ceramic pads on the front, shoes and bearings in the rear. hardest part was getting the throughput shaft for the rear wheels to line up the Abs ring within 1 mm of the sensor. But again, I've done brakes before.

Did Mrsfixit find out???? j/k

 

[mrfixit]

Heck, she was the project super....

 

[Brian_B]

On the love of your life's car....

I did the love of my life's car........

Remember the cartoon I posted? The love of my life is a car..well truck anyway.

I am currently working on the brakes...on the love of my life.


I guess that is not the same thing.

 

[mrfixit]

sounds.......disturbing....

 

[03Explorer]

So I drove the Explorer for several hours this weekend going to and from Branson and I now agree the BEAST needs new shocks. I can live without the E-Brake but the shocks need some replacing. I think I will start a hunny-do list.

 

[slmann]

Then next St. Louis area get together might be in my garage.

 

[03Explorer]

Then next St. Louis area get together might be in my garage.

That's funny, that is what I was thinking.

 

[Brian_B]

So I drove the Explorer for several hours this weekend going to and from Branson and I now agree the BEAST needs new shocks. I can live without the E-Brake but the shocks need some replacing. I think I will start a hunny-do list.

If you saw what was holding the entire weight of your vehicle inside the transmission, not only would you get the E-brake fixed immediately, but you would use it every time you parked.

They parking "pawl" is not large and they do break. Just think of your kids or pets rolling off across a parking lot or somone else who does not fix/use theirs hurting your kids.

Or prehaps your brake booster or master cylinder goes out while driving down the interstate at 70 MPH. Now...without the Emergency brake, you have no way of stopping the vehicle.

To me...worn shocks are a non issue compared to the E-brake.

 

[BKW]

Rule of thumb. Always set the parking brake when parking on a slope, before putting the vehicle in park. When you put the vehicle in park first, the vehicle has a tendency to roll about 4-6 inches, and that's all it takes to snap off the parking pawl.

 

[mrfixit]

And if you're going to go so far as to do the brakes, might as well do the ebrake as well.
I can only imagine what would happen were we all to be there at once, tho...

 

[blacksnapon]

And if you're going to go so far as to do the brakes, might as well do the ebrake as well.
I can only imagine what would happen were we all to be there at once, tho...

Ever see 6 guys standing around changing a tire?

 

[mrfixit]

As a matter of fact, I have...

It wasn't pretty.

 

[03Explorer]

I actually have tried not to use my e-brake since Scott's froze in the driveway and we had to defrost it with my hair dryer. I don't always carry my hair dryer with me. I do use it sometimes but not very often. I knew you were suppose to use it when parking on hills but I didn't know that you should always use your e-brake when you park.

To pass a safety inspection doesn't your e-brake have to work properly? I'm just wondering if my brake didn't work how it passed inspection.