ask any mechanical engineer how difficult it is to replace your own brake pads and rotors and they'll say it's as easy as cake. ask a software engineer? quite the contrary.
i've been slowly learning more about my car. off the bat i knew this 2004 .:R32 was kick ass (240hp, AWD, 6-cylinder naturally aspirated) but every time i learn something new about molly i build a deeper appreciation for her, and that includes maintenance.
i've got the oil changes down, replaced the haldex oil and filter once but brakes was nothing i dared to try. that is, until i got an estimate from a trusty mechanic shop. i've seen brake pads replaced before but could i really change the pads and rotors myself? it's like doing heart surgery on a patient without finishing medical school. i didn't feel ready.
the hardest obstacle for me when starting car maintenance is the arm strength it requires. having a breaker bar is effective (majority of the time) but there are times when i'm just stuck. i'm so afraid of being in a position where i won't be able to complete the job because i couldn't untighten a bolt or whatever. so for this job, i had a man friend with me to play the part of my teacher and doubled as my backup arms. please note, i have upped my arm workout since.
when the job was complete, molly had new mintex brake pads and OEM rotors installed. i could NOT believe how easy it was to do. i felt like i was ready to teach a brake changing class! car maintenance seems so intimidating and complex but really, everything's so logical. it's so crazy how the unknown can be so scary.
up next: rear sway bar (a birthday gift), another haldex oil change, clay bar and wax
2 comments:
only part of car maintenance or any related work is the getting to drink beer part. you better have had something nearby!
haha, you look adorable!
why didn't you post this a week ago? i just spent $400 changing the rotor and pads on ed's car. oh well, next time...we're coming to you! :)
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