Repair Tips, Short-Cuts - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

haasman · #1 03-10-2003, 10:13 PM

Thinking of the wealth of knowledge this site’s members have, let's post our favorite repair tips, short-cuts, tricks etc.
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Here are some of my favorites:

Differential oil changes: Remove the filler bolt first, if you can't get that out to refill, don't bother removing the drain bolt.

Lubricating a hard to reach part: Dip a long screw driver into the lubricant and then let it dribble down the shaft to the spot you need to reach.

Bolts/nuts falling out of socket when trying to attach in a hard to reach spot: Put a spot of heavy grease on the bolt/nut then insert it into the socket, it will be held temporarily.

Broken radiator or coolant hose - out on the road: Most major parts chains now sell coolant repair kits (about $5) consisting of insert collars of different sizes along with hose clamps and glue. Cut the leaking hose in 1/2, insert the collar, secure with glue and clamp. Not elegant but good enough to get you home or to a source for the proper hose.

Keep us posted,

Haasman

Kestas · #2 03-11-2003, 09:06 AM

- Use Neversieze on ANY fastener threaded into aluminum. This saves a world of trouble later on.

- Use silicone (dielectric) grease at any underhood electrical connection to keep the moisture out.

- Polish underhood ground connections when they look suspect.

- Always install seals and o-rings wet with parent fluid, i.e., brake fluid when installing brake seals, a film of grease on grease seals, etc.

- Use ONE drop of oil on each wheel stud before installing wheel back on car. Use torque wrench on bolts.

- Take pictures or make drawings before undertaking complicated repairs. Bag and label fasteners, parts. Never rely on memory.

haasman · #3 03-11-2003, 11:00 AM

Thought of another one, this one from this site:

When removing the instrument cluster and trying to get your hand to the back to unscrew the speedo cable: disconnect the speedo cable at the trans. This will create enough slack to pull the cluster forward enough.

Keep us posted,

Haasman

Zeus · #4 03-11-2003, 11:57 AM

Always have a 6-pack of ice cold beer on hand for any major repair job, preferably German or Belgian lager. If possible, have a pretty blonde present to hand the beer to you when needed, especially when your greasy hand slips off the 3/8 ratchet driver and you skin your knuckles on the cylinder head...NOTE: Knuckle skinning may require, in addition to several swigs of lager, a shot of single malt scotch.

A serious tip - To retrieve dropped and/or lost miscellaneous small metal objects within the engine compartment - use a small, but powerful magnet (Lee Valley Tools sells an excellent 1cm magnet that I swear could hold two cars together) attached to a length of string. This has saved my butt many a time...

G-Benz · #5 03-11-2003, 12:02 PM

Replacing serpentine belt.

Removing the three allen bolts on the fan will allow sufficient room to gain access to the belt for removal. No need to disassemble the fan assembly.

Also don't forget the disconnect the ground lead from the battery prior to performing any underhood work.

It's considered a shortcut if you don't have to detour your original repair effort to replace some expensive electrical component.

haasman · #6 03-13-2003, 12:15 PM

Here's another one:

Mounting a wheel: I always try to move the bolt hole on the wheel hub to the 12 o'clock position. I then make sure the wheel bolt hole is the same. With driveway repairs aligning the lug bolt holes while holding up a wheel and tire can be maddening.

Also try using a large phillips screw driver to help align the lug bolt and the hub hole.

Haasman

schumi · #7 05-12-2005, 10:35 AM

I'm not sure you realize this, but there is a tool in the toolkit that screws into a wheel bolt hole that is used to hang the wheel from when changing tires. It is made of aluminum with threads at one end.

Quote:

Originally Posted by haasman

Here's another one:

Mounting a wheel: I always try to move the bolt hole on the wheel hub to the 12 o'clock position. I then make sure the wheel bolt hole is the same. With driveway repairs aligning the lug bolt holes while holding up a wheel and tire can be maddening.

Also try using a large phillips screw driver to help align the lug bolt and the hub hole.

Haasman

lyonstexas · #8 05-12-2005, 11:21 AM

When working on front fan, tensioner, water pump, etc. cut a piece of cardboard to place against the radiator fins to prevent damaging them.
Tim

Randy · #9 05-13-2005, 02:41 PM

Get the leaves out of the double firewall! Now!
You don't want to go where you are going if you have an accumulation of flammables in the double firewall.

Randy · #10 05-13-2005, 02:43 PM

Check for rust periodically; moisture accumulates underneath and behind the weatherstrip, and the steel flange which helps hold the weatherstrip will be corroded away before you find it.
If found rusty, carefully remove weatherstrip, clean and remove rust; use rust converter then paint; allow paint to dry before replacing weatherstrip.

dieselgirl85300D · #11 03-22-2016, 10:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by schumi

I'm not sure you realize this, but there is a tool in the toolkit that screws into a wheel bolt hole that is used to hang the wheel from when changing tires. It is made of aluminum with threads at one end.

Ive always rested the tire on my feet to align the tire with the bolt holes, that way you can lift when needed and have two hands free

Rob Pruijt · #12 03-09-2012, 03:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by haasman

Here's another one:

Mounting a wheel: I always try to move the bolt hole on the wheel hub to the 12 o'clock position. I then make sure the wheel bolt hole is the same. With driveway repairs aligning the lug bolt holes while holding up a wheel and tire can be maddening.

Also try using a large phillips screw driver to help align the lug bolt and the hub hole.

Haasman

I keep 1ft long M12 rod with the spare.
Screw it in, slide the wheel over it and fasten the bolds (remove for the last one).

Rob

haasman · #13 12-28-2012, 02:19 AM

With LED bulbs coming within reason, I've started using them on brake lights and turn signals. Wow, the increased respect in rush hour commuter is amazing. I also changed the license plate bulbs but found a lot of them are too bright.

Try 'em, you'll like 'em.

Haasman

afmcorp · #14 03-13-2003, 03:10 PM

mechanic rules i use before attempting any automotive repair.

1. rule one: obey all rules

2. rule two: obey rule number 1

3. (the most important rule) before starting any job that requires a bolt or nut or socket head to be turned... the aforesaid mechanic must make an offering to the knuckle gods by placing his good hand (either right or left and both hands if he's ambidextrous) on his or her shop vise and using a 16oz ball pein hammer strike down onto said hand (s) with sufficent force as to break the skin and cause bleeding (not so much as to keep from continuing to work) but a knuckle buster that he or she will be forced to live with for 7 days after said project has been completed.

Extra points are given for loss of nail or blood spatter....shows initiative and aptitude for following directions

4. at some point during said project the mechanic (that's you) must toss, throw or fatally damage 1 part. said part must be part of a larger assembly but must not be available without purchasing the whole assembly. (this rule is meant to punish your wallet)

5. again at some point during said project the mechanic must step out to the driveway and shout so all can hear. I DON'T NEED NO STINKING INSTRUCTIONS. thus proving your better half's assertions that you're crazy for doing this job yourself. why not give it to someone who knows how to do it right. (again insulting your abilities and hurting your pride)

loud sobbing is worth extra points here also but...neighbors must be able to hear your crying from 2 doors down in either direction. double bonus points if the neighbors across the street and down 3 houses in either direction hears your crying.

so you see folks these rules are to punish your heart, mind, body and soul. all of the above rules are mandatory when working on any automotive project.

PS. anytime your better half walks out to ask "how are you doing" regardless of the situation you must chant these words for them to hear. "PIECE OF CAKE" maybe i'll just start to fix all our cars.

aldedmon · #15 03-13-2003, 04:48 PM

Ahhhhhhhhh, you're killin me! That was me last weekend when I installed the Kmac camber bushings. I was holding the cold chiesel , removing the old bushing, when suddenly I remembered that I had not made that obligatory offering and decided what the heck, why not make it now. And so I did...WHAMO! Hammer to Thumb. Then I felt much much better having gotten rid of all my sinner thoughts of pride and self accomplishment.