HOWTO Execute a successful automotive project
Introduction
This is about how to successfully plan and execute an automotive project
Research
This is the most important part – make sure you understand the scope of the project and what you are dealing with.
Helpful resources for detailed service information
- MichiganELibrary (mel.org) AutoMate
This is the first resource you should consult - it’s a detailed (paid subscription) database which every michigan resident has access to through the michigan eLibrary
- Charm.li (open-sourced service manuals for vehicles up to ~2013 model year)
- Youtube and online forums – video vlogs of repairs from professionals and DIYers
- Your vehicle is one of thousands made, chances are that the repair/issue you are trying to fix has been encountered and solved before - search engines are your friend.
- Understand the repair process:
- Have you done a similar project before?
- Does this task require specialized equipment?
- Heavy lifting?
- How much time does it take a novice vs a pro?
- Ask a friend for their opinion, or a fellow i3 member on #cartalk.
Do a dry run - try and walk through the repair with the vehicle in your driveway, try to locate the components/locations on the vehicle that you plan to work on (using a YouTube video as reference). Sometimes it’s worth looking a step beyond your repair so that
Understanding Risk
Before you invest more time and money, examine the risks associated with your planned repair/project. This section may seem all doom-and-gloom, but it is not meant to dissuade you – almost the opposite. By understanding and managing risk, you increase the chances of succeeding in a DIY repair and expanding the horizons of what you can take on and accomplish yourself. Risk can come in many forms – your personal safety, the health of your automobile, missing work, losing time and money, space/lift being inoperative. A good example: you arrive at the space ready to do an oil change, but you notice that there is no kitty litter/oil absorbent – you take 15 minutes to drive to Meijer and pick some up, potentially saving you from having to run around looking for litter AFTER you’ve spilt oil (and your car is likely still on the lift). Mistakes can happen while working on your car – a stripped bolt or nut, a broken off fastener or busted hose, a rusted fastener that refuses to come loose, an oil or coolant spill.
A good strategy is to know when to walk away/understand if the repair is reversible. Most repairs can be broken down into 3 stages: 1) disassembly/part removal, 2) repair/replacement and 3) reassembly/part installation. All vehicles are designed for serviceability – meaning that most parts can be removed without needing to be destroyed – in case you run into a hurdle during your repair, you can often reverse course and put back the vehicle exactly as it was before.
It’s not a bad idea to take time to reflect on what went wrong, find the right tools/methods/information you need to succeed - and then take another crack at it!
In order of severity: Vehicle inop & stuck on lift > Vehicle inop and rolling on ground > Vehicle can limp/move around under its own power > Vehicle exactly as it was before
Try to plan ahead for when things go wrong – have a friend on speed dial to grab parts from a parts store, or drive you home in case things really go wrong. Last but not least, remember that you are working in a shared space – if you are going to fail, fail loudly and let #cartalk know your project isn’t going to plan! Best case, someone is can help get you back on track with advice/a helping hand and you walk out with a completed project looking wiser and more experienced. Worst case, you get some extra time to get your project over the line, or back on the ground – you can get some rest and take another shot at it tomorrow.
Parts
Understanding what parts you need
Your first stop should be the parts catalog on the website of the manufacturer (also known as the OEM or Original Equipment Manufacturer) of your vehicle, typically something like parts.ford.com – typically contains parts diagrams and lists of part numbers.
Where to find parts
Parts sold by the OEM are often on the expensive side, but have robust quality control – but may not be the only option. The majority of components that go into a car are not built by the OEM themselves, but by outside suppliers.
| OEM Parts | OEM Supplier Parts/Premium Brands | Generic aftermarket parts |
|---|---|---|
| e.g. Ford Motorcraft, Mopar, GM service parts, etc | e.g. Denso, ACDelco, Continental, Bosch, Brembo, etc | e.g. Moog, Dorman, Autozone/Advance/O’reilly brands, no-name amazon brands |
| Good quality and warranty support | Quality similar to OEM, less local support | Manufactured to same specs as OEM, but quality and support vary |
| Sold by dealerships | Internet/big box auto stores | Online – Amazon, RockAuto |
| $$$ | $$ | $ |
Consult the table above while making decisions on what parts to order – please consider if the part in question is critical to safety, as well as the time it will take for you to receive the part.
Note: the above data is just a high-level suggestion - as always, things may vary depending on the type of part, make/model of car, etc. - do your research!
Reserve Time on Lift/Required Equipment
While researching the repair, make a note of the tools noted/required for the job – are all of them available at i3? Be familiar with the contents of the toolboxes – your vehicle may need unique tools (e.g. 12-point/triple square bits are often used on german vehicles) that you need to buy/borrow beforehand. Auto parts stores often have equipment and tools that can be loaned for up to a week. Working in the automotive zone at i3 does not require a reservation, but is highly recommended. Plan ahead and book out time on the lift, otherwise you run the risk of someone with a reservation showing up and asking you to get off the lift just as you are 3 hours into a 6-hour job. Good practice is also to bake in a little bit of flex time between reservations on the lift – if XYZ has the lift reserved for a brake job from 10am-12 noon, consider starting your reservation at 12:30. Similarly, be realistic with the amount of time you need on the lift – 5 hours might be too much for a tire rotation, and too little for an engine swap. Reach out to your Zone Coordinator/board if you need a longer reservation.
Consider budgeting extra time if you are unfamiliar with aspects of the repair -
Are you certified on the lift/other equipment you need to use? Reach out to a trainer well in advance, ideally when you are in the planning phase. Be familiar with the operation of the lift and the jacking points of your vehicle – take plenty of time to ensure that the lift is engaging the jacking points and the vehicle is stable.
Carrying out the repair
Check the calendar before you drive over – in case there is a reservation prior to yours, it’s a good idea to reach out and ask them if their project is going according to plan – nobody wants to show up and twiddle their thumbs for an hour.
(to be completed)