Freelander 1 Newbie fed up with garages ripping me off

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I don't like them 3 legged axle stands, you have to be very carefull on how you position them. Also, soft Tarmac is the DIY mechanics enemy.

Col
I second that, don`t ask its a long story :oops:but welcome to the club they are a friendly bunch on here and don`t bite much.... unlike my hippo:mad::D
 
I've always done all my own spanner work and don't trust anyone to do a job as well as me

I don't use axle stands for supporting vehicles. I use blocks of timber under the sub-frames. These are more stable than stands, and don't chip the paint or dent the underside. Remember that if you use axle stands, you need a trolley jack to go with them. Only lift the complete front or back, which is why the trolley jack is needed. ;)
I like the idea of wooden blocks. There is no messing about with them. I’ve got a trolly jack as I’m always helping family with punctures etc

Many thanks
 
Don't get cheap tools they are bad for your health the more exexpensive ones pay for themselves however don't get sucked into snap on either. I use teng.
 
Don't get cheap tools they are bad for your health the more exexpensive ones pay for themselves however don't get sucked into snap on either. I use teng.

Very true. I use a selection of tools, all tried, tested and surviving my abuse, I mean use.:rolleyes:

I have a mix of makes which I've amassed over the years. I've got a few Halfords socket sets, some Teng spanner sets, my favourite 1/4" socket set is by Torq and I've a couple of Bahco socket sets too. I've also got a huge collection of spanners of mixed makes and a good collection of Torx, spline and hex drives which a essential these days.
 
Yeh, go for it. When I was young I did bits and pieces on my car, but then just put them into a garage after that. Then got fed up with garages doing a poor job, so decided to do all maintenance myself. I've had my Freelander for 8 years and done all the maintenance on it apart from changing the timing belts. I'm no ninja mechanic, but have kept the old girl reliable and in decent condition. Most jobs on a car don't require an awful lot of knowledge, especially when there's help on the forum, but they do usually require care which you'll give it if you're doing you're own car. Freelanders are very easy cars to work on. You get a bit more space to work in as its a bit bigger than a 'normal' car, but all the bits are 'car' bits rather than big heavy cumbersome 4WD truck type bits. Its a good combo for working on them.

As for the axle stands, like most things, nobody knows what to do with them when they first need to use them in anger. Just ask around for advice. I've had my car up on axle stands on numerous occasions and it still scares me a bit. I won't get under the car if its on axle stands if I can help it - I will either drive (or jack) the car onto blocks (I use paving blocks but search hippo ramps!) or use my inspection pit (I'm lucky to have one). I try to only use axle stands when doing stuff like brakes when I'm working side on to the car. Even then, I'll still have both my trolly jacks supporting bits and the wheels below the sills :)

As said, you'll get a great deal of satisfaction from it, even if getting to that point may be fraught at times, and you'll save yourself a load of cash. I think of it as one of my hobbies - which it is.
Thank you so much for your input and advice on going under the car. I am drinking in all of this advice
 
Don't get cheap tools they are bad for your health the more exexpensive ones pay for themselves however don't get sucked into snap on either. I use teng.
Oh yes I forgot tools.... I’ve got loads of Aldi and Lidl tools. I searched ‘teng’ and there are loads. Mind if I do a couple of services they will be paid for.
 
I would recommend the Halfords 200 piece set to get you started the buy other bits as you need them plus it comes with a life time guarantee,check there trade discount to see if you qualify saves you a canny bit as well I got it and I work in utilities never thought I would get it.
 
Mind if I do a couple of services they will be paid for.
Definitely.

...and they are an investment that lasts for a long time to. I'm still using a Halfords socket set and trolley jack that I bought over here with me 15 years ago and I'd had them for a good few years before that as well. Also various other tools (inc axle stands!) and a box of tools I inherited from my father-in-law with chisels. files etc he must have had for years.

I'm always finding I need more though.... be they torx sockets, a 32mm socket for the hub nuts, syringe for pumping oil.... etc etc. Plus of course replacing those 13mm sockets that keep disappearing!

Then once you find out you quite enjoy tinkering with the car, you come across a stumbling block that nothing's broke! So you start heading to the breakers yard or go online to buy bits to improve the car - be they roof rails, consoles, lights, reversing mirrors with lights (that appears to be the current "in vogue" tinker!) etc.
 
Could I just ask a very quick question.

In the photo that should have uploaded there are 2 arrows pointing at where there SHOULD be 2 screws that previous mechanics have not bothered to put back AAhhhhh

So all the top pipes are loose.

Where can I get these screws?
Are there mixed bags?
Is there a special name for them?
As I don’t have either of them I cannot take them anywhere to get.
Such a simple thing is so annoying
Thank you in advance
 

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I hate bodge artists that can't be bothered to put back screws that they took off.:mad:
It not like LR fitted them for no reason. All fixings are there to do something, or they wouldn't be fitted in the first place.

I bet the crankcase filter or turbo filter haven't been changed and I reckon the alternator will be covered in oil because the bodge artist couldn't be bothered to put a bag over it before changing the oil filter. :eek:
 
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