i'm a relatively new corvette owner (2000 MRII Coupe A4, 53K on the clock) and i've really enjoyed reading CF - lots of good info here!
since i brought it home last fall i've had the following done to it:
new rear shocks - bad when i bought it - rick stark did the job - paid WAY too much - got ripped
oil changes at dealership in kenmore - $81 a pop
just got oil changed yesterday and they told me that the front brakes need changing soon. in the past, since i have no lifts/jacks/stands/brains (about cars anyway) i have always let the dealership do the work. but now....
i'd like to get the tools i need to do some of the minor repairs/maintenance myself. but i need to know what i'm doing first. knowledge is key!
anyone out there have a lift/jacks/stands/brains about cars who would take the time to show an old dog a few new tricks? i can supply the parts/beer/food whatever. i could be at your place, at your leisure, whenever you say the word. after seeing it done (and helping, of course, when i can) i'll go out and get the tools i need to do it myself in the future.
things i'd like to do right away:
change brake pads front/rear (new rotors?)
detail (duplicolor paint) calipers front/rear
CLB install
check out that little squeek in the engine bay at idle (tensioner pulley or ?) and maybe fix that too. maybe it just needs new belts?
Location: Manchester - Political correctness is tyranny with manners.
You're probably going to get all the help you need on this site. Welcome! Brake pads are easy. On my first C5 I bought a complete new set of rotors from NAPA for about $120 and got the pads from them too, although with the medium grade pads, braking faded way to early for my comfort. Don't skimp on those. If you remove the rotors your going to need a 21mm socket (I think) and a torque wrench. It really isn't too difficult, just kind of scary the first time you do it, but it isn't rocket science. Rear rotors are a PITA to get off because of the E-brake. Good luck! You can get a caliper painting kit from just about any auto parts store for under $20.
I'm not to far away from you and can help if you like. I live over by Mill Creek and have done a number of brake jobs over the years. We could have all the pads changed in a little over an hour. Working slower so you can can actually learn and do it yourself may take only a couple of hours. Rotors should still be good unless you have a lot of miles.
The squeak your hearing could be the belt tensioner. I believe there was a TSB for a squeaky belt tensioner on the C5's.
You're probably going to get all the help you need on this site. Welcome! Brake pads are easy. On my first C5 I bought a complete new set of rotors from NAPA for about $120 and got the pads from them too, although with the medium grade pads, braking faded way to early for my comfort. Don't skimp on those. If you remove the rotors your going to need a 21mm socket (I think) and a torque wrench. It really isn't too difficult, just kind of scary the first time you do it, but it isn't rocket science. Rear rotors are a PITA to get off because of the E-brake. Good luck! You can get a caliper painting kit from just about any auto parts store for under $20.
Doesn't get much simpler really. DidntSetle summed it up pretty well. One thing I will reiterate is with the brake pads. I recently did a complete pad replacement on my C5 and went with Ceramics. Brake Fade was clearly evident after some spirited driving but met my expectations on stoppig the car. Regardless of which way you decide to go, DidntSettle is right, do not skimp.
This site has a lot and it's one I've referred to a couple times when I had my C5 but there a lot more out there...I'll check my home PC as I have a few more saved there.
the biggest problem i have is not knowing what tools i need.
tech tips work well for folks who already have most or all of the tools needed to do the job and a working knowledge of auto repair. if the first step says "elevate the vette using a low profile jack and jack stands" - i don't have those items. what seems to be a simple task for you who have the tools and knowledge will be a week long learning curve for me. i was trying to shorten that into a few hours of learning by watching and one shopping trip to get all supplies i saw used.
but now i really feel kinda stupid about asking for help - like a freeloader or something.
i'll just take it to the stealership and let them do it...
the biggest problem i have is not knowing what tools i need.
tech tips work well for folks who already have most or all of the tools needed to do the job and a working knowledge of auto repair. if the first step says "elevate the vette using a low profile jack and jack stands" - i don't have those items. what seems to be a simple task for you who have the tools and knowledge will be a week long learning curve for me. i was trying to shorten that into a few hours of learning by watching and one shopping trip to get all supplies i saw used.
but now i really feel kinda stupid about asking for help - like a freeloader or something.
i'll just take it to the stealership and let them do it...
thanks anyway guys. see ya 'round!
jeff
We all had to start from some where and I've learned just by reading websites step by steps...these forums have a step by step instructions for about 90% of any work that could be done on corvettes. The site I listed tells you how to jack your car and what's needed. http://97vette.com/howto/carlift/index.html
Low profile jack is needed (mines from Costco) needs to be 3.5 inch low profile or less so you can reall get underneath with driving up a bunch of ramps.
2 jack stands minimum or most have 4 (they are cheap)
Jacking pucks...most come in a set of 4 (I'll send you a diagram of where these are used) I have 8 total now so if you need some let me know or you can buy them from several vendors.
If you look back a couple years on this forum you will see me asking for help raising my C5 up as it was too low when I purchased it...no help came but I read and purchased the few tools needed and did it myself. It worked out great and now I do all sorts of stuff on my vettes.
Cost of tools isn't cheap but they pay for themselves right away when dealers and shops charge what they do for simple tasks If you were closer I would help out in a heartbeat
but now i really feel kinda stupid about asking for help - like a freeloader or something.
i'll just take it to the stealership and let them do it...
thanks anyway guys. see ya 'round!
jeff
One thing that's been great about this forum (and Corvette ownership) is that there are always people willing to help. I wouldn't feel too bad about asking for help here.
I'd lend a hand, but I'm trying to figure this out myself! I've just been planning painting the calipers and swapping out the lug nuts, but I've already bought the torque wrench, low profile jack (actually 2 - the first one wasn't low enough), jackstands, etc. Just need a breaker bar and socket, and a free weekend.
I'm not to far away from you and can help if you like. I live over by Mill Creek and have done a number of brake jobs over the years. We could have all the pads changed in a little over an hour. Working slower so you can can actually learn and do it yourself may take only a couple of hours. Rotors should still be good unless you have a lot of miles.
The squeak your hearing could be the belt tensioner. I believe there was a TSB for a squeaky belt tensioner on the C5's.
This offer I made to help still stands. I have the required tools with the exception of a torque wrench (just broke mine).
Quote:
Originally Posted by WAwatchnut
One thing that's been great about this forum (and Corvette ownership) is that there are always people willing to help. I wouldn't feel too bad about asking for help here.
I'd lend a hand, but I'm trying to figure this out myself! I've just been planning painting the calipers and swapping out the lug nuts, but I've already bought the torque wrench, low profile jack (actually 2 - the first one wasn't low enough), jackstands, etc. Just need a breaker bar and socket, and a free weekend.
Good luck with your project!
If you need a hand I'm willing to help as well. Painting your own calipers is one of those things that takes time (multiple coats) and ideally a relatively warm dry environment. I actually painted the Calipers on my Wifes GXP in January in the garage. Came out very nicely. I'll link a pic below. If you need help with anything else brake related just holler.
Location: "Man been singin' the Blues, since he began to till the ground"...Vancouver, USA WA.
Welcome, I haven't heard of anyone here being born in a 'Vette, so don't worry seemingly dumb ???'s, we all had to start somewhere. There's plenty of willing helpers here, and it always helps to do a search, most will tell you do that first. Your on the the right track, ask ???'s, get some tools, gorilla ramps, low profile jack(s), (I use two), four jack stands, you'll at least need this stuff. Anyway good luck, & HAVE FUNN! JOE Also, check out www.zo6vette.com search, "DIY- lift your C5 without pucks" , Great Info.
Last edited by Herringchoker; 03-28-2008 at 06:05 PM.
No dispute about this one at all as I have also had excellent results at Tom's but it's a fair distance to drive from where we live in the Lynnwood/Everett area.
Don't go to the dealer. There is an excellent specialty shop not far from you called Brads custom auto. Right off of exit 175 in Lake City Way.
They specialize in Vettes & mustangs www.bradscustomauto.com The nice thing about Brad's is that Brad the owner and all of the mechanics race and thus they are very meticulous in their work and will also give you good advice.
I've been taking my vette there for years You will not be disappointed taking your vette there.
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Mr. Peabody
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Last edited by Mr. Peabody; 03-29-2008 at 12:07 AM.
Corvette Store
Old dog needs to learn new tricks
Doesn't get much simpler really. DidntSetle summed it up pretty well. One thing I will reiterate is with the brake pads. I recently did a complete pad replacement on my C5 and went with Ceramics. Brake Fade was clearly evident after some spirited driving but met my expectations on stoppig the car. Regardless of which way you decide to go, DidntSettle is right, do not skimp.
I've just been planning painting the calipers and swapping out the lug nuts, but I've already bought the torque wrench, low profile jack (actually 2 - the first one wasn't low enough), jackstands, etc. Just need a breaker bar and socket, and a free weekend.
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