Damned ineptitude

So my Golf failed its MOT because the rear cylinder was leaking.

Rear wheel cylinders are pretty cheap, I checked out the Haynes, looked like one of the easiest things to do in the world - pop the rear drum apart, two bolts for the old cylinder to come out, bolt the new on in, bleed the system and cruise into the sunset…  I had yesterday afternoon off, so it was the ideal time to tackle this simple job.

My friend runs a chauffeured car service and has his own ramp and brake bleeding kit he would let me borrow!

Unfortunately the bolts for the cylinder had rusted into place and I managed to round them…  So I could drill the bolts out from the other side because of the design of the wheel cylinder, but I'd need bolts that I don't have, or know where to get…

Took the existing wheel cylinder apart, cleaned it up as there was compacted dirt / rust on the cylinder / pistons, reconstructed to see if it would work ok.  Reconstructed the hub… now the rear brake is stuck on and I can't get the hub off at all…  After a couple of hours of trying, I realised that no, I can't do this, I'm just going to break things, threw a tool down in a mild tantrum and decided on a different plan of action.

The car is now marooned on my friend's ramp and his mechanic is coming to sort it today while I'm at work.

Should have just taken it to a mechanic in the first place.

I hate being crap at stuff like this.

Still, I remain optimistic about my upcoming tackling of the sump gasket and roof!

Might just keep that mechanic on speed dial though…  

Nothing wrong with having a go yourself mate :-)

Saying that mine goes to the garage to have any work done.

If I touch anything its deffo going to cost me double to fix lol.

Yeah I usually try and have a go, but I like things that are simple to understand and bolt on / off easily.  Think I should have realised hydraulics were not for me!

I blame the tools!

dude, if you do it wrong, it's the best way to learn.  Then you know how not to do it…and once you've eliminated all of these ways, you can only do it right

Check out my resto though, seriously ages trying to sort the brakes and pipes etc. but well worth it.

If at first you don't succeed…

i always have a go, like said, if it goeswrong seek assistance,if allgoes well (and usually does) crack a beer, the best way to learn is to have a go, i did my roof on the cabby with help from a mate and guide without any issues and it was a first for me (and him lol)

chris