August 2006
Anyone know anywhere around Heathrow area that sells throttle body cleaner?
All I can find on t'internet is American places. Valvoline Synpower looks promising. Read more
Weird abs fault
One of our VW LT28 hire vans was returned recently with a totally wrecked n/s/r wheel bearing and half shaft. (Been making a funny noise for weeks said the hirer).
The ABS sensor and ring were damaged and the wiring melted. Everything was replaced using genuine VW parts. The half shaft / bearing / sensor ring / sensor assembly was taken from an engine damaged van that we use for spares, and is known to be good. Two new rear discs and new pads were fitted all round.
The problem is, when braking with a firm steady pressure there is a single thud from the ABS unit which is felt through the pedal. This happens between 5 - 8mph and It doesn't always happen if the pedal pressure is varied or released during braking. The ABS works as it should under heavy braking, and the warning light works normally. No fault codes are recorded after a road test. If the ABS is disabled, the brakes work normally, but without the thud.
I've replaced the ABS unit, (with a known good one), bled the brakes, and adjusted the n/s/r sensor to ring clearance. The problem persists.
The local VW dealer has been helpful, but - like me - have run out of suggestions and opinions.
Can anyone help ?
{vehicle details added to subject header - DD} Read more
Many thanks to NC and DD.
The number of spokes on the sensor ring did occur to me as being relevant, but the VW parts dept.say that all of the new and used parts are compatible. It looks like a count is on the cards ! As a matter of interest, they say that whenever they replace a sensor ring the mechanic doing the job always gets another mechanic to confirm that the ring has minimal runout - it's that critical. The transplanted half shaft does have a bit of runout, (couple of thou) but it wasn't a problem on the donor vehicle.
I only have access to a basic code reader which displays no fault code after a road test.
It did occur to me that the thud happens when the ABS switches off (about 5mph according to VW) but the local mechanics insist that this would show up as a fault code. (That's why I changed the ABS unit).
any one know where the auto gearbox oil level is as cant find any dipstick as is usual with autos Read more
I have the 2.5 TDi with Multi-tronic, and the gearbox oil needs to be changed every 40K. Only a dealer can do it as apparently the new oil has to be pre-heated, and then pumped in at a certain rate??
Help! What dissolves superglue?
I've spilled a bit on what appears to be a stove enamelled surface under the bonnet.
Tried soap and water, white spirit, even cutting polish, there's still some adhering.
The surface itself doesn't seem to be marked.
Any ideas anyone?
Read more
The most useful addition to super glue is a spray can of activator. This is a catalyst that makes the glue set instantly. That's in about one second. This means you can use it to build up a layer of the acrylic to add strength, and you don't have to hold the surfaces hard together. The one I use is called Permabond CSA, and it isn't cheap, but the can lasts for years as you only need the tiniest amount each time. I've lost count of the number of things I've repaired with this method.
can any one help my 406 hdi as a fault code stored in it and the car runs like an old tractor. the faul code is[ fuel pressure regulation fault ]can anyboby tell me what I have to replace to fix this anoying problem Read more
Many appologies you are completly right of course.But be informed I'm a first on this site????
HI
I need to buy a replacement alloy for my lexus IS250 Any idea as to what main dealers charge for a new wheel? Is it a lot more than getting the wheel refurbished if it is possible
thanks
alan Read more
If you are in the South East then I highly recommend BJV engineering near Hemel. Very competitive prices and a top quality service. They specialise in the refurb of all types of alloys. I used them recently to refurb my 16" wheels and the result is excellent.
Their www is: wheelrefurbishing.co.uk
hth
My father in law has just been charged over a hundred pounds for a new key for his BMW. The problem was the gradual inability of the key to lock/unlock the car remotely, which to me pointed to a new battery.
The dealer simply ordered him a new key.
I managed to get the old one apart just before he left today, but the battery didn't want to come out easily before he had to go.
Are battery changes possible with these? I get the feeling the dealer went for the easy option. Read more
The BMW ones go for about £100 from a main dealer. I haven't had to buy one yet, but others on a BMW forum I frequent have.
Another tidbit I heard (may just be rumour) is that BMW make 10 keys for each car and these keys are then ordered by main dealers as and when needed. The local dealer doesn't actually cut the key, it comes from the factory already cut and coded to your car. Apparently if you should happen to lose lots of keys and get through all 10 it will mean new lock barrels and a immobilizer ECU.
This sounds far fetched to me as I can't imagine BMW storing millions of keys for all the cars it sells. It is much more likely that the coding and cutting information is stored and then new keys cut to order by the Factory etc.
My 53 reg astra 1.7tdi estate has just started a droning noise from the back but only when doing around 60+ mph. Any ideas? and would it be under warranty? (vauxhall warranty exp 10/06). We've had some problems with this car and vauxhall have been so helpful.
Thanks Read more
So was the droning the roof bars or the kids? I think we should be told!
Hello,
Well I insured my bike with e-Bike a couple of months ago, great website, easy to declare modifications etc, you choose your excess, great price.
With car and bike you can PAYG or buy an annual policy plus you can insure up to four vehicles on one policy.
So now the wife's car is up for renewal, put the details into Confused.com and the best quote matches her renewal, £270 inc legal, breakdown with homestart and recovery. Put the details into e-Car - £160 with legal, comparable breakdown and excess.
Brill! Read more
I used them for my bike insurance last year as I was moving around every few months and wanted a monthly policy. Tried them this year, and went from £40 a month for my vfr800 motorbike to £160 a month! I took out an annual policy with another company for around £300.
The message here is shop around. I got quoted £670 for a renewal with swift cover car insurance up £170, and direct line quoted me £300.
Note the sequence of events observed on the A41 westbound between Tring and Aylesbury at about 9.00 this morning:
* High-grade dual carriageway nearly empty
* Driver of blue Peugeot approaches car in front, outside lane clear
* Peugeot gets so near to car in front that brakes have to be used
* Peugeot moves into outside lane
* Peugeot signals right when already straddling lane boundary
* Peugeot returns to inside lane so close to other car that brake lights appear on other car.
Just another mind-numbing incident. (I've nothing against Peugeots or most of their drivers.) Read more
Did it have a French numberplate by any chance?
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But remember that if this is something like a volo with the mm throttle body the problem is probably physical damage to the conductive surface. cleaner might clean up a bit of dirt but sooner or later yo uneed a new body - or swap trhe car while you can!