I am contemplating changing the fuel filter on my 2003 1.6 Focus, I have looked at the clips securing the fuel pipes to the filter but it is not obvious how they come apart, and then on replacement of the filter how to put them back again. The Haynes manual suggests using a small screwdriver to release an insert within the clip? Of course the whole job is made difficult for the DIYer by the location of the filter.

Has anyone any tips for me please? Read more

The airbag light on my 165k (Honda engine) Rover 620 does not go out when the engine is fired up. As the car is worth very little, are there any cheap fixes worth trying before resorting to expensive diagnostics? Thanks. Read more

I read in the Telegraph Motoring section that Ted Simon, who rode round the world on a Triumph,('Jupiter's Travels')has brought out a sequel,'Dreaming of Jupiter'- another round-the-world trip, 30 years on.
Although not a bike rider, I found the original book absolutely fascinating reading. Around the same time (1976) I read a book by two guys who drove a Ford Zephyr around the world; also a great read. However, I can't remember the name of the book. Anyone in the Backroom recall the title?
P. Read more

Recently i have been experiencing some technical difficulties with my gearbox on my megane. Basically i did a wheel spin in 1st gear, changed into 2nd and lost drive all together. When the engine is idling you can put the car into every gear including reverse without the clutch being depressed. The garage have checked the driveshafts, clutch and other parts of the gearbox and got it down to a small circlip on the differential keeps snapping and thats causing me to lose drive. I have just ordered a reconditioned gearbox with the same gearbox code and am going to fit it myself.

How easy is it to do a straight gearbox swap and what should i look out for when carrying out this task? Read more

I have been looking at my neighbour's 1.3, 115K Accent.

The brake disks are worn and one is scored - Nothing left on the pads after 17K.

I said that I should be able to replace them for him but after an enquiry on the Accent owners club, am advised that special tools are required.

Can anyone offer any advice on how this can be diy'ed before I point my Neighbour in the direction of the local garage?

Thanks

Info received from a member of the Accent Club......

Right I've had a quick read through the workshop manual and according to the write-up in there they go on about removing the "knuckle" assembly (the bit the brake disk, wheel bearing and drive shaft attach to - which in turn itself attaches to the wishbone).

It does advise the use of two "special tools" in the process, one for removing the driveshaft from the knuckle (undoing the hub nut then push the shaft inwards through the knuckle), then another for seperating the brake disk from the knuckle.

It does state to make sure a hammer is not used to remove the disk otherwise the bearing will be damaged. It also says to check the hub bearing axial play limit after installing the hub nut (after installing a new disk). The hub nut should be torqued to 230 Nm / 167 lb.ft and the axial play limit is 0.11 mm / 0.0043 in max (if it's beyond that then either the disk is not seated correctly or the bearing needs replacing).

It looks like the "special tool" that removes the brake disk attaches to the bottom strut mount hole, and the lower arm ball joint hole - but I can't see from the pictures how it works (it just says to remove the disk by rotating the tool).

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