November 2014
What are Backroomers opinions on buying car spares off ebay? Personally I have doubts about the provenance of some of the items. I don't have a problem buying some cheap pattern parts as long as they are not safety related, but if it's a branded part at a pattern price, that makes me suspicious.
As an example, I've been looking for Osram Nightbreaker Unlimited H4 today. ECP have them for £17.99 and autobulbsdirect for £18.45, both with free delivery. A search on ebay brings up prices from £10.99 delivered. Many from sellers with 99%+ feedback scores from thousands of buyers.... Read more
Came across a brilliant idea on a US forum to overcome the issue of range for EVs when you need to do a long journey.
Using a powertrain/suspension from a FWD car with conventional engine, they build a trailer which acts as a "pusher" to give extended range but only on the occasions you need it.... Read more
But you couldn't use that as an electric city car - the suggestion is aimed at getting the best of both worlds.
I'm having a new cat fitted this week and I've been advised to fit new lambda sensors too.
Just looking online at prices - is the pre cat sensor exactly the same part as the post cat sensor? The ones I've looked at for my car don't seem to specify whether they are pre or post. Can I just order two sensors and they'll work fine?... Read more
Why do you need a new cat,and why does it need new sensors.?On this car the front and rear sensors are different.
Hello I have a problem with my 2001 galaxy 2.3 heater controls.....The fan is working but seems to be stuck on cold also the air-con is not working and the buttons do not light up and also it only blows onto the windscreen.
I have tried the battery disconnect / reset and tried removing and reinstalling the control unit... Read more
I have found the fault.....It was fuse 32 which is marked as Engine Management and actually supplies the 12v power to the heater/aircon controls. I found that the rear fog lights had also fused and this in turn fused No 32 the short was found to be a broken wire in the tailgate wiring loom within the rubber grommet which I learned was a common fault.
I have a Merc A170 cdi with faulty alternator. Start the car move away and the battery light comes on, loss of power steering. Have only checked the battery voltage and it seems alternator is not charging the battery. Read more
If you're losing power steering you definately have a voltage drop somewhere. It is electric and once the voltage drops too low it shuts off the pump.
If it is the alternator I'm sure you could pick up a used one cheaply and get it fitted for not that much. It sits under the car driven by the aux belt which also drives the water pump IIRC. If it is an older shape W168 then they can be had for about £20. If it is the newer shape then I think they are watercooled and are a bit more....
Hi all,
I am thinking of getting a Yeti 1.2 petrol DSG. VAG had a huge DSG recall last year but it appears the 'dry' 7 speed DSG in the 1.2 is unaffected. Is this a safe DSG to buy? Any advice appreciated.... Read more
Dear all,
thanks for a great discussion. I thought I should let you know what I did in the end. Your advice was really helpful. I picked up a second hand Merc C-class that I got for a great deal. It ticked the petrol and auto boxes and hopefully will keep me going for a while. ...
I have purchased a second hand replacement engine from the breakers for this vechicle already fitted with h/pressure pump. Does any 1 know if this pump needs re-coding or would i need to fit the orignal pump off the old unit. Any feedback greatly accepted Regards Mickeybo Read more
As above,use the original pump if poss if it was ok before.Make sure it is the same type on the replacement engine as you may find the mountings and installation points different.If they are not able to be swapped,then you can remove the immobilser electrics and just use the regular stop solenoid.However to do this it will be reqd to grind off the metal security plate.
Hi, my clutch pedal went floppy overnight with no prior warning or changes to how the clutch felt etc. until I came to use the car the next day, it went from fine to completely slack and wouldn't go into gear.
I had it towed to the garage and asked them to check the hydraulics on the clutch slave. They said they had checked it and it wasn't the problem and they would need to spend 8 hours labour to remove and identify which part of the clutch had failed.... Read more
I'll tell you why they didn't check the slave cylinder first- Alfa dealers are clueless in most cases. It seems yours is.
Evoque cabriolet on the way. www.autocar.co.uk/car-news/scoop/range-rover-evoqu...t Read more
I work near the JLR factories so often see disguised Jags and LRs around. Plus lots of JLR drivers going to work driving like plonkers. Yes, I know your LR has good brakes, but you don't have to prove it by driving right up my a***
Just like Audi drivers....
Hi.....looking for a little advice on a over heating issue on ford ka
Its a 1.3L, 58 plate, no air con.... Read more
" anything else worth doing while thermostat is out "
Flush the rads & engine in both directions until the water runs clean....
Browse
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There can be some genuine cheap parts on Ebay and there can be some fakes sold for about the right price so as not to arouse suspicion.
I found a part I needed on Ebay for a reasonable price and the company selling it was a big reputable independant Vauxhall specialist. When I questioned why their price on Ebay was cheaper than they sell them for on their own website and at their trade counter, They said it was to attract sales on Ebay and that it was sold on a break even basis just to get a larger customer database (market share). It must work as I've since spent alot of money with them over the years....