I Need Some Words Of Wisdom

[groundpilots]

So when the semester is up (1month) I will start to work on my e30 and get it going again. I will be installing an alternator, front brake calipers, and differential seal. I have read about how to do them in my bently manual, and information on the interwebz, but i'm just wondering if any of you have any tips or tricks I should look out for to make things easier. I know what I have listed is pretty basic, I just don't want to mess anything up.

Thanks for your help!

[Farbin Kaiber]

Use the correct tool for the job. Replace the belt when you do the Alt. Flush and change the fluid when you replace the seal.

[Hick]

none of that is very hard... you way wont to consider changing the diff seals while the diff is still mounted. Realigning the diff into the subframe is a giant PITA

[Simon S]

Keep shop area clean - and drink a good, imported, bottled beer.

(that's all I got)

Seriously - with a Bentley and r3vlimited - you've got 90% of what you need already.

[z31maniac]

Keep shop area clean - and drink a good, imported, bottled beer.

(that's all I got)

Seriously - with a Bentley and r3vlimited - you've got 90% of what you need already.

This. +100

Just be glad you aren't doing it in a gravel driveway!

[groundpilots]

This. +100

Just be glad you aren't doing it in a gravel driveway!

well i might be doing this on the street infront of my house unfortunately, my brother's e36 is currently apart in the garage =(

[kingston]

Have another set of hands, even if it's just for moral support & beer/taco runs.

[stefennn]

Keep yourself organized, worst thing when all your shit is scattered everywhere and you start hatin on everything, been there done that haha

[ck_taft325is]

Keep tabs on tools. Organize them at least at the end of the day a bit.

Have a spare set of hands as much as possible or at least someone that know's you're out working on your car.

Properly place it on jack stands. Seriously. Make sure that bitch is secure and you've got quality equipment to work underneath.

Beer helps ;)

[Butler]

Have another set of hands, even if it's just for moral support & beer/taco runs.

I like this.


Start early in the day so you have plenty of time.

[Jand3rson]

Keep tabs on tools. Organize them at least at the end of the day a bit.

I've started rounding them up as soon as I get to any kind of a stopping point. I am HORRIBLE about setting shit down in STUPID places and not being able to remember when I put it down, especially with tools.

[Pussy30]

Don't jerry rig anything. If you dont have the right tool or part just wait until you do.

[groundpilots]

Is it possible to replace the alternaor without jacking the car up? I may not have space to do this and may have to replace it in the driveway, and the driveway is on a slant so I would not feel safe working under the car.

[george graves]

Wear gloves - nitrile gloves. A box of 500 is like $20.

There's no excuse not to - shit under your nails is gross. Not to mention might cause cancer.

Also get some mechanics gloves. Put them on when you are about to loose some skin.

Get some safety glasses. They keep shit out of your eyes and make it more enjoyable. If you don't scratch them up and take care of them, you won't even know you're wearing them.

[nando]

Is it possible to replace the alternaor without jacking the car up? I may not have space to do this and may have to replace it in the driveway, and the driveway is on a slant so I would not feel safe working under the car.

what? have you even looked at where the alternator is? I can't imagine crawling under the car to do that..