Newbie doing maintenance

[The 10th Doctor]

Hi Guys,

Looking to save me some $$$, I've looked through previous posts on here and I'm pretty sure I can do a service myself.

My car (VTII Acclaim, btw) has the following things wrong with it
- Service
- Front brake pads
- Engine mounts
- Front wheels move back and forward
- Sway bar?

I was hoping to do the first two myself, so I've bought a Fuel Filter and Air Filter but need some Oil and Oil filter (and probably a pan, too).

I've a few questions:
Is a oil change something that can be done with a jack?
What Oil would you recommend?
From previous posts, the fuel filter is tricky to do/get off. Any tips?
I literally only have a flat head and I assume I'll need more tools - which ones will I need?

Also, the other day I went to change the stereo and found it was bolted in! I can't get it out! The previous owner got a Pioneer system installed way back in 2003 from Tonkins... What can I do?

Thanks for the help

[XStatic64]

Jack the car up, put axle stands underneath (you don't want to be sitting under a car just supported by a jack)

Put oil pan under sump.

Undo oil drain bolt.

Remove oil filter (you'll need an oil filter wrench, see repco for this)

remove axle stands, and jack. Let oil drain on a flat surface for 5-10minutes.

Jack car back up, replace stands

Re-Apply oil drain bolt and screw in new oil filter ( I like to pour some oil straight into the filter to ensure the engine has quick access to some at first startup after the service ).

pour specified amount of oil via oil fill cap in engine bay.

--

You'll need a ring spanner for the sump bolt, I would go check out supercheap auto or recpo for tool specials, I bought a stanley tool kit for $150 which has everything I've needed so far, apart from vice grips and clamps etc.

Check your manual for the recommended oil, or possibly someone else here can let you know what to use.

[The 10th Doctor]

Thanks for that!

I've worked out this so far:
Car Stands - Pin Type, Pair, 3000kg $59.99
Ryco Oil Filter - Z154 $8.50
Penrite HPR10 Engine Oil - 10W-50, 5 Litre $39.88
Handyman Oil Change Pan - 8 Litre $8.69
Super Works Oil Filter Wrench - Swivel, 73mm - 82.5mm $8.99
SCA 6 Piece Ring End Spanner Set $16.99

All from SCA, works out to be $140~. I can get a minor service for that price, what's the benefit of me doing it myself and potentially screwing it up? I know, I get some stands and tools but the last time I went near oil in a car the engine blew up...

Also, are these the right kind of brake pads for the front wheels?
Calibre Disc Pads - DB1331 @ $39.99 x 2 $79.98

[GEN3RATD]

Remember when you change your oil to let your car warm up first (before you jack it up) because warm oil will drain better.

For the grade of oil either read previous car service receipts and just use the same oil, or read the car's manual for the correct grade oil.

Go into the car part store and ask then for the correct brake pads for your model, personally id stay away from caliber and go bendix or similiar

As got benefits of doing the service yourself, it pays to have a knowledge of your own vehicle, as well as the satistfaction you get from doing a job yourself

[The 10th Doctor]

Remember when you change your oil to let your car warm up first (before you jack it up) because warm oil will drain better.

Ah, I see. Let it idle for 5-10 mins, then?

For the grade of oil either read previous car service receipts and just use the same oil, or read the car's manual for the correct grade oil.

There's alot of ones I can use according to the manual, I was thinking Penrite HPR10 Engine Oil @ 10W-50

Go into the car part store and ask then for the correct brake pads for your model, personally id stay away from caliber and go bendix or similiar

I guess Caliber is the 'Black and Gold' brand, then?

As got benefits of doing the service yourself, it pays to have a knowledge of your own vehicle, as well as the satistfaction you get from doing a job yourself

Good point - I suppose I then have the knowledge in future (and tools and stuff)

[soop]

Take it for a quick sprint around the block, you dont need it at operating temp. Just warmer then stone cold.

If you let it get to hot, its a great way to burn your fingers and bang your head at the same time...

[GEN3RATD]

^^^ as above

[1dvsbstd]

hey man ill be honest with you.. I never knew how to a service either.. But it is infact very simple.. there is plenty of help here and you might be good getting a gregorys manual ..

Sure you can pay to get a service done but why pay? its more fun doing it yourself..

[11gothevt11]

Hi Guys,

Looking to save me some $$$, I've looked through previous posts on here and I'm pretty sure I can do a service myself.

My car (VTII Acclaim, btw) has the following things wrong with it
- Service
- Front brake pads
- Engine mounts
- Front wheels move back and forward
- Sway bar?

I was hoping to do the first two myself, so I've bought a Fuel Filter and Air Filter but need some Oil and Oil filter (and probably a pan, too).

I've a few questions:
Is a oil change something that can be done with a jack?
What Oil would you recommend?
From previous posts, the fuel filter is tricky to do/get off. Any tips?
I literally only have a flat head and I assume I'll need more tools - which ones will I need?

Also, the other day I went to change the stereo and found it was bolted in! I can't get it out! The previous owner got a Pioneer system installed way back in 2003 from Tonkins... What can I do?

Thanks for the help

Regarding Stereo bolted in
I just installed a aftermarket double din stereo
I also needed to bolt it in
To get to the bolts just undo the center dash surround out
Than there is another surround under that you undo
Very easy, heaps of instuction on here

Good tip for you if your unsure of anything just get a mobile machanic to come to your house watch everything he does......Than next time you know exzatly how its done

[11gothevt11]

Thanks for that!

I've worked out this so far:
Car Stands - Pin Type, Pair, 3000kg $59.99
Ryco Oil Filter - Z154 $8.50
Penrite HPR10 Engine Oil - 10W-50, 5 Litre $39.88
Handyman Oil Change Pan - 8 Litre $8.69
Super Works Oil Filter Wrench - Swivel, 73mm - 82.5mm $8.99
SCA 6 Piece Ring End Spanner Set $16.99

All from SCA, works out to be $140~. I can get a minor service for that price, what's the benefit of me doing it myself and potentially screwing it up? I know, I get some stands and tools but the last time I went near oil in a car the engine blew up...

Also, are these the right kind of brake pads for the front wheels?
Calibre Disc Pads - DB1331 @ $39.99 x 2 $79.98

May i please ask how did the engine blew up after you went near the oil??

[Longman]

Hi Mate,

You stated $79.95 for 2 sets of Calibre brake pads? You only need one box, it comes with both sides in one box. Personally I won't buy anything less than Bendix ultra premium or another decent brand, I found the cheap ones wear quicker, blacken my alloys a lot with dust and tend to squeak like a stuck pig (no matter how much anti squeal I use). Just be careful bedding them in so that you don't warp the rotors (just follow the bedding in directions on the box/instructions or search this forum for help).

The benefit to you is saving $$. Sure the intial outlay for tools etc can get pricey but once you got them, you got them. I'm assuming you'll be servicing your car regularly and not just once? So next time, you have whay you need, you have some skills, and only have to pay for parts. That said, you don't have to spend lots of money. The basic tools you need are quite cheap. e.g. to do the oil, you only really need a filter wrench (you can get them for under $10), an oil pan (again under $10) and a ring spanner (I can't quite recall the size but it's either 17mm or 19mm). You could use a funnel to avoid spilling oil, or cut the bottom off a small coke bottle, the nozzle fits snug in the oil hole (just make sure you clean and dry it completely before using).

Fuel filter retaining clips can be taken off with just your fingers though sometimes they can get stuck, or you can buy small tools to get them off. I had no problems getting mine off.

Good luck.

[GEN3RATD]

bendix pads are pretty good but i use EBC pads, less brake dust.

[edals]

VX Commodore Service How To Detailed

This should help mate

I have also got a front brake pad how to also

[jacksoncroucher]

the engine mounts require a bit of labour i think, there is a helpful how to do listed in the how to do section

[theslippery1]

If you have never put a spanner on a car before leave the engine mounts to the mechanic tricky to do for a novice.
Happy learning theslippery1

[bogan_vk]

in regards to your front wheels moving back and foward that would more than likely be your castor rod bushes or loose nuts holding the castor rod in.

[shadetreemechanic]

Get cheap 20w-50 oil, but buy a genuine GM filter
Do the oil change every 5000k or so
Plus you can get car stands much cheaper than 60 bucks, I got a pair for 27 on special