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Killer VW
Working on your VW can be fun. Once you have all the manuals and tools everything
becomes easier. You may even think nothing can go wrong, but it can. Here
are some things to be aware of while working on your VW.
Always use correct jacking procedures. If you are going to have the car in
the air for more than a second, use a jack stand. Don't rely on the VW jack, it's not safe. Go buy a industrial floor jack from Harbor Freight. They are cheap
and have great quality. Keep in mind that your VW will weigh a lot more than
you think when it lands on your head. Remember not to jack it up too high, just because you want more space to work under your car doesn't mean you
should risk your life. Most jacking accidents occur when the vehicle is lifted
too high.
A VW is flammable. It doesn't take much to burn up a VW. Always remember
to disconnect the battery when you are working. Without ignition, your car
can't possibly burn. Always keep a fire extinguisher handy. The $30 spent
on one is a lot cheaper than thousands for a new car. Whenever you can, inspect
your wires and their connections. If they look rotten and old, try to get
them replaced. Another thing I see as a danger is a oversized aftermarket
battery. On some VW's the battery resides inside the car. If yours does,
make sure the battery in no way contacts the seat springs or any foreign
objects. Especially on a Vanagon where the steel battery cover comes very
close to the battery. A good idea is to use a old rubber floor mat cut to
the size of the battery top to protect the battery.
Try to use leverage to your advantage. Don't make it so anything can hurt
you if something breaks. Lets say you are removing a stuck bolt. Instead
of grunting and moaning to try to break it loose, relax and spray some WD-40
on it. While you give the WD-40 some time to seep in, find a longer wrench
or ratchet. Usually the bolt will come right off. When dealing with the
suspension, make sure to work on one side at a time front or rear. Be careful
of the preload your suspension has. It can come back and bite you, Literally.
Always obey your manual. Your trusty manual will give you warnings and cautions
you must follow. A Warning is designed to tell you to not to screw up. A
Caution is designed to save your life or property. No, your life is not your
property. If you don't have a manual, Don't consider yourself a VW enthusiast,
go buy an american car. All VW owners need manuals. A good compliment to
a manual is a page turning technician. A page technician is someone
who will hang around and supervise you while you work and read the
manual to you.
Don't be a nerd when working on your VW. Make sure you are aware of who you
are before climbing under your VW. Do not work when you are dumb, drunk,
sleeping, or mad. A VW senses your anger and fears just like a pet would.
You will always find something wrong when you are mad. Always think of the
best side of things like, "Oh boy! Those 58mm carbs really roasted my 1600cc
motor, But hey at least I'll be able to fix the clutch." Good things always
come to those who are patient. Be a detective when working on your VW. If
you see a leak on the ground, trace it. If you see a loose bolt, tighten it.
Just remember to be safe. It is fun to brag to your buddies that you removed
your motor in 20 minutes. It's not fun when you have a sucking chest wound.
Don't forget to love thy VW. In the long run it will treat you fairly.
Article By Kenny 2/26/99
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