SEAT Ibiza service

[sprint95m]

I tried an ebay search and found.....
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Laser-4925-VW ... 5d32ec377f

I suspect you will save money buying a set to do just one CV joint boot when you weigh up the likely VAG labour cost?




Ian.

[Toledo Man]

Thanks for looking Ian. The car has gone now so it looks like I won't be doing the job now. I hope she gets me to do the next oil change. I used the cheapest oil to save money but since using Millers in the Astra, that's what I'll put in if I do the next oil change.

[SprintMWU773V]

It'd make more sense to use the decent oil to start with. There's certainly no need to change oil every 6 months in a car like this. The engine can take a huge amount of abuse and if and when it gets knackered the cars a scrapper anyway. Modern oils are very good at not breaking down like meneral oils which is the issue. Any dirty derv engine will blacken its oil very quickly but the lubrication properties will remain for 15-20k+ and 2 years easily. If this weren't so then engines would be lasting much less time than they used to when people changed their oil every 6 months, which isn't the case.

Sure in a car which specifies a mineral oil or does trips where it barely gets warm then bring the interval down but personally i'd stick some decent stuff in it then forget about it for a year or so. If you have a Euro Car Parts nr you then they've got quality oil on offer every day of the week for £25-30 a tin, there's no need to pay Halfords prices for oil. It's false economy to use the cheap stuff as you then feel the need to replace it twice as often, plus the filter, plus the time, plus the getting rid of the old oil.

[cliftyhanger]

Talking of oil, eBay can be very good on price.
Just bought some Vauxhall dexos 2 oil ( the latest dpf friendly stuff) for under £20 delivered. And that is Vauxhall oil. So should be ideal. Not sure if there is a better version, and haven't looked. I guess Mobil may be an improvement, usually very good stuff.

[Jod Clark]

Proper VW Quantum oil for the VAG PD engines retail price is £45+VAT / 5 litres. You really do need to check the oil spec, not just the grade, for the PD engines. I use a trade-brand PD-spec oil in my 306 and it makes a documented 4MPG difference over and above the already excellent GM Dexos oil mentioned above.

[Jon Tilson]

Hmm...
Used Vauxhall flavour oil in the Golf last time...same spec and API but 20 quid cheaper...made no difference at all to mpg and oil consumption is still negligible at near 140k miles.
I figured that the PD when out was about up with the Vauxhall spec anyway and the dearer stuff is low saps low ash dpf comaptible
so wont make any difference to a non dpf PD TDi engine.

You may be right Jod but I'd need some more evidence that counters my experience...

Jonners

[Toledo Man]

A bit of a thread revival because I've been working on this car tonight. The brake discs and pads needed replacing. The fronts were so easy I can almost do them with my eyes closed. The rears weren't so easy. The first side was an absolute struggle. I knew the pistons had to be screwed in to the calipers but you can just turn them. I spent ages scratching my head before I realized to how get the pistons into the caliper. You need to push at the same time so that they will go in. There's the "special tool" but you don't need this. I ended up using a pair of water pump pliers and the shaft of my trusty 2lb lump hammer to help push as I turned the piston. The other side was a breeze by comparison and we got the job done before dark. I hope I don't have to work on this car again before the next oil change (I will be using Millers on that job).

[Jon Tilson]

Given that the special tool is sub 20 quid and it can be used on all VAG and anything else with the screw in calipers I'd say its daft not to get one.

I cant see your method working either if you ever need to fit a new seal kit. This is a lot cheaper than buying a new caliper. I'm guessing you didn't need to change the rear
discs than?

Jonners

[Toledo Man]

The rear discs and pads were fitted so my method without the tool did work. There was no way of being able to get hold of the tool at that time of the evening and the job had to be done there and then. A bit of ingenuety goes a long way. I'll be doing the same job on a New Beetle (the Golf based one) so it might be worth getting the tool. In any case, the experience will stand me in good stead for when I do that particular job.

[Carledo]

I have a spare caliper winding tool which I would be happy to let you have for a fiver or so, its been well used but is still in full working order. However posting it would more than negate the price advantage! Did I notice you saying that you would be at TDCIR? Technically I am on holiday in Burnham on Sea on the day, but I am hoping to scrounge a lift back up to be there.

Steve