The Garage - Friday 21st November 2014

Having seen Dan at College the previous day and knowing he was back to work also, I half expected to arrive at the Garage today and find myself not extremely busy - I could not have been more wrong!  Business is deffinately good!  Having undertaken an initial round of brews I was almost immediately assigned to a solo wheel and tyre R&R on a Works Transit, NSF.  With the tyre in stock it was straight to work.  Due to the fact all 3 ramps were currently loaded with ongoing tasks, it fell to me to undertake the operation using a floor jack.  Time was of the essence as my location with the van obstructed all 3 other ramps (no pressure whatsoever)!

R&R Wheel and Tyre

R&R Tyre

With the tyre removed from the rim I encountered my first problem, that being of removal of the old valve.  Having attached the removal tool and applying the usual appropriate leverage, the thread snapped inside the tool leaving me scratching my head.  The base could not be cut either, due to a flanged brass base, so it was time to say "Help"!  Andy rectified the scenario immediately with a copper & hide persuasion device and punch.  With new valve and tyre fitted to rim and inflated to Autodata specification, it was on to the balancer, which went without a hitch.  With wheel and tyre satisfactorily fitted it was then a case of re-fitting to the vehicle and then re-torquing the wheel studs to Manufacturer's specification.  Job done and space cleared!

I then assisted Dave Hayward on a routine service to an Alfa Romeo, whose oil filter was located in one of the most inaccessible positions I have yet seen on a vehicle, requiring the removal of large sections of air intake and turbo ducting in order to complete.  I attended to the washer fluid top up, and replaced the Air Filter while Dave persevered with the Oil Filter.  With the filter finally installed I then assisted by topping up the new engine oil.

Replacement Air Filter

With ramp cleared it was all hands outside to man handle a VW Bora into the Workshop and onto Ramp 2 for a clutch replacement.  My role was mainly assisting and observing, as Dave set about removing the various components in order to prepare for the removal of the old unit.  Unfortunately, just as the jacking posts went into place for removal, it was time up for myself and I had to leave for my evening job.  A great day which went in a flash - however I did get to try out some new technology recently purchased (my phone) and captured a couple of video clips of the clutch job in progress (current issues regarding play-back on Blogger).  Many thanks to all for a very rewarding and interesting day.