Car designers are crazy !

[rtcosic]

If you're doing brakes on vws and Toyota you'll also need 7mm and 11mm Allen keys

And the X200 series Jaguars.


Or are those the ones with the 9mm?

 

[Ubique]

7mm features on BMW motorcycles too.

Plus BMW3/5 with E36 chassis, Ford, Volvo, Alfa Romeo, Vauxhall, Volkswagen, Saab & Mini etc.
More of a standard tool than anything out of the ordinary TBH

If you want 'odd' there's an 11.5mm 10 point socket for Porche brakes or the AS22 7 point socket for early Audi S5 brakes.....

 

[Ubique]

If you're dealing with multi-piston brake calipers, I can recommend a Laser 6743 as a good investment.

 

[anto44]

It's just gone ridiculous now. I've turned down timing belt and chain jobs just because it wasn't worth buying the timing tools. A lot of newer cars need the diagnostic computer to do front pads as well as the rear.
There's no reason for these odd sized bolts from an engineering perspective, they only make sense from a dealers profits perspective.

 

[pint]

The day will come I'm sure. that a car/van will be written off because of a failed headlight bulb!. This is why the 'right to repair' legislation is so important. It doesn't just cover the odd washing machine.

probably already here, have you seen the price of some xenon/hid or led headlights

 

[Ubique]

It's just gone ridiculous now. I've turned down timing belt and chain jobs just because it wasn't worth buying the timing tools. A lot of newer cars need the diagnostic computer to do front pads as well as the rear.
There's no reason for these odd sized bolts from an engineering perspective, they only make sense from a dealers profits perspective.

I work for an indie now - dealers previously, what you're saying is what was said 15-20 years ago, if you're still fighting the tide, then maybe specialise in 'restorations' etc.- something that minimises contact with cars 1990-on? Timing tools for most chains & belts are cheap enough to reach payback in two or three uses in the main, many 'special fasteners' have tools available on fleabay for low double digits, basic diagnostic tools capable of service functions are in the ~£250 bracket.
And without dealers, the used car market would have died out long ago.

 

[anto44]

I work for an indie now - dealers previously, what you're saying is what was said 15-20 years ago, if you're still fighting the tide, then maybe specialise in 'restorations' etc.- something that minimises contact with cars 1990-on? Timing tools for most chains & belts are cheap enough to reach payback in two or three uses in the main, many 'special fasteners' have tools available on fleabay for low double digits, basic diagnostic tools capable of service functions are in the ~£250 bracket.
And without dealers, the used car market would have died out long ago.

I work in a main stealers, most of my work now is on EVs, I'm up to date on working on new stuff, my point is manufacturers are intentionally trying to make it expensive for independents to keep up so they have reduced competition.
A 5 point socket doesn't have any advantage over a regular 6 sided socket other than having to buy an extra socket

 

[not done it yet]

We are not in the age of Mark 1 Escorts any more unfortunately, where a little bit of experience would get you through, both mechanically and electrically.

Very true! My Escort had few original parts - apart from body shell and rear axle casing/half-shafts - by the time I had modded it, but the AF spanners/sockets were all that were needed, IIRC.

 

[Keithmac]

Bikes are no better.

Had a 2016 S1000XR BMW in for rear right indicator not working. Normally a £5 relay would sort it out.

Not now though, £450 Chassis control module and a trip to BMW to code it sorted it out..

This week had an old 2008 R1200GS in for MOT, failed on no tail light. Took bike to bits to check wirng loom etc and same bloody problem, needed a new Chassis Control Module..

Seems they don't like a normal fuse box like everyone else. Luckily managed to find a good second hand CCM for that one, was that or start butchering the wiring.

 

[Ubique]

I work in a main stealers, most of my work now is on EVs, I'm up to date on working on new stuff, my point is manufacturers are intentionally trying to make it expensive for independents to keep up so they have reduced competition.
A 5 point socket doesn't have any advantage over a regular 6 sided socket other than having to buy an extra socket

Ah right, your post read the complete opposite! I assume the timing belts & chains are 'side jobs' then?
Remember when Torx & E-Torx started coming in? the same was said about them just being to drive away competition, turns out they were able to apply more torque to a reduced sized fastener head, thereby reducing the tool clearance required - but yer, it was a pain having to buy another 20 sockets, and get rid of all those unused A/F ones to make room!

 

[PhillipM]

Brabus roadster, changing the front option driving lamp bulbs means removing the aeriel and surround, remove the entire undertray front to back, both front headlight covers, both front headlights, then remove both sideskirts, front wings and the front bumper

 

[premmington]

If you're dealing with multi-piston brake calipers, I can recommend a Laser 6743 as a good investment.

View attachment 499341

I got an indentical - BluePoint one of these....

 

[Beeezer]

The easiest lamps to replace, from a design perspective are the rear cluster on the Peugeot Bipper, 2-3 screws as I recall, pull and all lamps are exposed.

What a bag of s==t to drive.

 

[Melvyn Best]

The easiest lamps to replace, from a design perspective are the rear cluster on the Peugeot Bipper, 2-3 screws as I recall, pull and all lamps are exposed.

The easiest was the front Headlights on some of the Mondeo models, no tools needed , just pull out 2 locking sliders. Same system also used on some Volvo models

 

[sako243]

The easiest was the front Headlights on some of the Mondeo models, no tools needed , just pull out 2 locking sliders. Same system also used on some Volvo models

L322 Range Rovers you just open the bonnet, twist off a big fist sized cap from the back of the headlight and voila there you are.

 

[ajlelectronics]

Here is a photo taken from this month's Classic Monthly, showing access panels in Reliant three wheelers. This one is a Regal but later cars are very similar. Combine that with a postage stamp size bonnet and much fun ensues...

 

[Seadog]

Ah, a TMK 500

 

[PhillipM]

The easiest was the front Headlights on some of the Mondeo models, no tools needed , just pull out 2 locking sliders. Same system also used on some Volvo models

306 front indicators just had a level you pulled up and the whole light slid out

 

[CompoSimmonite]

Here is a photo taken from this month's Classic Monthly, showing access panels in Reliant three wheelers. This one is a Regal but later cars are very similar. Combine that with a postage stamp size bonnet and much fun ensues...


View attachment 499390

On my Regal I extended the opening downwards making starter removal easier

 

[JohnH]

And the X200 series Jaguars.


Or are those the ones with the 9mm?

I dont understand why people are suprised when 7, 9, 11 & 14 are used, they are, after all hydraulic systems as specified in the DIN/ISO standards.