OFFICIAL RANT: Why do we need specialized tools?

[OilPatch197]

Yeah, that is the question.

I have always considered it a Engineering flaw to build something that is difficult to work on. Keep things as simple as possible.

Automobiles should not be difficult to work on, you should NOT need a distributor hold down bolt wrench, nor should you need a code reader, tamper resistant torx bolts? Twelve sided bolt heads in a odd size(when a six sided bolt would work), complicated electrical connectors(in twenty years will snap off the tabs because of brittle plastic), so on and so forth.

Then there is the dual measurement, standard and metric, so you got to buy even more tools. Then there is finer torque specs on bolts, no longer is a Ft-lb. wrench any good, you need a inch pound one too!

Don't even think about reusing the head bolts!

..now us backyard mechanics, I would just get out the vise grips, snap her on and turn that fastner, but there is NO ROOM! Many times I needed a 11mm deep six sided socket with thin walls to get off a ignition control module! I couldn't use a short socket with ext. because the walls were too thick, not enough clearance around the bolt!


Now I'm not saying there should not be specialized tools, I think there should be to help the repairman to do the job quickly, but often those that work on their vehicles have to modify a tool, or drive to town to buy one, and this hurts when you need to get the vehicle up and running.

 

[97BlackBetty]

EGR Valve on a 4.0. What a pan in the ass, it is easily accessible and ther stil is no room to work.

I agree with you though, I am just pissed about trying to replace this damn EGR valve.

 

[holyford86]

There's no avoiding it, its not going to go away, Finer torque specs, electronic nannies, complicated electrical systems, smaller packaging, it all goes towards one thing, cutting cost and raising efficiency. Such is the way of the world, and it's only going to get worse.

 

[metalmacguyver]

It comes down to a compromise that was made somewhere along the lines for one thing to work in a certain manner and everything else around it had to be made to fit.

 

[fishunterx]

I think if Ford wants to change from standard tools, or put new special bolts and screws in. When it comes time for you to work on your truck, they should ship you the specialized tools for free. I get tired of car companies making working on your own car more difficult. What is the point of them forcing us to have to take our vehicles to the shop just to replace a head gasket?

 

[Accord4tehloss!]

While RBV are not as easy to work on as classic 60-70's cars there still not bad. My honda can be a pain in the ass sometimes for example the rotors in the front are pressed on meaning I cant change the brakes at home.( i can take the whole knuckle off and take it somewhere but its is cheaper and quicker to take the whole car in and have them do it) BMW has a bunch or special wrenches to get parts off. VW AUDI cv half shafts have a ring of bolts that need to be taken out to remove the half shaft. I hate the bolts with weird patterns on it requiring a special tool that sometimes you can buy sometimes you cant.

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

Most people don't work on their cars, and due to emissions it has become more of an art than a science...

I have always wondered why they couldn't just build a code reader (wouldn't even need codes then) into the dash, so your car can tell you more than just that something is wrong.

 

[MAKG]

Most people don't work on their cars, and due to emissions it has become more of an art than a science...

I have always wondered why they couldn't just build a code reader (wouldn't even need codes then) into the dash, so your car can tell you more than just that something is wrong.

Umm, they did. It's called a "check engine light."

This is amazing. Emissions is VERY much a science.

Most of these "rants" REALLY translate as "I don't understand electronics or control systems, so that's Ford's fault." The solution to that is rather obvious.

The thing is, these trucks are NOT difficult to work on, at least not in the ways that have been described. Try replacing a water pump in a FWD.

 

[v-8power]

It won't be long and cars will have a "locked" hood. That way ANYTHING goes wrong you have to take it to a dealer to be fixed. This is just my opinion.

 

[milje]

It won't be long and cars will have a "locked" hood. That way ANYTHING goes wrong you have to take it to a dealer to be fixed. This is just my opinion.

 

[martin]

I'm sure that they will soon be writing on the hood. No user servicable parts inside, do not open.

 

[red85]

I have always wondered why they couldn't just build a code reader (wouldn't even need codes then) into the dash, so your car can tell you more than just that something is wrong.

Chrysler did this. On many of the newer Chryslers you just cycle the key 3 times and the codes pop up in the odometer window. Just look up the codes on the net and away you go. Mind you, you need to understand why some codes are created and how to test properly to figure out which component is guilty. Code readers are dirt cheap anyway. For less than a c note you can plug into your car and see what's going on.

 

[Shran]

It's just like anything else technical, you either understand it or you don't. Personally I think it's kinda cool having a whole toolbox full of odd looking pieces. Sure it sucks to be buying new tools all the time knowing that you may only use them a couple times (in my case) but still...it's really a confidence builder for me, in that I can say, I have this tool, I CAN fix this.

 

[Mark_88]

I agree with the imperial/metric jumble...how can they build something with a bit of each in every vehicle? My Ford and my Zuki are the same...they are mix and match depending on what part you're working on...frustrating...

But you can get around the special distriburtor tool by just removing the cap...then you can get an extension and socket in there without any problems...just a bit more work though...

 

[97RangerXLT]

It won't be long and cars will have a "locked" hood. That way ANYTHING goes wrong you have to take it to a dealer to be fixed. This is just my opinion.

Chrysler did this. On many of the newer Chryslers you just cycle the key 3 times and the codes pop up in the odometer window. Just look up the codes on the net and away you go. Mind you, you need to understand why some codes are created and how to test properly to figure out which component is guilty. Code readers are dirt cheap anyway. For less than a c note you can plug into your car and see what's going on.

Oldsmobile tried to do this a long time ago. They basically were told that if they do not want to sell any cars, this is the way to do it. their idea was to not bolt the hood down but put a cover over the engine with only the oil, antifreeze, p/s and other fluids accessible. they threw this idea out, thankfully.

Most cars today have shroud on the top of the engine that covers most of the stuff. but those shrouds are usually fairly easy to remove.

All of Chrysler products have had the "key dance" code retrieval since the 80's. on the cars without electronic odometers, you counted the flashes of the service engine soon light. I also have heard (do not know if true) that any chrysler newer than 2004 does not have this feature.

All 80's GM's up to 1993, and some up to 95 you could get the codes by shorting two terminals on the scanner port under the dash and turning on the ignition and counting the SES flashes.

I have not heard of any quick and easy ways to access Ford engine codes without a reader. When I had my 87 Merc Grand Marquis, I read somewhere about attaching a test light to a wire under the hood to get the codes, but it looked like a pain in the ass.

AJ