Saturday, February 16, 2013

DIY Mechanic - clutch cable replacement

This morning as I drove my 32 years old Toyota GL out, I heard a sharp sound and my clutch paddle went "dead". Immediately I knew that the clutch cable was broken. Since, this is the sixth days into Lunar New Year, I don't expect mechanic to be working and beside, how do I drive the car there!? I went to see my favorite mechanic and he gave me tips on DIY clutch cable replacement. He told me that the hook at the clutch is broken as it is made from alloy. And true enough.... 
... the alloy head broke off!
The only disadvantage of DIY car parts is that I got myself very dirty. So, to remove all the black grease, I used some used cooking oil to dissolve the grease and then use some soap to remove the black grease from my finger.

So, the tips on clutch cable replacement:
Remove the old cable which is the easy part but remember to remove the cable clip (above photo) at the car chassis side as it will be reused;
Thread the new cable at the clutch paddle side first and connect it up (just hook on) to the paddle;
Thread the new cable through the hole at the engine body but first pull back the rubber seal (above photo). If not, the new cable will not go through the hole at the engine body;
Hook up the new cable at the engine end, remember to fasten to the engine block (which was removed from the old cable).

Next adjust the tension at the paddle side using the clip which double as stopper.

I hope the above is clear. It probably cost only RM5 to have this fitted by mechanic but for those with old cars, I suggest to have this cable replace before it breaks. The cable cost RM40 only.

Another thing to routinely check and change is the brake rubber tubing near to the brakes. This tubing may burst and cause brake failure anytime, especially in aging car of more than 8 years.

7 comments:

matthew said...

Brother,you are cleverer than many mechanics outside.How about look into the problem of my car?My car has the usual problem-steering oil leaking.

William said...

Matthew, power steering leak is a problematic issue. If you don't have it repaired soon, the parts may be damaged and you may end up replacing the whole pump which cost a bomb!

Ian said...

Any leak problems usually has to do with seals and gaskets. Time to replace them.

And when you replace, you do it all at once - don't try to save a few bucks on it!

William said...

Ian, you are right. Leak is no good and just have to replace faulty parts. By the way, any trusted mechanic you know off? I need a good mechanic for my old Toyota GL.

Ian said...

William, you could try Hong Hin at Piasau Industrial, I used to take my car to him before I changed cars

Hong Hin Motors Workshop
No. 15, BDC Industrial Estate,
Jalan Piasau Utara 2C,
Piasau Industrial Estate,
98000 Miri,
Sarawak

Telephone : 6 085-664069


also, my father takes his car to Minyako, which is the workshop next to Taman Awam at airport road

Minyako Enterprise Company
Lot 23 Miri-Bintulu Road,
98000 Miri
Sarawak

Telephone : 6 085 - 417086


both are pretty good in my opinion, but your experiences may vary (just as our cars vary)


You could also call them or any of these workshops in advance from this list and see if they would be willing to deal with your car to save the trip:

http://www.miribiz.com/directory/automotive_sales_and_services/workshop_repairs_painting


Hope this helps.

William said...

Thanks, Ian. I think I need to talk to them. My Toyota car was always maintained by Heng Ho Heng. But now, they are not allowed to service any other make!

Ian said...

It is ironic. I bought my new Honda from Heng Ho Hing, and now I regularly take it there for servicing!