1st DIY Service.....hints and tips

monkeyboybongo · Post by **monkeyboybongo** » Sat Jan 12, 2008 5:43 pm

All,

Going to do the first service myself. Can anyone please tell me what I should have a real good look at to make sure I capture as many little niggles or potential problems that the bongo may be susceptible to.

I'm doing the usual oil and filter change and same with the gearbox. What else should I have a good look at and any little tricks or tips I should be aware of?

She'll be able to go up onto ramps at a mates garage so access to the underneath should be fine.

I'm all ears....and awaiting some good gen

Veg_Ian · Post by **Veg_Ian** » Sat Jan 12, 2008 5:54 pm

Well it's all the usual stuff such as change oil and filter, fuel filter, air filter, check front and rear brake pads which is probably all you would get at a garage. As this is your first service I would then go on to check the rear brake shoes, clean the fuel line banjo filter, drop the coolant then back flush the rad before refilling as per the fact sheet. Check all hoses. Change the brake fluid, change the gearbox fluid, check the front and rear diff oil levels (just rear if 2WD). With a bar go round and check all balljoints. Visually inspect anti-roll bar bushes and brackets, check for any leaks (oil and coolant), check exhaust, clean out drain hole near wipers.

There how's that for starters? Should keep you busy for a weekend. I'm sure others will add more to the list.

missfixit70 · Post by **missfixit70** » Sun Jan 13, 2008 1:30 am

All wot VegIan said & check all your belts, lubricate all your door hinges & locks, check battery clamps & terminals - tighten, clean & grease.

mikeonb4c · Post by **mikeonb4c** » Sun Jan 13, 2008 10:45 am

If you've £30 to spare (from what you save doing DIY service) get a Pela pump for oil changes. Saves a lot of hassle and mess by sucking oil out of dipstick hole etc. - gets it ALL out too.

andyh · Post by **andyh** » Sun Jan 13, 2008 12:01 pm

Good question - and good responses so far.. but it raises the question for me - What is the interval for each of these tasks? Does anyone have a list of service items based on mileage as per the fact sheet? Maybe what has been suggested could be added to the fact sheet? I'm rubbish at checking things so a comprehensive list would be invaluable..

Post by **Ian** » Sun Jan 13, 2008 12:56 pm

andyh wrote: Maybe what has been suggested could be added to the fact sheet? I'm rubbish at checking things so a comprehensive list would be invaluable..

Good idea! I will amend fact sheet accordingly.