Car Repair Update

Sigh.

I absolutely wish that I could tell you something positive about my attempts to fix my own car. Ooh, ooh, wait. I successfully replaced a broken steering linkage. I also removed my wheel successfully three or four times.

Ok, so in the No Black Boxes mode, spending a considerable amount of time under my car (only a tiny fraction of which questioned the wisdom of jack stands and attempting to exert 150 ft-lbs of torque), helped me understand what was going under there. I know what the CV axle and does. I know why it is important to replace it. I know how the rack and pinion works and what tire rod ends are. That's the easy part. Separating a rusted tie rod from a steering linkage? That has proven to be beyond my limited means. Turns out, 6 gallon air compressors can't get you the torque needed to torture the tie rod out of its home, especially when it's rusted. And we haven't even talked about the wheel axle nut. That's because I might cry if we do.

The silver lining of this is that my uncle found a garage that will rent out bays and tools. I expect more success from my work there. I also bought a propane torch. Apparently, according to a completely different uncle, who happens to be a mechanic, to unstick rusted auto parts, what you really need is heat. And a garage full of tools. You know, like a . . . what's the word? I'll have to look that up.

Speaking of Cars

My car parts will be delivered tomorrow and by Monday, I will be elbow deep in the steering parts of my car, getting down to the business of saving myself the trouble of buying a new car (seriously, the quote for a steering rack replacement was more than the car is currently worth, except as a necessary mode of transportation). I will keep everyone up to speed on that project as it happens. Thanks to the magic of Instagram, it will even look like all the cool kids are doing it.

But for now, I found this great look at modern engines from the good folks at Wired's nerdier cousin/subsidiary Ars Technica. Enjoy