Van service - anything else I should get done

Post by **pimpdriver** » 03 Nov 2005, 08:01

Hi,

On tuesday I am getting the front brakes on my E reg T25 changed (new discs and pads) and getting the rear drums and shoes checked, also getting the fluid changed. Apparently my van is "on the change" so I might or might not need new wheel bearings. What about the flexibles?

I am also getting the gearbox oil changed, and some molyslip additive put in because the diff whines.

An oil and filter change too.

Any other little "preventative" jobs I should get done at the same time? (it is my work van so I need to keep it in reliable condition).

I am getting it done at Audi Volks services in Bristol (Keynsham - about 3 miles to the east), they are really good, I have been unsing them for about 4 years for a variety of VWs and Audis. If you need a good garage in Bristol their number is 0117 986 8644.

Also, is there any thing I should keep in the van as a "spare" such as a spare clutch cable or accelerator cable?

Cheers,

Steve

Post by **Hacksawbob** » 03 Nov 2005, 09:17

E reg I think as hydrolic clutch, spare accelerator cable I have heard mentioned before also keep a spare fanbelt (or should I call it water pump/alternator belt?) with you. you didnt mention air filter, petrol filter and checking timing, which should be included a standard service. You could also change spark plugs distributer cap, rotor arm, HT leads if you dont know when they were last done or they look suspect. If your getting your brake flexibles done you can get braided ones from Simon (at brickyard) which are longer lasting and reduce brake spongyness.

Post by **pimpdriver** » 03 Nov 2005, 11:55

I thought about the braided hoses from Brickworks.

I forgot to mention it is a turbo diesel, and it last had an oil, oil filter and air filter changed in June, along with the exhaust. I am getting the oil changed again so soon because I have done 4000 miles, and before I got it in June, I suspect the oil hadn't been changed for well over 1 year.

Cheers,

Steve

Post by TD » 03 Nov 2005, 12:52

I've run one of these for over 16 years now, so can comment on reliability.
Breakdowns(as opposed to service iyems) have been:
starter motor at around 100K- had it rewound for £70 ish
by pass elec water pump leaked at around 110K (tow home - only one)
and of course new(= recon) engine/clutch at 108K
now at 176K
apart from that glow plugs will fail at 50K, cheap , leak off pipes crack with age and need renewing, cheap. Injectors can need cleaning at 70K.use Bosch agent.

Been supremely reliable, compared to previous T2s
But it is getting old now

Post by **pimpdriver** » 03 Nov 2005, 16:55

Thanks for the info. It had a new head and recon turbo not that long ago so it looks like it has been looked after.

161k and still beats a transit off the lights!

Steve

Post by **pimpdriver** » 08 Nov 2005, 19:48

Got my brakes done today:
front pads (apparently I have later pads and early discs!)
front discs
re-used original bearings (were OK)
new fluid
gearbox oil change & molyslip type stuff
engine oil and filter change
check rear drums, clean and adjust self adjuster
check flexibles (were OK)

All in, £302 (inc parts, labour and VAT).

Audi Volks in Keynsham, near Bristol. 0117 986 8644 ask for Paul. Well recommended. I have used him for the past 5 years for various Audis and VWs, and he is a great mechanic.

Post by **Louey** » 08 Nov 2005, 19:55

pimpdriver wrote:
All in, £302 (inc parts, labour and VAT).

I guess it is worth paying if you know the mechanic is decent and reliable - I'm just a skint student, hang on I was skint before I was a student

Post by **sixsprings** » 08 Nov 2005, 23:10

that's go to be over £100+vat of parts, you know it's been done well and you're clean, dry and still got all your knuckles

- so, not a bad price.

Post by **pimpdriver** » 09 Nov 2005, 07:04

I think parts were £128, labour was £128 (4 hours @ £32/hour) then the dreaded VAT was added on top.

I thought it was a good price too, especially as he is a tried and trusted mechanic, and did his apprenticeship at VAG (many moons ago), he also has all the laptop diagnostic stuff too.

Cheers,

Steve

Post by **Diamond Hell** » 09 Nov 2005, 09:40

Hehehehehe, what did he use the laptop to diagnose on your TD? What the bill was?

For the work done that sounds a sensible price - not everyone wants to get their hands mucky.

I'm in Bristol too Mr Driver, don't use garages though. Always handy to know of a good VW independent though.

Post by **Louey** » 09 Nov 2005, 10:22

not saying you paid too much - just I get scaredof garages and their bills

Post by **pimpdriver** » 09 Nov 2005, 12:27

business expense!

Diamond Hell, what do you drive? Mine is an E reg white panel van with Purple Turtle Services signwritten down the sides. May have seen you about. I am generally Redfield/St George areas of Brizzol.

Steve

Post by **Diamond Hell** » 09 Nov 2005, 14:01

I'm based around Filton, Mudlark is in Horfield.

You would know if you'd seen me - batter dark green Syncro Caravelle with blacked out rear windows, on 15" rims with big tyres. You can't miss it.

Post by **Louey** » 09 Nov 2005, 16:06

Diamond Hell wrote:- battered

understatement - otherwise read as used

Post by **Diamond Hell** » 09 Nov 2005, 17:09

I prefer the term 'previously enjoyed'

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Van service - anything else I should get done

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