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How do you learn about auto work? (lemmy.ml)
submitted 11 months ago* by to c/asklemmy@lemmy.ml
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Hey all,

I am wondering how to learn about auto work. I am self taught in many things but this subject evades me somewhat. It seems like the kind of thing that someone would teach to you directly but most of my learning comes from self study interacting with things directly and reading texts.

My brakes are starting to make a squeaking noise when I come to a stop and as a result I have gained an interest in learning about some basic auto work.

Does anyone have any good resources where you can learn about these things in a sequential manner? That is to say, learning the most basic concepts up to the more advanced concepts?

Thanks.

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[โ€“] 5 points 11 months ago* (1 child)

Replacing brake pads (not shoes for drum brakes) is a fairly straight forward activity and possibly one of the best (besides perhaps changing engine oil) to perform yourself. Youtube is a great place to start. You can likely even find a full video of pad replacement for your exact model of car.

What is your current knowledge with using basic hand tools such as screwdrivers, hammers, and wrenches (for hex head fasteners)? Do you know how to replace a flat tire? There's lots of overlap with that procedure and changing brake pads.

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  • [โ€“] [S] 3 points 11 months ago (2 children)

    I can replace a flat fine, I understand how to use a jack and a torque wrench and have tangential knowledge regarding a little bit of mechanical engineering from a previous job.

    The feeling I get is that auto work goes much much deeper though, and I am interested in resources that offer that knowledge.

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  • [โ€“] 3 points 11 months ago (1 child)

    If you know not only what a torque wrench is, but how to use it properly you will likely have no trouble changing brake pads.

    The feeling I get is that auto work goes much much deeper though, and I am interested in resources that offer that knowledge.

    Full engine rebuilds, or even troubleshooting intermittent CANbus issues, sure. But basic maintenance like brake pads or changing out a failed alternator just require basic hand tools and some minor knowledge you can get from youtube.

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  • [โ€“] 2 points 11 months ago

    You're right... it does go a lot deeper. If you're in the USA, your local community college might have classes. Consider starting with some formal instruction. The problem with YouTube is that you (the one lacking knowledge) has to decide whether the YouTuber knows what they're doing. There's a lot of great stuff on YouTube, but there's plenty of wrong and unsafe stuff too.

    Also, avoid super cheap tools for the tools that interface with screws, nuts, and bolts, like wrenches, sockets, screwdrivers, hex and torx drivers. Cheap tools make it wasier to damage screw heads and bolts.

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