My wife asked why certain auto repairs seem to take so long. The answer I have is simple-- setup, access, and bolt breaking. I have done many repairs to our cars lately, and I have had my wife keeping me company while I do it.

I explained to her that much of my time is spent on setting up to do the job. This includes getting the car up on jack stands or ramps, laying out the tools, and planning the "attack".

The next big issue is gaining access to the repair area. Many jobs are compounded by the need to remove parts to gain access to the work area and parts to be fixed. When I was a kid, you could look into the engine compartment and see the ground. That ended with the emissions equipment and newer technologies-- the car is stuffed with stuff!

The biggest bane of my existence is loosening stuck bolts-- I waste 80% of my time here. I tried to explain to my wife that the job at hand is simply a matter of five bolts on each side, but unsticking each one of them is a job in itself. This was the case this weekend when I changed out my lower ball joints, tie-rod ends, and sway bar connectors. By the way, these replacements will make your car handle like new . . .

I had to use all of the following techniques to break them (some in combination):

• Wire brushing-- Getting the gunk off
• Penetrating oils-- Soaked in to break rust
• Hammering-- May jar it loose, but definitely relieves frustration
• Breaker bars-- Leverage really helps
• Cheater pipes-- Even more leverage with a long, lead pipe.
• Torch-- Heat the bolt to expand it
• Impact wrench-- A big help with removal, but be careful not to over torque on replacement

If you want to know more about dealing with stuck fasteners-- check out my post, DIY Quick Tip: Use Leverage to Loosen Rusted Bolts.

Back to my recent repairs, the actual parts replacements took just minutes-- the setup, access, and bolt breaking took several hours over days.

I always follow three rules when working on the cars:

• Never work on both cars at the same time-- You need one fully functioning vehicle while working on the other
• Murphy's Law-- Plan for the unexpected and expect it will take longer than you plan
• Apply anti-seize dressing if you think you will be working on that same part again sometime in the future

So the next time someone asks why it takes so long to repair the car . . . you can tell them it was that rusted, S.O.B. bolt!

Happy motoring!

Thank you for visiting the Self Reliance Workshop and come back soon for more . . . follow me on Twitter at SelfRelianceWS, DvrcdDadFrglDad, and Surfcasting2Day.

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DDFD believes that self reliance and self sufficiency are the roads to individual freedom.  He is dedicated to living a quality life through frugality, personal growth and productivity, and defensive entrepreneurship.  He also enjoys cooking from scratch and fishing.