Preventative maintenance
 

Hi all,

While I'm still running the Passat and the weather is getting better I'm wondering about getting on to a few jobs that don't actually need doing but I'm thinking that it might be a good idea. :shrug:

I'm thinking of things like replacing the diode pack in the alternator, looking at the starter motor, doing the themostat mod, maybe a cooling system flush etc. The brake pipes were advisories on the last MoT because they were waxoyled.

It's all working fine (yes I know that saying it going to make things break now ;)) but I can't make up my mind whether to leave well alone or get on with it.

Thoughts appreciated.

Andy.

PS She was born on 29 Nov 2001 and is a diesel tourer with 89K on the clock

Hi Andy.
I would say while you have time on your hands yes, do the easy jobs like look at and change the starter motor contacts & plunger inexpensive preventive job worth doing, inline stat another if you car does nor reach its temp, this can be checked by using the 19 then 7 on the IPK.

Wipe the brake pipes and check them over re-coat them with a smear of clear silicon grease if you have to, or leave them wiped clean.

cooling system flush is only worth doing if you think you have a blockage some where, other wise just change the OAT if it needs bring up to 50/50 ?

I should imagine you have cleaned the headlights :D already, go over it and tie back any of those hoses that can chaff etc.

I believe it's because the tester is unable to visually check the pipes for corrosion. Having said that, my brake lines are also waxoyled and I have never had them bought up as an advisory :shrug:.

Cliff

Cheers guys.

The starter motor's coming out....

Yep, the headlights are clean :D.

Drop links are original as far as I can tell from the folder full of paperwork. Think I'll leave these as the "new" ones don't seem to last as long.

Keep those thoughts coming.

Andy.

there are so many jobs that can be done or checked be them nuts and bolts, brackets etc and a lot are to do with rust.
fuel tank strap
strut to hub pinch bolt
front lower arm to hub pinch bolt
the big washers that are on the sub frame bolts both front and rear sub frames
bracket that holds the hand brake cables
rear lower arm to hub bolt
rear upper arm to hub bolt
rear upper arms
rear lower arms
plenum check
tyres check
lights check
wipers check
rear brake back plates
front disc splash guards
disc pads
rear spring check
spare tyre check

The above is things I've read about and or encountered :)

macafee2

I used to do a lot of things which ended up causing me a lot of headaches. Nowadays I go along with the let sleeping dogs lay routine. If it needs doing, I do it but ........................ I remember doing a brake pipe many years ago, which I ended up following all the way from the main junction and ended up replacing the caliper due to everything being solid and breaking when trying to dismantle! The actual brake pipe just had a bit of surface rust which could have been cleaned up. I cut through it to check after all the work and the surface rust was just that! I use clear waxoyle on the pipes. Wipe over with a petrol rag to check each MOT and waxoyle again.;) If it aint broke, don't fix it!:D

The alternator regulator pack is a good one - and for the next 6 days we have the parts at 10% discount too: https://www.dmgrs.co.uk/collections/...-and-yle102500

Inline thermostat is another favourite, but check yours is indeed running a bit cool before fitting: https://www.dmgrs.co.uk/collections/...tat-89-degrees

The list macafee2 posted above is a good one - the usual checks often get forgotten in the day-to-day bustle, so now is a good time to take the time and check these over. :)

This is true, even covered in grease can incur an advise

If it ain't broke don't fix it!