few questions bout failed mot

[Tools]

hi,

took my car in for mot test and it failed on a few thing

1) Handbrake effieciency was 12% rather than 16%
2) Off side front wheel bearing
3) Nearside headlamp aim too high
4) parking lights are not working

does anyone know if any of these jobs can be done relatively easily as could do with saving some money if possible. I think that all the parking lights need are new bulbs so this shouldnt be too hard but bit unsure bout wat to do for the rest.

Cheers for any help given,

Antoine

[cliffybabe]

Parking lights, check bulbs relays fuses etc.

Wheel Bearing if ur feeling brave u can do it ur self u can get a replacement from ebay for about £15 quid.

Head lamp can be adjusted fromt eh rear of the light, Haynes manual job, with a flat road and wall.

Handbrake never heard of b4 %etc it can be adjusted by removing the gator and doing up the 2 bolts either die of the hand brake

[E30BeemerLad]

handbrake should be adjusted at the calipers and then the slack taken up with the adjusters under the handbrake levers.

www.bimmerdiy.com/e30 there may be some useful how-to guides on there

[Gwynleym10]

Its failed on efficiency NOT number of clicks, so you probably don't need to adusjt the cable.

Its only a little bit, so open up the brake (if its drum its easier) spray WD40 on the cable and lift the handbrake on off a couple off times.

Then clean the whole lot with brake cleaner.

Another trick is the drive the car at 40mph and put the handbrake on hardish. This helps to get rid of any glazing.

[Gwynleym10]

I wouldn't buy a bearing from ebay as they are usually unipart or some other rubbish. Parts at ECP / GSF are slightly better.

[tomson]

when doing wheel bearings its good engineering practise to do the pair,
fronts or rears.

if you have rear discs to adjust the hand brake properly jack up one side
of the car (make sure the handbrake is off) at a time and remove one wheel bolt and using a torch rotate the wheel till you see the adjuster and using a long thin screwdriver or similar move the adjuster up or down (i forget which) till the wheel goes tight and then slacken off till the wheel spins freely. Job done!

Cheers

Tom

[Tools]

Thanks for advice,

i remember the mechanic saying that the brakes probably just need a clean since its an old car. will therefore open up the brake and use wd-40 and break cleaner. How do i go about openin up the brake? sorry all new to car mechanics!!!

thnks again

[Gwynleym10]

It depends if it has disc or drums at the back....

But you start by loosening the wheel bolts, jacking up the car and removing the wheel...

[Tools]

ok sounds gd,

i think i got someone who knows alot bout this sorta thing than i do so were gonna have a look.

cheers for the help ill let u kno if i need anymore help.

[Brianmoooore]

Handbrake never heard of b4 %etc it can be adjusted by removing the gator and doing up the 2 bolts either die of the hand brake

Very common, and following this advice is the cause of it!

[Brianmoooore]

when doing wheel bearings its good engineering practise to do the pair,
fronts or rears.
Tom

News to me. Why?

[Brianmoooore]

if you have rear discs to adjust the hand brake properly jack up one side
of the car (make sure the handbrake is off) at a time and remove one wheel bolt and using a torch rotate the wheel till you see the adjuster and using a long thin screwdriver or similar move the adjuster up or down (i forget which) till the wheel goes tight and then slacken off till the wheel spins freely. Job done!

Cheers

Tom

Not only make sure the handbrake is off, make sure the cables are slack as well. Some muppet may have been there before you.
When you've adjusted as above, tighten the cables so that the handbrake comes on in three or four clicks, then NEVER touch the cable adjusters again.

[Brianmoooore]

since its an old car.

[co
BMW don't do "old" cars. Find another mechanic. One who appreciates what he's working on.lor=darkred][/color]

[tomson]

when doing wheel bearings its good engineering practise to do the pair,
fronts or rears.
Tom

News to me. Why?

Its what i was taught when at college to do with brakes and wheel bearings! I usually follow this when doing suspension components and bushes, but thats just me!!

Tom

[Brianmoooore]

Brake pads and discs, and rubber bushes and dampers, yes, but I can see no reason whatsoever to change both wheel bearings together (or ball joint type suspension joints.