04/17/2010 - Ladies DIY @ At Speed Motorsports

[ilwerdna]

7410 Coca Cola Drive
Hanover, MD 21076
atspeedmotorsports.com‎

[webmaster]

Do It Yourself (DIY) Program Overview

The 2010 Do It Yourself (DIY) program allows National Capital Chapter (NCC) BMW Car Club of America (CCA) Members to work on their own cars under the supervision of expert mechanics and technicians provided by the DIY Sponsor. The purpose of the DIY is to learn and practice proper maintenance and repair techniques that you can routinely complete within a two-and-one-half-hour (2.5 hour) time period.

There are typically several NCC members who can assist you when an extra pair of hands or advice is needed. We are happy to show newcomers the joys of working on your own car. Most events start at between 8 am and 9 am and typically finish at 3 pm. Lunch for the event is provided by the club.

The DIY Program Webpage is here http://www.nccbmwcca.org/content.php?119-diy

This event offers online registration and payment through MotorsportReg.com.

More...

[prentissra]

Registration for the Ladies DIY opens tomorrow.

Everyone is encouraged to register, but women will have priority for all jobs.

[thotts]

I just signed up and I have a couple of questions.

Where do I pay the $20? Is it ok to pay cash the day of the event?

I'm requesting changing my brakes pads and possibly the rotors. Are any special tools required for that? I have a Wrench set something like this. And I have one screwdriver with multiple parts that fit in the handle. Is that sufficient?

Since I plan to do this brake change again someday, I'd like to have my own tools.

Thanks.

[///M44ti]

Hi Gina-

Bringing $20 to the event is fine

The extra tools I'd recommend are:
-A 'persuader' (extra large flat blade screwdriver) for removing the caliper spring
-A pair of goggles (because that spring will hit you in the face)
-A set of metric sized hex (allen) drivers for the rotor retainer bolt
-Something to press the piston back into the caliper (I use a large C-clamp)

Go ahead and order the new rotors. If you don't put them on at the DIY, as you mention, you'll want to do it some other time. But if you don't have them at the DIY, you won't be able to install them if you decide you want to.

You can come out and use borrowed tools, and then decide what you will need to buy for yourself later.

Pelican parts has some excellent online how-to's. Here are the ones for pads and rotors.

Caroline

[mduhovich]

There is something we really need to get done this month and we accidentaly missed the deadline this night. Is there any chance that we can still get in on this event?

[///M44ti]

There is something we really need to get done this month and we accidentaly missed the deadline this night. Is there any chance that we can still get in on this event?

I suspect I'll be able to fit you in as a walk-up. Please let me know either by posting here or by PM what it is that you need to be able to get done.

[mduhovich]

I suspect I'll be able to fit you in as a walk-up. Please let me know either by posting here or by PM what it is that you need to be able to get done.

That will be awesome. I will need to install a hitch on my x5. I also have to replace brakes, but I am not sure that there will be sufficient time for this.

Also, my 'check engine' indicator just popped up a couple of days ago.

[pseto]

That will be awesome. I will need to install a hitch on my x5. I also have to replace brakes, but I am not sure that there will be sufficient time for this.

Also, my 'check engine' indicator just popped up a couple of days ago.

front or rear brakes or both? installing a hitch along with the brakes is a lot though. is it the OEM hitch that comes with the wiring harness?

[mduhovich]

Paul, I am not sure which ones. I just have an error on the dashboard "check brakes linings." Hitch is priority though, since we bought a new sailboat and we need to pick it up from the seller. In addition, I want to be able to get to the PM session of the autocross, so probably I will have to do brakes next time.

The hitch is not OEM - just a cheaper version for x5 with an electrical system. Alex says that he has already bought all the necessary pieces.

Maria.

[MPWR]

If you have a brake system light, that's your priority. It probably means that the wear sensor on one set of pads has been worn through- which means your pads are very thin. Time to change them, or at least verify that they are in good working condition. Don't tow any sailboats without checking your brakes. And no autocross either.

[prentissra]

My $0.02.

I would recommend doing the the brakes first. Stopping is always a priority. If the light is on that means you have hit the wear sensor on the pads and they are low. The brakes should be replaced as soon as possible. I agree with Andy that you shouldn't do autox or tow until you get this fixed.

Also, if you are on the waitlist, you probably will not get on a lift until the afternoon. I'm not sure if the hitch can be installed on ground level.

Caroline will need to make the final decision.

[1996 328ti]

Brakes just slow you down.

[mcoupemindy]

front or rear brakes or both? installing a hitch along with the brakes is a lot though. is it the OEM hitch that comes with the wiring harness?

Installing a hitch on an X5 shouldn't be much trouble as the frame is predrilled from the factory for it (if I recall correctly). If it is predrilled, I assume that it's not more than eight bolts that need to be put in to mount it. As a caution, remember that all hitch assembly bolts require a ridiculous amount of torque, so be prepared with a torque wrench that can read as high as you need to go. (Typically anything hitch related goes to 160+ ft. lbs.)

[mduhovich]

My $0.02.

I would recommend doing the the brakes first. Stopping is always a priority. If the light is on that means you have hit the wear sensor on the pads and they are low. The brakes should be replaced as soon as possible. I agree with Andy that you shouldn't do autox or tow until you get this fixed.

Also, if you are on the waitlist, you probably will not get on a lift until the afternoon. I'm not sure if the hitch can be installed on ground level.

Caroline will need to make the final decision.

no autocrossing on X5!!!!!!!!!!)))