Inspired by the automechanical prowess over at dbmini I finally got around to changing my spark plugs at the weekend. I’d purchased them over a month ago but had never gotten round to buying the wrench and appropriate socket attachments. I’m a software guy, not many tools in my house.
The task was no less easy then db said it would be though I had changed spark plugs before, back in my old Mini Metro in the 80’s. Only one of the plugs gave some resistance, and I worried about trying too hard to get it loose and breaking it in the socket. Don’t know how I would get it out if I did that!
Can’t have taken more than 10 minutes for the whole thing, though I did scuff up some fingers: there was blood. Whole thing cost me $40 for the plugs and $35 for the toolkit plus tax and all. The garage that does my oil changes quoted me $260 so I saved me a chunk of change. So much so, that I bought some new leads to pretty it up under the bonnet.
Not sure there is any more DIY in my future. I wouldn’t mind having a go at the brake pads since everyone tells me that’s so easy but, again, no tools or anything so might as well just take it to someone who does.
Brakes are super simple. The only tool you need if your lug wrench and a screwdriver unless you are going to replace your rotors. Then you need a huge Torx (not sure the size). That is for the fronts. The rears require a special tool.
both fronts take about 20-30 minutes. I’ve done them in 15, but I’ve done them before.
Sure seems like they are real easy once you can get to them. But I don’t have a way to get the car off it’s feet, or a way to get the wheels off, so a lot of investment.
If you have a flat surface, the jack your MINI came with should work. Oh, wait, yours didn’t come with one, did it? Dang. A cheap bottle jack would work too. But if you have to buy that and a lug wrench, then yea, starts getting spendy. Might be worth to price it out or see if you have a buddy that could loan you his/hers for the afternoon.