This is my first car which I've owned for a grand total of two months. Granted, I know much more than I did before I owned a car. I know what problems I'm experiencing, but I don't know the names of all the parts are and person-to-person, anyone will be able to tell I'm trying to sound mechanically inclined so I can't be ripped off. Can you all give me some advice? Pointers? I know that mechanics have bad reputations as blue collar lawyers and I don't want to be the one who tests whether thats true or not.

1998 Accord EX v6 3.0 V-TEC.

I need some things tightened, I assume, on my suspension. Driving over potholes or rough road don't sound or feel good. I have a p1456 error code which is an EVAP leak of some sort. Thats really it, but I'd like to take care of my suspension and sway bar before I address the EVAP issue since the smell of gasoline is just unpleasant, and the suspension is more important.

 

Hiya mate,

I don't know much about cars either (honestly ) but I take matters in hand and give it ago, cause if you don't try, you'll never know! Fact!

Invest on some good tools, ratchets, spanners screw driver, and a BIG hammer!

No, seriously, you'll learn as you go along. I do the same, ask questions, search for info here, lots on youtube etc.

My very first task (many moons back) was to change the wiper blades! then change air filter! then spark plugs! later on to change engine oil! filters! Wohooooo! I could service my car!

Don't know much about error codes, but it does sound like either your shock-absorber and/or front Anti Roll Bar bushes are kaput. easy and cheap to fix.

Get some pics and let us see

Good luck buddy and welcome to the world of DIY, don't worry if you cockup, that's how we all learn

 

A shop manual might be the best thing. Even for the jobs which you don't do yourself, you can read through it and sorta understand what the mechanic is doing. That'll help you talk to the mechanic.

Since you're a beginner for working on your car, you will still need to rely on a shop for some jobs. If we knew where you are located, maybe someone knows an honest shop. Believe me, they're not all crooks.

 

Thanks! Honda4me, taking it slow and easy is definitely the way to go. I think I will do a tuneup myself when that time comes. Change my own engine oil. Jim, where might I find some shop manuals, and what types of jobs do they describe?

I live on Staten Island, NYC. I'd much rather work with someone outside of a shop, as it should be cheaper. But if not - no problem! The job must be done. I'd appreciate any referrals and will be back with reviews if I can get the Honda-Accord-Forum-Hookup

 

Knowledge is power my friend, So get yourself a set of Jack stands, Sears or Harbor Freight will have a set for less than 30$ (don't buy the cheapest ones). Jack up the back of the car, put it on the stand and remove the rear wheel.
Inspect the suspension parts for broken or loose parts. Sway bar links go bad or break.
Once you have an idea of what is wrong. Call around and get an estimate. If someone has the time to give you an accurate estimate over the phone, they might have a little more time to do the job right.

 

The best shop manual is published by Helm, and it covers EVERYTHING. Even completely dismantling the automatic transmission. Get it from www dot helminc dot com or pirate-copies can be found...

Less detailed repair books can be found at places like AutoZone - published by Chilton, Haynes, etc. Still good stuff to read & understand what the mechanic is doing.

 

Can these jack stands get the car high enough to check for suspension problems? Would I be limited in any way using these?

https://www.google.com/search?q=set+of+jack+stand

 

I think you would be good with any of those 3ton jack stands. I use the tire changing jack that came with the car.
Warning though, you can really hurt (or kill) yourself if you don't know what you are doing or are careless. If you have never put a car up on jack stands before, find a friend that has to help you.
I only raise the car enough to get the tire off. then put that tire under the frame rail next to the jack and stand as a precaution should anything else happen.

 

LordAccord.

for the sake of keeping you from killing yourself as you tug on your suspension to find out what is wrong and the car falls off the jack stands... do your homework on finding a good shop

Let me offer some ideas

1. You can use the BBB to check the history of repair shops, rating, along with complaints and how they solve them.

2. Ask friends whom have cars. Where do they go?

3. look for certifications.

4. How good is the shop employees trained?

5. How does the shop look? dirty or clean. is the staff well manored or a bunch of hack looking fellows? use your gut on this one

6. Dealership, although more expensive, can actually be less expensive becuase of proper training and repairs done correctly the first time. (training cost money, but it can save you in the long run)

and another source, if you want to learn about cars,.. check with your local Techincal school. They may have a "beginners" course on Auto operations and repairs.

I hope this helps!

Brian B

 

Well, I think there's a bunch of maintenance jobs on the car that are good for a beginner to learn. Tire rotation is one thing, and the bonus is that you'll know how to change a tire if you ever get a flat out in the real world.

I use a hydraulic jack to change tires, but I NEVER get underneath the car unless it's supported on stands. Don't trust the tire-changing jack that comes in the trunk. Don't even trust a nice hydraulic jack, they can let themselves down when the hydraulic cylinders begin leaking.

Find a friend who works on his/her own car. Working together with someone who has done it before is the best way to learn.

I answered this question differently at first because I thought you had already decided not to do it yourself. I thought you just wanted to learn enough to talk with your mechanic.