[crabu2]

Originally Posted by CO_Steve

Viffermike, Interesting you mentioned tire changers. A couple years ago I got so fed up with tire store attitude that I bought the HF changer, balancer, and a top notch tire iron. Been doing my own ever since. It's not that hard with a little experience.

a few years ago I bought a rim clamp tire changer and high speed balancer off ebay.. I've gotten my monies worth by 10 times now.. I wish I had the space for a lift.. that would make life a 1000x easier.

[FastTimesInNC]

Originally Posted by CO_Steve

My son has a 2001 M3. We got it a year ago, low miles, well cared for.
I was under it and saw the diff seals were leaking. Told him to call his indie and see what they wanted, I had the parts. Quote $300. Not bad at all. Then he took it to the dealer. They wanted $800 but also quoted leaking constant pressure valve and valve cover gasket. Total estimate $3100.
Yesterday we did the diff. Today we pulled all the shields to check on the others. Bone dry everywhere.

Is it that tough to make an honest living out there?

Nothing beats learning for yourself, especially with youtube and the forums being so robust. Save money and gain a skillset that lasts a lifetime, plus a good chance to spend some time with your son.

[CO_Steve]

We've been fixing cars together for a long time now. He doesn't live at home anymore and is 5 hours away so we have to arrange special car repair visits.

[3rdcoast228i]

Originally Posted by CO_Steve

Viffermike, Interesting you mentioned tire changers. A couple years ago I got so fed up with tire store attitude that I bought the HF changer, balancer, and a top notch tire iron. Been doing my own ever since. It's not that hard with a little experience.

I'm curious what kind of balancer you bought?

[CO_Steve]

Originally Posted by 3rdcoast228i

I'm curious what kind of balancer you bought?

HF sells a bubble style balancer. I'd love to have a real spin balancer but they're expensive and take 220 usually. If I'm careful with it I can usually get decent results. I've had a couple I've not been happy with but usually it works ok.

[3rdcoast228i]

I probably wouldn't use it on my BMW. I think it would be fine on my trailers, jeep, the families SUVs, and dad's old truck.

I think it's worth looking into. Having tires shipped to my house and doing it my self is more convenient and cheaper.

[CO_Steve]

I've saved a ton of money buying tires online, used, etc. Low profile tire can be tough to break the bead. The changer came with a tire lever but I bought a Mojo lever and it's so much better. Do a Google search. SUV tires are easy. Most 50 series tires I've tried have been no problem. The thing has paid for itself many times over. IF you're having to force something you're doing it wrong. When done correctly it doesn't take a lot of force. Lots of youtube videos showing how.