Well after owning my latest miggy for four months I have at last fully jacked her up and gone into my second home; underneath a car! (sad or what for a women of my years?!!) :o :D ;)
This I did to re-famaliarize myself with the underside workings of an Omega and to carry out my first full inspection of all the running gear, exhaust, etc. I am very pleased, and relieved, to say that all is looking very good, with confirmation of what I could see when I purchased her that the exhaust system back from the cats is new and all running gear shows no sign of play or defect. :y
The cats themselves appear to be original, so I better start getting my pennies together in the "car maintenance fund"!! :D ;)
The only let down today was that I stripped down the central consule to adjust the parking brake, but then found of course, as many of you will know, that this is not possible !::) ::) Went to remove the rear wheels to access the parking brake shoes, but then found I had the wrong size wheel nut socket!! ::) ::) ::)
Oh well, I will just purchase that tommorrow for my half inch socket extension bar, then back to the brake adjustment.
Good hour though spent inspecting without any undue problems noted. Pleased to say the least! ;D ;)
The wheel nuts are 19mm or you can use 3/4" and retighten them to 110nm when you've done ;)
:-[ Thats what I meant ::)QuoteThe wheel nuts are 19mm or you can use 3/4" and retighten them to 110nm when you've done ;)
Er....17mm actually!
Quote:-[ Thats what I meant ::)QuoteThe wheel nuts are 19mm or you can use 3/4" and retighten them to 110nm when you've done ;)
Er....17mm actually!
Oh yeah the proper size ones are on the MX5 :D
And the guide is here:
http://www.omegaowners.com/forum/YaBB.pl?num=1152564750
Created by my own fair hand :y
QuoteAnd the guide is here:
http://www.omegaowners.com/forum/YaBB.pl?num=1152564750
Created by my own fair hand :y
Thanks Mark!! :y :y :y
If I had known that you need to remove the heat shields to obtain access to the hand brake adjuster I would have done that today! ::) ::) ::)
Although I inspected the cables and traced them to the brake 'yoke' I did not realise that the adjuster was 'up there'! Oh well more fun in my 'second home' to come! ;D ;) :y
hi lizzie,
Underneath a car! haven't you got a monkey to do that for you? :y Glad your's s looking good, ( the car that is).
I always wonder about handbrakes! modern cars are seemingly stupid in design.
My earliest car had the handbrake on the right hand side by the drivers seat, so you could use your left hand for the grear lever. It was simple, put it in gear (swap hands) hold the wheel then release the handbrake = fast getaway.
Also a handbrake down by the side of the drivers seat makes it easy to pull up and put full power on, (many a woman i know can't pull up centre ones co's they are too hight start with). Some centre handbrakes have your elbow up above your ear before they bite - daft place. The old ford cortina V4 had a pull system from under the dash, got great leverage on that and so easy to release - just a quick twist and you were away.
Also I agree why they cannot make the handbrake cable adjustment a simple twist and fix motion on the lever is beyond me. Just twist the grip, tighten the cable using a vernier type screw arrangement and lock it and you are done!
No doubt the EU gets in there somehow, on health and safety.
Thanks folks for all the great advice, which will help megreatly tomorrow! :y :y :y
As for you Skruntie, do you really think a women cannot do everything on a car as good as a man??? :o :o :o :o I just have to jack the car up further to make room for my well endowed top half!!! ;D ;D :D ;)
As for the wheel brace I would just call the AA anyway! ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;)
QuoteThanks folks for all the great advice, which will help megreatly tomorrow! :y :y :y
As for you Skruntie, do you really think a women cannot do everything on a car as good as a man??? :o :o :o :o I just have to jack the car up further to make room for my well endowed top half!!! ;D ;D :D ;)
As for the wheel brace I would just call the AA anyway! ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;)
Might just let you wash the car instead.(http://i278.photobucket.com/albums/kk106/skruntie/car-washing.jpg)
QuoteQuoteThanks folks for all the great advice, which will help megreatly tomorrow! :y :y :y
As for you Skruntie, do you really think a women cannot do everything on a car as good as a man??? :o :o :o :o I just have to jack the car up further to make room for my well endowed top half!!! ;D ;D :D ;)
As for the wheel brace I would just call the AA anyway! ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;)
Might just let you wash the car instead.(http://i278.photobucket.com/albums/kk106/skruntie/car-washing.jpg)
Trust you Skruntie!!! ::) ::) ::) You are boob minded me thinks! ;D ;D ;D ;D ;)
QuoteQuoteAnd the guide is here:
http://www.omegaowners.com/forum/YaBB.pl?num=1152564750
Created by my own fair hand :y
Thanks Mark!! :y :y :y
If I had known that you need to remove the heat shields to obtain access to the hand brake adjuster I would have done that today! ::) ::) ::)
Although I inspected the cables and traced them to the brake 'yoke' I did not realise that the adjuster was 'up there'! Oh well more fun in my 'second home' to come! ;D ;) :y
You don't need to, you should be able to get to them in situ.
Re the handbrake adjustment from the drivers seat, I recently changed pads and adjusted the handbrake on my Wife' s 03 Corsa. Its so easy. :y Getting the pads out is remarkably easy, due to clever engineering, and the handbrake cable is easily got at from the driver's seat, just lift the plastic handbrake cover and use a small spanner.
Ken
QuoteQuoteQuoteAnd the guide is here:
http://www.omegaowners.com/forum/YaBB.pl?num=1152564750
Created by my own fair hand :y
Thanks Mark!! :y :y :y
If I had known that you need to remove the heat shields to obtain access to the hand brake adjuster I would have done that today! ::) ::) ::)
Although I inspected the cables and traced them to the brake 'yoke' I did not realise that the adjuster was 'up there'! Oh well more fun in my 'second home' to come! ;D ;) :y
You don't need to, you should be able to get to them in situ.
Re the handbrake adjustment from the drivers seat, I recently changed pads and adjusted the handbrake on my Wife' s 03 Corsa. Its so easy. :y Getting the pads out is remarkably easy, due to clever engineering, and the handbrake cable is easily got at from the driver's seat, just lift the plastic handbrake cover and use a small spanner.
Ken
My son and daughters Corsa were like that Ken and my last car, a Toyota Carina II was also easy for hand brake adjustment, as indeed all my other cars, Vx's included!! :y :y
I am afraid to say that I know Mark is right as the heat shield on my V6 is large and indeed covers up easy access to the handbrake cable yoke. :'( :'( :'(
After inspecting it today I was hoping that I could just adjust the handbrake at either the drivers end or on the rear wheels, but alas it seems (as usual on these V6 Vx's) nothing is that simple and I now will spend a happy hour again under the car with my socket set! ;D ;D ;D ;) ...........and I really do love doing that........just means I get covered in crud, yet again in my life, and look forward to a lovely hair wash and bath afterwards! ;D ;D ;D :y
QuoteQuoteQuoteQuoteAnd the guide is here:
http://www.omegaowners.com/forum/YaBB.pl?num=1152564750
Created by my own fair hand :y
Thanks Mark!! :y :y :y
If I had known that you need to remove the heat shields to obtain access to the hand brake adjuster I would have done that today! ::) ::) ::)
Although I inspected the cables and traced them to the brake 'yoke' I did not realise that the adjuster was 'up there'! Oh well more fun in my 'second home' to come! ;D ;) :y
You don't need to, you should be able to get to them in situ.
Re the handbrake adjustment from the drivers seat, I recently changed pads and adjusted the handbrake on my Wife' s 03 Corsa. Its so easy. :y Getting the pads out is remarkably easy, due to clever engineering, and the handbrake cable is easily got at from the driver's seat, just lift the plastic handbrake cover and use a small spanner.
Ken
My son and daughters Corsa were like that Ken and my last car, a Toyota Carina II was also easy for hand brake adjustment, as indeed all my other cars, Vx's included!! :y :y
I am afraid to say that I know Mark is right as the heat shield on my V6 is large and indeed covers up easy access to the handbrake cable yoke. :'( :'( :'(
After inspecting it today I was hoping that I could just adjust the handbrake at either the drivers end or on the rear wheels, but alas it seems (as usual on these V6 Vx's) nothing is that simple and I now will spend a happy hour again under the car with my socket set! ;D ;D ;D ;) ...........and I really do love doing that........just means I get covered in crud, yet again in my life, and look forward to a lovely hair wash and bath afterwards! ;D ;D ;D :y
Sorry Lizzie, I was thinking back to my '95 Omega, where despite Haynes instructions, you could adjust the handbrake cable without removing the heatshields. Shame the team redesigning the facelift Omega couldn't have borrowed the brake chap from the Corsa team. ;D
ken
QuoteQuoteQuoteQuoteQuoteAnd the guide is here:
http://www.omegaowners.com/forum/YaBB.pl?num=1152564750
Created by my own fair hand :y
Thanks Mark!! :y :y :y
If I had known that you need to remove the heat shields to obtain access to the hand brake adjuster I would have done that today! ::) ::) ::)
Although I inspected the cables and traced them to the brake 'yoke' I did not realise that the adjuster was 'up there'! Oh well more fun in my 'second home' to come! ;D ;) :y
You don't need to, you should be able to get to them in situ.
Re the handbrake adjustment from the drivers seat, I recently changed pads and adjusted the handbrake on my Wife' s 03 Corsa. Its so easy. :y Getting the pads out is remarkably easy, due to clever engineering, and the handbrake cable is easily got at from the driver's seat, just lift the plastic handbrake cover and use a small spanner.
Ken
My son and daughters Corsa were like that Ken and my last car, a Toyota Carina II was also easy for hand brake adjustment, as indeed all my other cars, Vx's included!! :y :y
I am afraid to say that I know Mark is right as the heat shield on my V6 is large and indeed covers up easy access to the handbrake cable yoke. :'( :'( :'(
After inspecting it today I was hoping that I could just adjust the handbrake at either the drivers end or on the rear wheels, but alas it seems (as usual on these V6 Vx's) nothing is that simple and I now will spend a happy hour again under the car with my socket set! ;D ;D ;D ;) ...........and I really do love doing that........just means I get covered in crud, yet again in my life, and look forward to a lovely hair wash and bath afterwards! ;D ;D ;D :y
Sorry Lizzie, I was thinking back to my '95 Omega, where despite Haynes instructions, you could adjust the handbrake cable without removing the heatshields. Shame the team redesigning the facelift Omega couldn't have borrowed the brake chap from the Corsa team. ;D
ken
Indeed Ken, how bloody right you are! :y :y
Sometimes (NO! Many times) I just wish I could get hold of these car designers and force them to carryout the maintenance procedures we have to put up with; ie replacing the HBV; handbrake adjustment; spark plug relacement; oil filter replacement; etc,etc,etc!!! >:( >:(
Still, once you have worked on an original mini you can work on anything!! ::);D ;D ;)
QuoteQuoteQuoteQuoteQuoteQuoteAnd the guide is here:
http://www.omegaowners.com/forum/YaBB.pl?num=1152564750
Created by my own fair hand :y
Thanks Mark!! :y :y :y
If I had known that you need to remove the heat shields to obtain access to the hand brake adjuster I would have done that today! ::) ::) ::)
Although I inspected the cables and traced them to the brake 'yoke' I did not realise that the adjuster was 'up there'! Oh well more fun in my 'second home' to come! ;D ;) :y
You don't need to, you should be able to get to them in situ.
Re the handbrake adjustment from the drivers seat, I recently changed pads and adjusted the handbrake on my Wife' s 03 Corsa. Its so easy. :y Getting the pads out is remarkably easy, due to clever engineering, and the handbrake cable is easily got at from the driver's seat, just lift the plastic handbrake cover and use a small spanner.
Ken
My son and daughters Corsa were like that Ken and my last car, a Toyota Carina II was also easy for hand brake adjustment, as indeed all my other cars, Vx's included!! :y :y
I am afraid to say that I know Mark is right as the heat shield on my V6 is large and indeed covers up easy access to the handbrake cable yoke. :'( :'( :'(
After inspecting it today I was hoping that I could just adjust the handbrake at either the drivers end or on the rear wheels, but alas it seems (as usual on these V6 Vx's) nothing is that simple and I now will spend a happy hour again under the car with my socket set! ;D ;D ;D ;) ...........and I really do love doing that........just means I get covered in crud, yet again in my life, and look forward to a lovely hair wash and bath afterwards! ;D ;D ;D :y
Sorry Lizzie, I was thinking back to my '95 Omega, where despite Haynes instructions, you could adjust the handbrake cable without removing the heatshields. Shame the team redesigning the facelift Omega couldn't have borrowed the brake chap from the Corsa team. ;D
ken
Indeed Ken, how bloody right you are! :y :y
Sometimes (NO! Many times) I just wish I could get hold of these car designers and force them to carryout the maintenance procedures we have to put up with; ie replacing the HBV; handbrake adjustment; spark plug relacement; oil filter replacement; etc,etc,etc!!! >:( >:(
Still, once you have worked on an original mini you can work on anything!! ::);D ;D ;)
Oh yes the darling Mini, how once the rear engine mount went, the engine tilted back, and I had to drive back from Crieff to Greenock using only 1st and 3rd. ;D ;D And changing the fanbelt and water pump. But the beauty was after learning all about it on a (REAL) Mini, servicing all modern cars is so easy!.
Plus of course the genius that was Issigonis's design was to realise that rust would be a major problem, so he engineered in the various engine oil leaks to ensure the front subframe would be covered in oil, and hence wouldn't rust. Shame he didn't managed to extend this very forward thinking to the rear subframe ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D
Ken
i stand corrected mike, it was the ford corsair i was thinking of. But as you say the rootes style, my hillman had it right handed, it left lots of room in the middle for (well moving across the seats if i may say) ;D
But very ergonomic in this day and age.
4 years, mine seems to need adjustment every 4 months. I'ts one job I dislike, cause I seem to keep having to redo them.
Ken
Well done Lizzie.There are not many women willing to look at the underneath of an omega.
You have set a precedent.
Now I can say to Mrs Optimst.....If Lizzie is willing to get under her miggy.....then so can you..........That will please her no end. :y :y :y :y
I think you must be 1 in a million Lizzie! Hats off to you for doing it yourself. :y :-*
hi lizzie,Handbrake on the right? was it an Oxford/Cambridge or a rootes group, ( Hillman Singer Humber etc)? My first car was a 101 Victor with the handbrake below the dash & above my left knee!
Underneath a car! haven't you got a monkey to do that for you? :y Glad your's s looking good, ( the car that is).
I always wonder about handbrakes! modern cars are seemingly stupid in design.
My earliest car had the handbrake on the right hand side by the drivers seat, so you could use your left hand for the grear lever. It was simple, put it in gear (swap hands) hold the wheel then release the handbrake = fast getaway.
Also a handbrake down by the side of the drivers seat makes it easy to pull up and put full power on, (many a woman i know can't pull up centre ones co's they are too hight start with). Some centre handbrakes have your elbow up above your ear before they bite - daft place. The old ford cortina V4 had a pull system from under the dash, got great leverage on that and so easy to release - just a quick twist and you were away.
Also I agree why they cannot make the handbrake cable adjustment a simple twist and fix motion on the lever is beyond me. Just twist the grip, tighten the cable using a vernier type screw arrangement and lock it and you are done!
No doubt the EU gets in there somehow, on health and safety.
QuoteI think you must be 1 in a million Lizzie! Hats off to you for doing it yourself. :y :-*
Thanks Dusty! :y Well I try and maintain my motor vehicles myself with or without the help of the superior gender [well men they think they are!]!!!
::) ::) ::) ::) ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;)
Well done Lizzie.There are not many women willing to look at the underneath of an omega.
You have set a precedent.
Now I can say to Mrs Optimst.....If Lizzie is willing to get under her miggy.....then so can you..........That will please her no end. :y :y :y :y