If I were discouraged from DIY years ago when I got started I'd never have learned as much as I have. I've saved tens of thousands of dollars doing work myself and improve each time I turn the wrench. There will always be mistakes made. Better to make the mistakes yourself & learn (while amassing a collection of tools) than pay someone to make mistakes anyway. Not everyone has access to a mechanic like this gentleman. And not everyone has the budget for it either. We live in a special era where folks like this share their incredibly valuable expertise FOR FREE! Take advantage and realize you can always hire an expert to rescue you (like in this video). This is my favorite YT channel by a long shot
If at all possible I do all my own maintenance and repairs. It’s enjoyable for me. And I can’t stop learning things! Sometimes I will spend thousands for special tools or equipment. The reason for the expensive tools is more because I can’t find a trustworthy shop in my area. But it also brings a great deal of satisfaction to tackle the more technical repairs. If I ever botch a repair I will tow my car all the way to TCCN!
Currently im in a small apartment so i can't keep too many tools like jacks and jack stand. So i have to get major work at a shop or mobile mechanic. But once i move into my own house with driveway/garage, i will be doing most repairs at home. I will leave the big stuff for the shop or get rid of the car.
My dad, rest his soul, taught me in the 60's that a DIYer must have a manual to prevent exactly this kind of mistake. He'd pay an extra hundred bucks or so - which then was a lot - to get the factory book with each of his cars. He did all his own work with me looking over his shoulder and helping. He got terrific service from his cars. A great memory. Now we have RU-vid! For my Chrysler van, there are videos of professionals doing nearly all the work I've needed. Just fantastic.
I second the purchase of factory service manuals. I have a complete set for my 1998 Silverado K1500. They have been tremendously helpful in completing the frame-off restoration of the truck.
100% agreed! This is just my recent experience while I replaced "troubled" leaky radiator on my 20 years old car, I purchased a book for it even it is now several times more expensive than the original price due to almost impossible to find one. I just can't go without a manual as the reference, especially for big job(s). Often they list most of the tools even some specials in the book, besides parts sequence/locations etc.
As a technician for the past almost 20 years, turning 34 at the end of the month, and just very recently achieved an 18 year goal by opening my very own automotive repair shop....I have personally seen the differences, on soooooooo many levels....that a clean shop vs a dirty shop makes. Clean>dirty all day. Yea busy shops get dirty that's just a part of it but a strict cleaning rule/regimen plants the seed of pride in your employee(s) *me I'm by myself now at my shop and actually kinda like it that way...do need a counter girl thoooo* and in turn general morale is much better than a shop that NO ONE is hopeful in keeping clean....that induces neglect and general 'not-my-job'ness and it reallyyyyy shows 😢
A note to the owner of this vehicle… Don’t be discouraged or ashamed at the experience that you had and kudos to you for at least trying on your own. I am a 74 year old who has had very many cars in my lifetime and I used to be a DIYer to an extent on my cars as well as things in my home, but as a age more and more and became less and less tolerant and physically able to do these things, I now rely on professionals like AMD, as I am becoming more and more aware of my limitations (well, sort of).
I started off using Chilton and Hayes manuals before I started working for a dealership. Now, I think RU-vid is the best learning tool out there. You can learn from other DIY folks with similar projects you're working on. And I must add, I learn a lot from this channel as I never owned a Toyota until now because of AMD. Thank you so much for all your Car Care Nut expertise! ❤
I have made many mistakes over the years. But I learned one thing, usually when I screw up, when I do it over and correctly it seems to take less time.
We have ALL made mistakes. I have the utmost sympathy for this customer. It's a beautiful Highlander/well kept. He's just merely trying to keep it nice. Thank you for sharing this misfortune to help others. 👍✊️🖖🇺🇸
I needed this video 6 months ago! 😆 We ended up screwing up the seal and seized the axle - had to take it in to the shop after that. So we went from saving money to spending more than we would have originally. lol Live and learn!
AMD, I send my commiserations to the customer and I am confident the vast majority of your 1,210,000 subscribers feel the same way. Many of us wish we could find a place to end our car repair heartbreak 💔 like your shop does. 😉
It is such a pleaseure to watch you work. The knowledge you have as a Toyota Master Diagnostic Technician is beyond compare. Please keep producing such great videos. Your videos have made me want to get a Toyota as my next car in a couple of years.
I rebuilt both front axles for a 2009 lexus es 350 last spring. Axles are in pristine condition now. Many months later, working perfectly. Thanks for the instructional video on how it's done.
You might not have any idea how much your videos are appreciated but 1.21 millions subs should speak volumes for your knowledge and quality videos. And you dont beat up on DIYers even though sometimes we deserve it. lol "Watch those little things" is spot on......
I did a valve cover gasket on my 05 tundra. I was proud of myself for doing it but then I realized I didn’t clean the half moons in there. Started leaking again from that very spot a week later. Definitely ok to make mistakes cause that’s how we learn. Always keep trying!!
The fact that you adjusted the labor is all I can ask as a customer. I never expect someone to work for free just be honest with me. Which is obvious you are with your customers. Thank you for the video.
Experience comes from making mistakes.... sometimes, expensive ones. Thank you AMD for sharing your expertise and experience with the DIY community! The knowledge you willingly share is priceless!
AND, that's a great point about knowing your limits. I feel comfortable doing R and R on most things external to the engine like alternators, water pump, radiator, etc.. If it's something internal to the engine, it goes to a professional mechanic. lol.
We all make mistakes, the important part of a mistake is that we learn from it. Working on cars is a bit intimidating but it is possible. I suggest watching videos, going in forums and read a manual if there's a manual. Dont get discouraged. Nice to see another great video by AMD.
I have a 2017 Toyota Highlander AWD SE. Purchased with 52k one owner and now I have 120k. I have maintained it myself, all fluids, etc. It has been a wonderful vehicle and extremely reliable. Great video!
I have a 2017 Highlander XLE and have done the front brake pads, rotors and caliper s myself, changed 5h3 diff and transfer case fluid, done a coolant change and have cleaned the @MAF sensor and Throttle body. I will do the PVC valve next week and will be doing the spark plugs next Spring. I let the shop do my transmission fluid as it cost $175 which was worth it to me. By the way, after cleaning the MAF sensor and Throttle body the vehicle ran smoother, accelerated better and fuel mileage improved by 1 mpg ( Imperial Gallon ) on the highway. I didn’t even notice that it wasn’t running any worse than normal but them improvement could definitely be noticed. Such an easy maintenance as well. All these things I learned from watching the Car Care Nut although I’ve been doing a lot of my own maintenance for over 40 years.
@@Zeek800That’s great. I am running Amsoil fluid in my entire drivetrain and Valovline 5W-30 in my engine. Not effect on gas mileage, and it runs extremely smooth. I average 20 in the city and 27-28 on road trips. I also recommend when you go to do any suspension work, I upgraded to Bilstein B6 struts. The car is so much more well balanced. Be sure to replace the front and rear sway bar end links as well.
I replaced the thermostat on my 2002 1MZ-FE along with other work, i.e., knock sensors. Forgot to slide and tighten a coolant hose clamp. Wife called me next day saying the car was overheating. Luckily she shut it down soon enough to avoid any damage. That was my latest DIY lesson: inspect, inspect, inspect. Especially when it involves critical components/fluids.
it's ok, we all make mistakes. lets learn from them and not make the same mistake again. made a few on my 2021 highlander before I thought "i should look this up first" the important part is that we learn and not let it hold us back. keep wrenching.
I always figure, I usually can’t break it any more than it already is. I’m careful not to damage things worse but it’s an opportunity to learn. RU-vid and channels like this are your friend. If it makes me feel uncomfortable or a lift is needed, to the shop it goes. I now do my own oil changes, spark plugs, tire rotations, brakes (pads and rotors) simply because RU-vid taught me how.
The amount of mistakes I made when I started working at a body shop and doing a lot of mechanical work as DIY is too many to name. Don't feel discouraged but learn to adapt. Don't make the same mistakes again and again.
Diy’d both front axels on B5.5 Passat years ago. Didn’t have a lift at the time, as I was much younger. Wife was po’d because it took me 1.5 days. I was in so much pain. Proud of myself to this day. Done plenty of diy on our cars over the years. That is and will be the last time without a lift. Been teaching our 3 children how to’s for years on our VAG cars. They’re now telling me what they think it is before I scan. Now that I’m physically limited, it’s wonderful being able to watch, advise, explain tricks, etc. Going to be showing our youngest how to buff and polish some light scuffs he graciously gave my car. ✌️
When I was younger I did a lot of my own work especially on my motorcycles. But over time computers took the show and that is when I stopped. Some things I still do to my car or truck, but most times I just have it done. I am old now and just lying on the ground is not easy anymore. lol I do spend a lot of time watching videos about any and everything. I love RU-vid and boy does it help when you need to know. I have been watching CCN for a long time. I am also a Toyota nut and have been since my first in 1986. My wife drives a Highlander and I have my dream truck, Tundra Platinum.
Hey, the guy doing the DIY repair had more guts than I would. I'm sure the customer will be happy knowing that everything was done correctly! It's even documented on film haha
Please turn up your audio on the video recording! It is VERY low compared to the RU-vid commercials and we are blasted with a very loud commercial! Thanks.
I had a local shop accidentally chisel off both my wheel speed sensors trying to remove them dry from a rusty steering knuckle. Took it home after that. On one axle, the axle was seized into the knuckle to the point that golf-club swings with a 25lb sledge weren't moving it, even with a can of PB blaster. Had to replace the axle, bearing x2, knuckle, and speed sensors x2 because of their "pro work". Always important to do it right the first time!
I've worked on very expensive toys for around 40 years. I've heard and said "sh!t" hundreds of times. Even the pros make mistakes. The worst thing I've heard was "You just got to finish it" which means we either missed up the new one or it's too difficult for us to finish so you can do it now. My toolbox has a lot of homemade tools because engineers love to make simple things difficult. Got to love the engineers who design something were you need to pull off something big to take out something small when they could designed that little air conditioning line a 1/2 inch over. Something as simple as a alternator could be a nightmare. A buddy is a excellent mechanic. I've taken my car to him before because I didn't want to mess with it. I'm picky and hate others touching my cars but he's worse than I am about being picky.
The hardest part about what he did was admitting he had messed up and asking for help. As you said, unfortunately, this is how we learn. Now, however, he can spread his wisdom to others. 💪🏼🧠 🔧🛠⚙️ 🚗
He came so close to getting it all right! Amazing how much you can learn from RU-vid videos on car repair, they really are helpful. And and usual I can't believe how much rust a fairly new car gets in that part of the country! You rust belt folks have my sympathy, rusty fasteners are a huge PITA.
I feel for the owner. I've also made a small mistake when working on my family's car -- read the wrong torque spec on the rear brake caliper bracket bolt, overtightened it and stripped it. Unfortunately the bracket and caliper was only sold as a single unit, so I had to buy the whole thing instead, and my family was out of a car for a week. But i definitely learned a lot from the experience.
Amen brother. Professional mechanics should not shame the DIYer making mistakes and learning the hard way. DIYers should know their limits too. We all learn, educate, forgive, progress and move forward. God bless you.
As a 70-year-old DIY, I have messed up a few times. Mostly, I have kept all my vehicles going for the past 55 years without incident. Folks like Ahmed have really allowed me to up my game. My 06 Highlander had a rear wheel bearing go bad at 150,000 miles. The rear wheel speed sensor covers had rusted through and allowed water and grit to enter the wheel bearings. Since it was front wheel drive, the pass-through in the rear knuckles were left open to the weather. Now at 200K, it still drives like new. They won't rust out again!
Very informative. As you shared, very important to read the OEM documentation and watch different videos. Learning many things every video that I watch on this channel. A big Thank You!
Excellent watching the pro at work. This job too advanced for me - replaced a wheel bearing in a Mk1 Golf once but no ABS in those days with sensors! Keep up the brilliant work! I am changing from a Mercedes C220d to Toyota Yaris Cross soon - your channel is one of the main reasons. Many thanks.
2:45 I am not a skilled mechanic, and only a little informed about automobile design and engineering, but usually, I would think, you replace a wheel bearing to save an axle. In this case the wheel bearing work damaged the axle. I am very intrigued..
A combination of in person apprenticeship for a few months with CCN channel and you’re set to become a savvy DIYer . It’s all about self education and minimize your mistakes by applying his advice. Mistakes will happen but not giving up (not getting discouraged) is the key for marathon of success. In addition, ADPIE ASSESSMENT DIAGNOSIS PLANNING IMPLEMENTATION EVALUATION just like nursing application. It all starts with the right assessment! Awesome 👏🏻 as usual!
Great advice on DIY and life in general.. the best teacher is errors you make in life. You live and learn, probably spend a few more $$, but the next time you will never do that error again which = learning. It is the same for most everything else you would DIY. Also another thing doing things DIY. At least for me its very therapeutic...its mostly me and my boy (sometimes my girls) solving a problem and when you solve it. Its one of the greatest feelings in the world..
Besides oil changes, brakes and battery replacements I go to a shop to get work done. I’ve had to many people fix my car in the past who claim to know what their doing but everytime they don’t do the job how it should properly be done and cut corners. Don’t be cheap and just let the professionals take care of it. It’s peace of mind and make sure the shop honors their work.
From what I saw of the dust cover that was mangled, it looks to be a part that could easily be designed and 3D printed. Toyota wouldn't make that simple part available as a spare because then they wouldn't make the profit of selling a complete axle!
Dealerships are guilty of this as well, i have a bmw and needed my front right cv boot replaced and part of the repair for bmw requires the corresponding output shaft seal to be replaced. The dealer that did the boot repair failed to do this and caused a leak from the output shaft. The dealer original tried to quote me 800 for the fix but after i brought up that a month prior i had the boot they took a look and admitted they did the work wrong
That is the time, you pay a visit to the service manager. Explain the situation and have him/her work with you to resolve this issue Sometimes, the service advisor, if they listen, will resolve that issue without having to go to the Service Manager. If they want to keep your business, they'll make some concessions. That what good businesses do for their customers
As a DIY-er who works on his own vehicles, there are so many ways one could make a mistake at times it feels like a mine-field. I feel like mistakes are almost a guarantee, and while annoying, at least every time it happens it isn't in vain if you learn from said mistake/s. I'm grateful by the grace of God I haven't blown anything up yet, but it would seem some vehicles are more nuanced then others and I have so far picked easy to work on vehicles. I also attribute a lot of success to my dad helping me avoid dumb mistakes, though neither of us are mechanics by trade we either go by specific How-To's or general best practice.
The only things I have successfully "mended" have been broken tabs on bumpers and headlamp housings. There are tested and approved methods. They are rarely cheap, but better than replacing an expensive housing for a snapped tab.
Dirty Harry told me men have to know their limitations. Bob Vila told me to measure twice and cut once. Jeremy Clarkson told me to always have a bigger hammer available. CCN is the fusion of all three.
element3 is a line of Raybestos brakes, I got curious and looked it up. They say it's a professional line, it includes pads, rotors, calipers and other brake components. I'm an Akebono man myself so I'm not fanboying here, I'm just posting more context for my fellow viewers
I think you are a good mechanic by watching you. You do everything and you explain what you’re doing and most mechanics. Don’t even do that. I have my car service at Toyota Of Glendora and I don’t think they do a good job of servicing it and checking out everything.
I had a Honda CRV with a leaking drive shaft seal. It didn't look super complicated to replace on RU-vid. I was going to fix it myself but decided to have a mechanic check it out first. He told me that a) it was a minor leak and b) there was a 50% chance the drive shaft would be damaged during removal due to age. I ended up adding AT-205 to the transmission which stopped the leak. Saved me lots of $$$ and labor. Sometimes it's good to get an professional opinion before tackling a project.
Several random, related thoughts: DIYers like me don't do the same task (other than oil changes?) often enough to develop procedures and good habits. I try to obey my grandfather's mantra that it's okay to make as many mistakes as you need to, just don't make the same mistake twice. Doing a simple radiator drain and fill last week only took me 15 minutes. Finding the clip I dropped into the engine bay took 45 minutes...
It's good to practice first on a beeter, that way if things go wrong it doesn't matter much. Only thing is, there's so many electronic components and sensors in new vehicles it will soon be impossible for drive way DIYs to do any repairs very soon.
Good job Mr. Car owner. I often judge my diy projects on the effort. Great explanation Ahmed. Like you suggest I do watch a few videos before doing a job. In honesty I often have to do a new task 2 or 3 times. Hopefully I am not paying for extra materials. Next time the task is easy, in my bank of knowledge. I will occasionally have a shop do a job if it looks like too much or I just don’t want to do it. Again, my car owner, hang in there brother, been there too.
This is why I’m hiring them to do my Spark Plugs and Ignition Coils in my V6 Avalon! It’s a PITA(Pain In The Asspirin) of a job that I’m got willing to “DIY”!
I think your client should keep doing anything that he/she feels is within their capabilities. Im 34 with absolutely zero education since high school other than what ive researched and learned by making mistakes. Ive probably saved myself well over $50,000 at this point by DIY. I do not make the same mistakes twice especially when it costs me money, thats a lesson that is never forgotten. The only thing that makes your clients situation possibly discouraging is that this small part is not sold separately from the axle which is absolutely ridiculous but unfortunately that is the parts business for you. Ive replaced quite a few perfectly good control arms just because the ball joints were either pressed in and not sold separately or worse, they were riveted to the control arm. Its a shame that so much material is wasted just because the actual problem cannot be properly addressed. In short, keep on keeping on and keep your mistakes in proper perspective to avoid discouragement. Accept the things that you cannot change, have courage to change the things you can and seek the wisdom to know the difference.
We all learn. Some of us the hard way like when I was a kid swapping my Mustang with a used engine. I dropped a bolt inside the intake manifold only to find it on my piston a few hours into the first test drive.
Great video and work as usual AMD! The brand of the brake pads are Raybesto's it's their latest brake pad, that's supposed to offer the benefits of both ceramic and semi-metallic pads
Yo were confused putting the sensor bracket back on, so was I when you said "it says LEFT here and it says LEFT here, that is how you know it is the RIGHT side". ????
Experience is a good teacher. A bad experience is a better teacher. I, nuclear engineer technician prefer detailed manufacturers’ procedure to avoid unintended consequences.
Oh man Great Great Video Real life we learn from mistakes But if we have you we learning with every Video from you I'm a Toyota fan What it's the Toyota you have in the back I hope you make a Video from that Gem
It's not just DIYs who make mistakes. I've had to take my VW back to a VOLKSWAGEN specialty shop more than once due to faulty installation of parts. The CV joint funnily enough. Hell, a volkswagen dealership shop left tools on my wheel when I drove off the lot.
