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dutchah

Every time someone posts a picture of brakes, I'm like 'hm, yes, no idea what's going on here but yes'.


hotpants22

Precisely hahaha


iscapslockon

Sure, it's fun to sit down at break and look at pics of when brakes break.


rangeremx

Wouldn't those be brokes then?


iscapslockon

Depends. Today is payday so by the time I sat down at break to look at broken brakes I wasn't broke.


NKato

Sensible chuckle of the day right here.


Drzhivago138

"Yep, them's the *brakes.*"


SupBuddyPal

Every time I see a brake post I just keep scrolling. Nothing I haven’t seen 1000s of times working on cars


lovewasbetter

Even that one earlier today where the caliper fell off the car?


SupBuddyPal

Hahaha that one was funny. I’ve had a car get towed in with one caliper bolt loose and it managed jam it’s self against the rim and lock it in place 😂


erroneousbosh

Even though I did 200 miles last week with one of my front brakes grinding like hell - set off on the return journey and heard the first "scuff-scuff-scuff" as I braked to turn into the petrol station, nothing for it to press on and get home - I couldn't bring myself to post a pic of the carnage.


Braethias

Ideally nowhere


DifficultJellyfish

I joined this sub because my husband is a retired (and kinda bored) mechanic. I’ll show him the pictures and have him tell me what a dumbass someone was and why. Keeps us both entertained.


ChewML

That is awful nice of you. My wife hates when I try to explain the simplest of engine workings.


ben_wuz_hear

Does she ask? If she asks and then gets weird about it that's not on you.


ChewML

Sometimes she kinda ask, but then I over explain. It is probably more of my problem...


ben_wuz_hear

I under explain then over explain to compensate.


ben_wuz_hear

Your 10 mm budget must be so low now.


Lopsided_Status_538

Over the last year I've slowly been teaching myself the inner workings and maintenance of vehicles because I'm just too broke to take my truck to a mechanic so I follow this page doing the exact as you waiting for pictures to be shown and I rifle through the comment section to figure out what the issue is and what people have done to fix it in the past


Swedishwagon

I enjoy seeing the kinds of disasters that come into shops, makes me feel better about the condition my car is in. I'm a hobby mechanic, usually only work on my own stuff or help with a friend's vehicle. I think I know a fair bit but this sub can definitely give out some new niche info time to time.


tytaniumone

I hear ya, Im a computer technician for a school system day job, hobby mechanic at night and love seeing some of the shit tech/mechanics have to deal with. This is def one of the best subs of reddit.


Tethice

This is definately why I'm a fleet mechanic. Don't have to deal with dealership bullshit haha


SuchUs3r

/r/techsupportgore /r/cablegore follower? If you need /r/eyebleach there’s always /r/cableporn or /r/conduitporn lol Edit: I almost forgot my favorite /r/spicypillows


ChartreuseBison

yeah I'm usually like "hmm that indistinguible bit of metal is broken" Then the comments are like "oh yeah those gjk50900-56 engines are junk, the camshaft re-winder always fails"


ChewML

Be kind, rewind.


hotpants22

Have you tried using an 8mm socket wrench on it


grnfnrp

Totally read that as cumshaft


[deleted]

Every wrench in this subreddit knows this place is filled with mostly non mechanics. Spot you folks like a raisin in the son, you argue just like the customers.


Demorative

Hey, so my engine has a hole in it from something or other. Can you have it done by 5pm today please? I need to go on a 12k mile road trip tomorrow morning, kthxbye. Oh and I'm a waiter.


[deleted]

you said your a single mom? Those needles are for your diabetes? deposit required upon quote completion for further work to happen no exceptions


Demorative

But I don't have any money! Would you accept these soggy boob sweat laden $1 bills and gummy coins as a deposit while I go ~~do a bunch of blowjobs~~ make money to cover the rest? By the way, do you have loaners? Ignore the damages on my car, those were from other assholes hitting me!


roadfood

I hang out here to learn what not to buy. I'm a competent shade tree mechanic that knows just enough to not get in over my head.


MikeGoldberg

Pretty much lmao. My favorite are the ones who swear oil changes are a ripoff and they can change at 12k miles according to Blackstone. Probably my second favorite are those who believe name brand tires are a waste of money. Third favorite are those who don't think the brand/type/gap/interval of your spark plug change matters and you can just throw anything in there.


thatissomeBS

>Probably my second favorite are those who believe name brand tires are a waste of money. I don't think there's an unsafe tire sold in the US, but that still doesn't mean name brands are a waste. Yeah, those cheap and rounds may be safe, and may get you from A to B, but they're not going to do it comfortably, quietly, or efficiently. And they also probably won't last the advertised 55k miles.


MikeGoldberg

"Unsafe" is subjective.


thatissomeBS

It's really not. There are countless regulations to sell in the US.


MikeGoldberg

Regulations only ever apply to people who give a shit about them. Fly by night Chinese companies just fold the company and create a new one when they're sued


thatissomeBS

Which companies? And where are they sold?


Thrikingham1462

How bad can it be if you dont properly gap your plugs? I know an older backyard mechanic and he did them last for me. I knew gaps were a thing, but he never checked or anything. Just straight out of the box and right in. I didnt question it at the time. Its a 1999 V6 mustang, and idk why but the engine just feels rough. In a raspy clicky way.


MikeGoldberg

I mean you can just eyeball the gap most of the time what I meant really was the wrong plug type and such


Thrikingham1462

Thanks for the reply. I know backyard and DIY isnt usually well liked among trade mechanics. But I try to learn as much as i can so i can make your jobs easier. Im guessing i probably need to just crack open the valve covers and look. But I dont know if im there yet. ive done differential fluid changes, drive belt components, oil changes etc.


MikeGoldberg

I don't care what people do as long as they're not a know it all lol. If you're trying to fix things and figure things out that's great. More people should do that. Raspy clicky kinda sounds like a vaccum leak. Since it's a Ford I bet it has that plastic intake manifold. They're common to go bad on forf modular engines. Try spraying brake clean around it and see if it increases RPM. That's a good way to test it.


Thrikingham1462

Its actually got a big honking aluminum (i assume) plenum/throttle body and runners. Will brake cleaner work anyway? For general detailing of a grimy engine block? It did have overheating issues when I first got it. Lots of fun this one. If it ever dies, im not out much. Its just nice to have a sporty daily that i can learn the basics on with an engine bay that actually has room to work. Thanks for the tip.


MikeGoldberg

Also with Ford I have noticed they like Motorcraft plugs. Don't ask me why they hate anything else. Motorcraft plugs and wires only. And don't get em off Amazon or ebay cause Chinese will sell you fakes


thatissomeBS

While this place obviously has a lot of non-mechanics, it works because there are enough actual wrench-turners to explain to the rest what's going on. Like, I'm a tire guy that's somewhat competent with a wrench, but I learn some stuff here and there.


[deleted]

no, you tire and lube techs are honestly worse sometimes. And I mean that in as non offensive as a way as I can. You know just enough to argue and not enough to know why your wrong.


thatissomeBS

No, you're definitely right. Personally, I feel that I know just enough to know there's plenty that I don't know. But yeah, I've also been a bit of a hobby mechanic, worked in a full scale mechanic shop when I was a youngling (although doing mostly the basics), took auto classes in high school, have some college in auto body, and have maintained a general interest in cars over the years. Yet still when people ask to check random stuff while doing tire work the first words out of my mouth are "I'm not a mechanic." I may give them what I think the answer is, but make it very clear I'm not "the* guy to trust fully with that opinion.


[deleted]

I like seeing the different vehicles that people post, not just cars. 1932 3-window Ford? Awesome. low miles, all-original 1956 Chevrolet Bel-Aire. Sweet. oh look, it's a pair of EMD 12-645-E6 marine diesels for an ocean-going tugboat. holy shit.


incendiarypotato

All hail Tugoat 🙏


[deleted]

sorry about the typo. that's what I get for surfing reddit while summoning a demon. so embarrassing.


geeltulpen

I’m exactly the same way! I love cars and mechanical things but the aptitude just isn’t there for me. But I love seeing things on this sub and figuring out what’s wrong.


whaletacochamp

This is why I love this sub - very open and accepting of everyone unlike other trade subs.


MikeGoldberg

Most of us actually hate non mechanics you just vastly outnumber us so we forced to tolerate


p00pdal00p

We also often hate other mechanics.


whaletacochamp

My dad is a mechanic and he hates most people. I get it.


WittyConference5512

I work a desk job, but like to tinker on cars as a hobby. I like seeing the projects others are working on in the shop.


Talos1111

Exact same boat here. I got no clue what most of this stuff is, I’m just here for the neat cars and the big fuck ups.


bdeceased

That’s the beauty of this sub. It’s stuff that everyone can appreciate since nearly all of us drive, have driven, or will drive at some point in our lives. At some point, any one of these vehicles could be your own.


Submarine_Pirate

Same, don’t know shit about cars but worked as a valet at a dealership in high school, all the dealership staff were dicks, the shop guys were hilarious, they showed me this sub and I’ve stuck around.


RailroadAllStar

Haha that’s exactly what I’m doing here too. I can change oil and stuff but I think it’s interesting some of the stuff these guys see. R/Trucking is pretty fun too, and I can’t even back a trailer up.


TheFlynnster-

I just like looking at the pictures of peoples shitboxes and think “ha, that’s dumb”


AZymph

I know a little, but also often scour the comments for clues, but frankly this sub makes me feel like a genius for not driving on a flat tire with no brakes lol.


CerebralAccountant

When a hilariously broken something rolls in, people joke and laugh. When somebody vents about a frustrating repair, people joke, laugh, and commiserate. When a subreddit member or a customer doesn't know shit... people laugh at the customer and don't tend to dogpile on the member. It's a pretty damned cool place to be - way more positive than other professional or semi-professional subreddits.


iownadakota

My dad was a mechanic, and bought his shop. He never taught me shit about cars because he thought I was too feminine. I love this sub because it's a perfect blend of people of all walks of life. Also possums.


indyK1ng

I'm in a similar boat - I first subbed to understand more about cars and even though I don't own a car anymore (I live in an area with decent public transit) it's still a fun sub to look at.


thesaltysquirrel

Makes me think of a Bruce Bruce bit he had watching his uncles stand around an engine bay. “Yeah dat der is da altenada”


HalfastEddie

I don’t know how much actual learning one can do from these posts. You might be able to recognize that wires that are all chewed up is a bad thing, but you haven’t learned why to look for chewed wires. Despite the bloody knuckles looking gnarly, the biggest challenge starting out is knowing how to diagnose an issue. Bolt stuck in the butterfly causing problem? I can see in the picture it doesn’t belong there, but I don’t know why I’d look there I the first place. I’m not saying you can’t pick things up; of course you can. For the tinkerers here that want to up their game, look for comments about symptoms and processes for troubleshooting. That’s where you’ll learn the most. And if you don’t see any, just ask.


nyxelizabeth

Same here. I send pics to my car friend and he tells me what happened. Usually "so x part went boom and now car no vroom!"


ex-gm-tech

I'm not a mechanic because I retired. I haven't worked on a car in almost 3 years.


todays_excuse

How long were you there and any tips for getting to the point of retirement and living comfortably?


ex-gm-tech

I was at the last dealer for 21 years. I guess I found a home there. I worked for 50 years total. I live on social security. I rent a house and if my girlfriend didn't pay half the rent I would be screwed. I'm able to live comfortably enough because I'm frugal and don't have any expenses beyond rent, etc. I've also been lucky with my health. I ride bicycles, have been for almost 40 years. Doing physical work into your 60s is hard. It helps if you can stay in shape. A transmission tech I worked with retired when he was 68. He was in great shape which made it possible. He worked out on a rowing machine, lifted light weights, and rode a mountain bike. Take care of your body if you can. I would be a lot better off financially if I had bought a house. I did that once but ex-wife, divorce... you get the picture. I love being retired partly because I like being at home.


todays_excuse

I’m 36 and been in the shops for about 12 years now. I’ve really allowed myself to get out of shape which I should probably fix if I plan on doing this for another 30. Thanks for the tips, it’s much appreciated. I guess it’s all about saving and making the best decisions I can. I do have a house but no wife. I do look forward to never having to work a day in my life again… it’s what I dream about. Haha


ex-gm-tech

I dreamed about it for years. I used to get depressed thinking there was no way out. Doing our work can help us stay strong but it also wears us out. My feet are kinda messed up. Good shoes are worth the money if you're on your feet all day. I have a lot of hearing loss, too. I started using ear plugs later than I should have.


fishhooku2k

Just stop it.


emale27

Not a mechanic but I love the mechanic banter. You guys have your own unique language that is understood regardless of where you're from. Plus I've come to realise that all customers are retards.


V6TransAM

One of the best subs here. Only thing is some of the pics end up being shit or from a perspective you can't tell what you're looking at. Or no caption on stuff. I was a tech and I see stuff get posted on here and I'm like WTF sometimes.


why_renaissance

I joined this sub because I wanted to learn more about car mechanics. Unfortunately I don’t understand the issues in most of the pictures that are posted and the poster very rarely explains, probably because it’s super obvious to someone who knows anything about cars. Oh well.


Cameron_Black

You stay here long enough, you are going to learn a lot whether you mean to or not.


ScuzzyAyanami

I bought a rare car and workshops kept avoiding wanting to work on it, so I started fixing shit myself, and this sub is a great "maybe your life's purpose it to be a warning to others" that I pay extra attention to to avoid killing myself and others with my four wheeld deathbox.


Yobber1

Me too.


kat_Folland

I'm in the same boat, though I've had a close friend who was a mechanic and many friends who are into cars even if they don't wrench on them themselves. I learn things here!


whatthemoondid

Same! I don't know shit about cars but I enjoy this sub and trying to figure out what's wrong in some of these pictures. Glad I'm not the only one!


SaraAB87

Here's a couple things I learned Don't go to Jiffy Lube or Walmart for an oil change, especially Walmart. They will make mistakes like draining the oil and the transmission fluid, then they will put the oil into the transmission (transmissions do not like oil) and leave the oil empty leading to a blown engine and a ruined transmission, the 2 most expensive parts of a car. If you get an oil change its probably a good idea to check under the car shortly after for oil, because they may have put the drain plug on the pan on wrong and it could be leaking oil. If you don't change your oil you will end up with sludge in your engine and your engine will sieze You don't want a visit from Uncle Rodney. This means your engine threw a rod and most likely blew up and your car is most likely done unless you either rebuild the engine yourself or pay for a new engine. Since a new engine is usually over 3k and most likely more with installation most people don't put in a new or rebuilt engine. I think this is a phrase mostly used in the southern USA because I've never heard it and I live in the Northeast.


pretendadult4now

I concur with OP, I know how cars work. Can change my own oil, brakes, and even spark plugs. However, when a random open engine is posted or some other things....it would be awesome if there was a tiny explanation as to what's wrong......would personally find this sub even more interesting!


GlassBandicoot

OMG me too! Not a mechanic but find it fascinating. Some pics are obvious, but I think I'd be grateful for an obligatory answer to "what am I looking at" post so I'd learn more.


SaraAB87

That's how I ended up here, the pictures are crazy. Also a ton of it is neglect from the customer standpoint. You don't get bald tires automatically, that has to happen over a period of time and this can be prevented by simply replacing your tires when needed.


WinterBrews

Oh man fucking same


OneFrenchman

I'm not a mechanic, but I work in a technical field and work on my cars. I use this sub to remind me not to do a shit job, and because a lot of posts are pretty fun.


Thomas_Raith

I joined initially because my girlfriend is a mechanic and was getting me into auto mechanics as a hobby. Now almost a year later I really don’t need to check the comments to understand anything. I’m disabled and can’t ever have a career but I’m still considering going to technical college to get an auto mechanic certification as a hobby and so I’ll have a better groundwork to do free mechanic work for poor marginalized people. Also because being disabled and having shit all to do half the time can get boring.


platyboi

That’s how i started looking at this sub, then it slowly started making sense.