The I Worked on My Car Today Thread

Post by **E Showell** » 28 May 2013, 14:22

Not today, Saturday, in fact, but installed (used) factory OEM roof rack rails for an XC. Only the trailer hitch is left before I have a true vacation mobile.

Post by **abscate** » 28 May 2013, 15:47

On that hitch, ES, the install does require removing the right rear wheel liner and reinstalling with plastic rivets. The hitch install is fairly complicated as hitches go, but not over your head of course.

Post by **E Showell** » 28 May 2013, 18:16

Ab -- Don't make any assumptions. I had real troubles with the cylinder head reinstall and ultimately had to go to a pro to bail me out.

I think we're talking about different hitches. I'll get the part numbers from Vadis. The one I have is the old Brink part, with a locking cylinder to attach the tow ball. It is a fairly sophisticated piece of kit and very heavy duty -- way overkill for what I need it to do, but I happen to have it (and not another). My concern is not so much the chore of installation -- I'm OK with the fact that it may take a while. My genuine concern is fitment. I don't want to get halfway through and find out it isn't going to work.

Post by **abscate** » 28 May 2013, 19:45

I can post a pic of mine and make some measurements if it will help. The hitch I have mounts well under the car so it isn't even visible when the ball is off. I have the mounting instructions too btw.

Post by **E Showell** » 29 May 2013, 05:18

Thanks, AB, but I should have the mounting instructions as well. I need a reality check on compatability. Guess I'll call dealer parts dept.

Post by **abscate** » 29 May 2013, 08:30

The one I have is the old Brink part, with a locking cylinder to attach the tow ball.

I think its the same style at least. The cylinder long axis is fore/aft, and the ball looks a bit like a bent water tower? It slides forward onto the cylinder and the lock lever pops into place when it is seated correctly?

I cant believe the frames on the FWD (mine) and the AWD can be that different in the back?

Post by **E Showell** » 29 May 2013, 11:44

Sounds like the same thing. If you have an FWD and are using that style on the FWD, I may just have gotten my answer.

Post by **matthew1** » 29 May 2013, 18:10

New amber rear turn signal bulbs. The amber coating on the bulbs was 98% burned off. They are the originals, so 16 years of use, not bad.

Post by **abscate** » 29 May 2013, 18:42

Sounds like the same thing. If you have an FWD and are using that style on the FWD, I may just have gotten my answer.

I confirm I have a FWD only T5 with this hitch, for ES

Today I ...

Drilled out mounting bolt or AC accumulator to evap hose
Removed accum to evap high pressure side
Secured radiator
Replaced cabin filter
Replaced lower engine panel
Tightened seeping lower rad hose (new)

whoa · Post by **whoa** » 30 May 2013, 10:57

I finally gave up on the horrid little clips that never managed to hold the tailgate trim in place, and just put two fairly unobtrusive sheet metal screws with washers right through the face of the trim panel.

. Classy!

The I Worked on My Car Today Thread

Re: The I Worked on My Car Today Thread