Whenever I go into the garage to undertake a Volvo repair, lately it's always something I can't look forward to. I've replaced one too many CV axles and alternators to make me want to work on them as a hobby anymore. But every now and then, I'm surprised by how easy certain tasks are, even on these sometimes-complicated European vehicles. The best is when you start a repair that is usually complicated, only to find out it's actually easier than you thought.
What defines an easy repair?
Different mechanics have differing opinions on what an easy repair entails. Some are quick enough to say a head gasket is an easy repair, while I consider changing a battery an easy repair. Maybe I'm just not cocky enough. In any case, there are some jobs that are a pleasant surprise. Whether it be from clever engineering or just a well-placed component, even the most complicated of cars can have systems that make you say "A-ha!" when replacing them.
Volkswagen/Audi Coil Packs
I took a ride on the wild side and changed up my garage a little bit. What was once a Volvo-exclusive carport now has a Volkswagen sharing the space... and I couldn't be happier. Why? Well, it's under warranty. Nevertheless, I felt the need to tinker under the hood and explore what might become my liability in four years when the CPO warranty runs out.
On my Volvo, changing the coil packs wasn't particularly difficult, but it involves removing a handful of fasteners and bending over the engine bay for longer than my back enjoys. Once revealed, each pack is held in with a single bolt. Not terribly difficult, but it's a process that I've come to expect on all vehicles.
Not so on the Volkswagen. The coil packs are covered by only a light plastic engine cover that simply pops up, and each pack comes out with a gentle tug. No bolts, nothing. Just unplug the wiring harness and go. It was a surprising experience that I didn't see coming, especially on a newer German car. And given the reliability of these, I'll probably have to do this repair once or twice in the car's life.
Subaru Non-Turbo Engine Removal
Okay, it's not European, but this procedure is #1 on my list of easy jobs that shouldn't be. I joke that it's easier and faster to pull a Subaru engine than it is to work on the sideways-facing cylinder heads while they are installed in the car, and for the seasoned mechanic - it just might be.
My first foray into Subaru was a 2000 Legacy L with the naturally aspirated 2.5L boxer engine. It had spun a bearing, and this was a good time to learn how engines are pulled. Little did I know that I'd have the lump out in under four hours, and that was my first time even attempting a job of this caliber over 6 years ago. Pop the fuel lines, pull the radiator and hoses, remove the 6 bolts for the exhaust manifold, flop the A/C compressor off to the side, remove a few battery cables from the engine, unbolt it from the trans, and out the engine comes. There's a few other small tasks, but it's a very straightforward affair. The engine's wiring harness doesn't even need to be stripped from the engine - it all merges into a single junction that disconnects allowing the engine to come out 100% wired up. My favorite engine to pull, by far.
What's your favorite surprisingly easy repair?
About the Author: Alex Fiehl
Alex is FCP's Blog Editor and an IT technician from Endwell, NY. He has over 8 years of experience working on a wide array of import makes, but lately is partial to Volvo . For some reason he just purchased a Volkswagen, and is excited to see what breaks first.
