Mar 4 - X5 DIY

I've been thinking about all the things that I've done with this car over the past years. Some things are routine maintenance -- replacing air filters, changing the oil etc. but others are much more involved !

-- changing the thermostat
-- right front/rear control arm (last summer)
-- left front/rear control arm + both forward control arms and ball joints
-- replacing the driver's door handle a couple of years ago
-- front brake pads and rotors
-- front calipers
-- rear brake pads

Some things I've had others do ...

-- clutch !
-- last round of pads and rotors
-- fronts struts / rear shocks
-- left front wheel bearing
-- hood release
-- front driveshafts & a control arm at some point
-- alternator

It does look like a long list but many items were serviced long past when some schools-of-thought would have them replaced, eg. struts and shocks. The driver's door handle is an odd item to fail, but then again I found someone's DIY pictures online, so not-so-odd. The hood latch was simply a rust issue.

I might have missed some items too ...

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Jerry arrived around 12:30 and after a sandwich, was anxious to get out and ride. I'd planned the day off but went anyway. My legs were complaining though, since I'd told them about the day off. With a blistering NW wind leftover from all the storms and tornadoes that had hit the midwest, we had hard work. Heading out Turnbull Bay Road and Pioneer Trail, we went to the development at Venice Bay (or whatever it's called) and then back on SR44. Back over the causeway to the foot of Flagler, the ocean was rolling ! From there, we went over the north causeway and north along Riverside. It was a good 25-26 mile ride.

Still being early, we watched some TV, had ham/scalloped potatoes/broccoli for dinner, watched some more TV and then I called it a day. I read for a while, hearing Sandy and Jerry still up and then I faded.

Today -- riding -- but not too early since it's 38F out there right now.

Onward !