COMPLETELY Fixing an R32 Before Driving 1,000 Miles

[@joeammond7855]

The best part of this video is seeing that a professional mechanic still runs into the same issues that I do in my home garage: frozen fasteners, snapped bolts, forgetting to put the heat shield back on. It's nice to see those moments and not have them edited out, it shows we're all human and stuff happens.

[@HumbleMechanic]

Thanks dude.

[@whoismario]

Amateur or pro, dub life woes don’t discriminate. 😂

[@jaccockcroft376]

@@HumbleMechanic hi mate completely unrelated to this video but I have a question about the vr6 turbo build u did any chance we could chat about it as I am doing the same with my mk4 v6 4 motion, cheers

[@alehksaj6635]

32:30 For those of you that are lost here, Paul cut open a tube of blue thread locker without opening it first in another video, thus cutting the cap and it was not re-sealable.

[@rjmari]

I did that once with super glue. One of those mistakes that I think a lot of people make exactly once in their lives.

[@vwbob1953]

Threadlocker is anerobic so no matter if it's not totally resealable . Just keep it from leaking out all over.

[@kitsimmonds.344]

I'm an independent VAG mechanic in the UK, though I specialise in 1990's Audis in particular quattro models and five cylinder cars. I'm also very lucky to have an RS2 in my collection along with a couple of more mundane quattros. Anyway, love you videos, well edited with no loud music and annoying jump cuts. Just good sound advice from a likeable chap who obviously knows his stuff. I'm worryingly close to 50 years old and have been in the trade for well over 25 years yet I still normally pick up a tip or two from your videos regarding working on post 2000 VW's. I've owned a Corrado VR6 with the superior 2.9 12V lump and loved the car, I've still got a very early G60 from 1989 which remains stock. I don't like pushing those engine's anymore than VW intended. Sure she's not as rapid as the 2.9 but is much lighter on the nose and I prefer the handling, it does however lack the lovely VR6 growl. If I want to go fast my RS2 is pushing 400bhp so my Corrado gets an easy life.

[@jerkchickenblog]

bro, i didn't even realize it, but how right are you. jesus how annoying is most of the music in other videos? this video was about as relaxing as npr. no bs, just good commentary and visuals

[@yianni3251]

I appreciate how you include the little headaches and issues you encounter.

[@HumbleMechanic]

I like to think it helps people. Sure I could cut them from the video but there is enough “look I’m perfect” behavior out there.

[@300DBenz]

Those broken bolts are the universe balancing out how easy that wheel bearing replacement was in that earlier video!

[@dmock1616]

Being from the rust belt area and seeing you struggle with the little bit of rust was probably my favorite parts of the video. I'm glad to see that the VW community still has a huge heart.

[@Pokingclams]

Good job with the radio thing. Hard to find honest people today. New levels of respect.

[@MrMiTyMarkTaylor]

The suspense dealing with all of the rusted fasteners! Very relatable and had me on edge.

[@glennrussell3252]

He's an amazing professional mechanic - super knowledgable, patient, and wise. One of the best that I've ever seen!

[@chiluco2000]

I admire how you leave in your mistakes, actions from a true humble mechanic that we novices really appreciate 👍

[@bshwayde]

I don’t even own a mk4 but watched the whole video. Charles is the man. I’m a longtime VAG owner dating back to the mk4 (including a mk5 rabbit, mk6 Jetta sportwagen tdi, and currently a mk7 golf) and have had my share of pain and nostalgia when seeing these old cars. Man I miss that indigo backlight from my b5.5 Passat.

[@HumbleMechanic]

THANK YOU

[@nathanchalmers2244]

Charles is the man... I could listen to him read a phone book... Keep up the great work man

[@cheknocksya]

I am so happy to see all these R32’s being worked on and saved from falling into disrepair. Charles you are a treasure to the VW community. If I ever get an R32 I can only hope that you could help me maintain and upgrade it!

[@aredd92]

The effort you went through to fix the head unit (and then some) was absolutely mega. There's not many mechanics out there that would go to such lengths. 🤙

[@edwinderegt6715]

Charles, I work at a chemical factorie build in "72, beleve me, we have rusted bolts! And break them all the time... But I have learned something from an old scool mechanic. Put some manual torque on a rusted bolt, and hamer the boult the same time. The idea is to gently crack the corrosion loose and make it turn into dust by every hit. Takes time and patiance, but this mechanic did manige to get loose 90% of what we offerd him. On the jobs you know it will be a nightmare to get a broken boult loose, maybe try it next time. Remember, it takes some time and patiance, mabey even 10/15 min of tapping/hamering. But way less time then to take care of broken bolt.

[@davidcupra4913]

As a mechanic/vehicle tester myself it’s still so satisfying to watch these video. Hello from Ireland keep up the great content 😊

[@HumbleMechanic]

Cheers man

[@ericheick7044]

I have a DBP R32 and this is so helpful. Id love to see a glovebox replacement video, as they commonly break

[@richardbudicek1508]

the glovebox is held in by 6 screws :D i had mine being held on two so i fixed the broken mounts with epoxy, still haven't installed it as i'll be doing the blend door fix as well.

[@jonytube]

6 screws and the light plug :) not trying to jinx it but i swear im the only mk4 owner in the world with a glovebox that has never broken

[@jonytube]

​@@richardbudicek1508 *tac tac tac noises intensify* fucking blend door

[@richardbudicek1508]

@@jonytube the handle could be gone but you would never know until you take off the glovebox 😀 if it rattles like there is something inside... One of the pins that hold the handle in it's place fell out or the plastic holes for it are broken, it's a pain in the ass getting it out but it's possible, i did it twice now

[@dasautogt]

Off piste of sorts. Huge effort filming this I'm sure THEN editing. Thanks Charles.🙏🙏

[@HumbleMechanic]

Thank you!! It’s a long time into this video

[@mathersooh]

as a mk4 r32 owner this video is super helpful and taught me things i never new like the 3 flash blinker relay wow now i just gotta source all these parts in the uk

[@rjmari]

This is such a valuable video for people that are driving, maintaining, and repairing older vehicles. You went through a lot of the wear and tear items that will eventually needs to be replaced on any car.

[@OwenC1]

WD-40 specialist really performing great! 3 broken bolts on a not at all rusty car. Up north most mechanics use something like Blaster or Kroil.

[@famine43]

Couldn't agree more about the locking wheel key. Best advice for the general motorist taking their car for service. Cupholder or on the front seat is perfect.

[@UngluckInc]

You can pull all of the lower dash covered in soft touch, warm soapy water and a green scotch brite, scrub it off, then use a semi gloss interior plastic enamel to spray it all, and have a nearly forever good looking dash without the smell(let it dry for 24 hours or more in a well ventilated area) of crayons, etc. Thank you for removing that cold water sucking device lol, did sooo many engines because of those over time. Every 20k or 2 years for brake fluid per VW btw, may as well bleed clutch as it shares the fluid.

[@krtek673]

I really like repair videos where someone is recording the ways how to fix it when it totally broken...just as you fight with those bolts...I like when someone show us solution because when it goes easy way its not normal :) I have this problems daily

[@ryanmoore7927]

I haven't been to WITW since 2013. Such an amazing event. Mk4 R32s are my favorite VW. Beautiful and have the best sounding engines. The VR6 ❤

[@HumbleMechanic]

Oh man I’m sure it’s a little different now Hahha

[@Bacon__SteezBurger]

The phrases you use when talking to the car never gets old 😂 all the same stuff us Driveway mechanics yell and say haha “you better stop being stupid” and “that bolt got sad” are heavy favorites Man, with your level of care and respect for the VW you work on, I wish so bad I could have you go bumper to bumper and do the work on my ‘14 Tiguan R project, but I’m all the way in Fort Worth, Tx 😩 Great video as always man, and hopefully get to see your cars next year at one of the shows up north. stay awesome! 🙌🏼

[@HumbleMechanic]

Thanks dude! Glad the little peek into my own madness (stop being stupid 😂) doesn’t scare y’all off

[@Tony-112]

VW R32 are starting to become my favourite car, I only knew about the R32 GTR. Great video Charles!

[@marco7563]

Ive been stranded with all 3 bolts of that transmissionmount sheared (28:09) I got home with a ratchet strap around the transmission and the mount. Had the bolts repaired, but kept the ratchet strap as a failsafe lol. I love the Golf MK4

[@oldkid6]

You're like the Jedi of R32 mechanics. When mine needs any major work done, I'm shipping it to your shop.

[@HumbleMechanic]

Nice! They seem to find me

[@oldkid6]

@@HumbleMechanic I wonder why? lol

[@Hedgehodge-]

my bday you posted this and my r32 i was restoring and now i bought a motorcycle.....its a sign she wants my attention again

[@dil6969]

And this video is a great example of why I'd never work this job anywhere they salt the roads. This car is relatively light on rust given its location, and it still gave you a lot of trouble. It's lucky you had enough spare parts on hand to keep going. I really hope we're working on substitutes to road salt that are cheap and don't turn people's cars to dust. Better yet, if the average price of a new car sold today is around $47K, it would be nice to see better corrosion prevention measures being taken.

[@christheturdherder9096]

I try to keep in mind when I drive on salted roads how hard it'll be to work on later. I bought a pressure washer attachment on wheels. Once I'm done driving I spray my undercarriage quite well to avoid rust.

[@BogusBolloks-mf4wq]

So nice to see a video about repair/maintenance/upgrades on a MK4. The MK4 tend to be neglected lately. I have a MK4 GTI 132KW. Also done a crapload of repair/maintenance on mine over the 10 years since i bought mine.

[@slakka6495]

Needed this 52 Minute fix. Thanks Charles.

[@Nick210]

There’s a old guy down the street from me that has one of these in the same color with what sounds like a sequential gearbox, I can even see the gear indicator screen mounted on the dash. Love hearing that thing on the odd occasion that he takes it for a spin.

[@michaelbeale3603]

Another great vid Charles! Would love to see how you go about swapping the keylock for the glovebox. The way VW suggest in the manual is near impossible without damaging the handle.

[@Bish_OP]

Hi Charles, thanks for the R32 content - I bought a MK4 R32 having watched your videos 3 years ago and have loved it ever since!

[@Ericm86878]

23:41 getting an ad as we see your face of regret was great 😂😂

[@JaimieSigamoney]

It's been a while since I watched your videos, Always informative, entertaining and too the point... still waiting for the R32 turbo build 😅

[@mikehannigan848]

Hey Charles! One of the things I like best about your content is how you like to talk about and our show common mishaps , "The little red ones that like to doink off" made me laugh so hard thinking about all the times I've had that happen to me! And then the Broken bolts!

[@Twinkz97]

Definitely need to see a sunroof DIY 😄, your channel really got me into Volkswagens. I got a MK5 not too long ago, thanks for all that you do!

[@Korruptionen]

I love watching your channel because I tell my friends I won't work on VW's anymore. You make these things seem fun... even though we all know how frustrating it can be. Well done!

[@HumbleMechanic]

Haha it can be both for sure

[@gerardmeijer4229]

oh man, I really like the fact that you have so many spare parts. wanna have that too some day

[@hunterb5414]

another good tool to use for the coil packs on a vr6 is a paint can opener. hooks right on the pull tab and makes it super easy to pull them out without breaking the clips.

[@scubastevevw]

1st time watching your channel. You're a great mechanic!

[@brickson98m]

Oh man, I’m so glad that intake got swapped. I was cringing at how much water that intake would suck in in any kind of wet conditions.

[@destroyer6470]

I've been feenin for another humblemechanic r32 video, and I get a whole hour. I love it!

[@curtis-tino]

I don't think there is a video of yours that I haven't watched since I discovered your channel a couple of years back. You are always straight to the point and make watching your channel interesting. You explain stuff well enough for any car enthusiast or DIYer to understand. Something to look forward to. However, whenever you're with your friend Paul from ShopDAP, it's a different story... I honestly think the not-so-funny attempts by Paul to be funny is what's killing the vibe. My opinion anyway. Great job Charles.

[@HumbleMechanic]

Thanks for the feedback dude!!!

[@motivatedregardless4816]

Paul is super smart! I cant tell if he's just having fun or trying to hard but seems like overkill. Who knows, as long as you guys are havin fun! I love the content

[@scotturich]

Im impressed every time with the level of editing that you put in. Great Write up on this one.

[@MrRonan3]

Loved that video. Have a TCR in Australia. Would have been good to see the car finished and client pick it up!,

[@andradeasa1]

Yes. Please do a sunroof dIY. My Mk6 TDI’s sunroof has a ton of wind noise at highway speed. So, making sure it’s properly adjusted and a new seal should do the trick!

[@anthonyspera1981]

Charles love your videos. The first gear getter bushing put it in the other way with the large side between the ball and bar and it will never back out because it can't. No need for super glue. 5:30

[@HumbleMechanic]

OHHH!!! Ive never tried that. I'll test it on the next one!

[@freelarry5686]

Diving 1000miles that's deep man Challenge Accepted

[@HumbleMechanic]

HAHA kinda want to see that.

[@BuildTheSandbox]

Wow. so much work. So nice to make it all fresh!

[@spinnetti]

It looks so nice topside, and so crusty underneath! Mid-west car? dubs sure seem to rust more than average. For the ball joints, whack the ball joint from two sides with two hammers.... often works first whack or two. Also, any time you are taking out a crusty bolt or nut, and its starts to get hard, run it back in and then out again (or a couple times). This will minimize thread tearout and get some of the crusties out of the threads.

[@shawnseeley9561]

Yes please on the sunroof video! The sunroof on my MK6 GTI “skitters” when closing from the vent position once the outside temperature is above about 50 degrees, which is obviously when I use it the most.

[@kent570253]

Charles, here in Canada, WD-40, we call it water. I think you would break less bolts using some Zepreserve NC or some similar stuff, anyways, as always, great video.

[@CatsBanana-1983]

Any plans for anymore update videos on the Audi TT you guys bought a while back? Watching you rebuild the engine was awesome. I was hoping to see the actual install and how you handled running new piping for the turbo and all that.

[@jonytube]

This. I love me some TT action, would be great to see them working on it again but i think that for now they're just about the mk3.7

[@CatsBanana-1983]

@@jonytube I have a feeling they are focusing on the mk3 also. I agree that I would love to see more TT.

[@CraigMansfield]

Great job. As everyone is saying, I'm glad to see you keep the headaches in. That's really helpful for us.

[@randallmunson9909]

Thanks again for a fine video and telling us of your vendors. Currently working on a '03 wagon base model. This will come in handy Charles !

[@stonewall9036]

i love how Charles is super smart and amazing tech, but also super relatable when it comes to the occasional Oops

[@shephusted2714]

this was a great look at pm for the vw - experience plays a major role here - reps...and heat pay off in spades - thanks for the exhaustive and in depth coverage - years of experience and techniques distilled down in a humble (and sometimes sad) way - great content- keep fixing stuff!

[@gorongamer1657]

Ok?

[@chadlafrennie4065]

The curved pick on the vw connectors is the way i have always done it . The beat way to ensure you don't break those super brittle lock tabs

[@acefighterpilot]

Recently picked up a 24v GLI as a beater, from only knowing Mk3.5 and Mk7, this is a great intro to Mk4 maintenance! Thanks!

[@1979kdean]

Sunroof DIYS? Yes please! For Mk 7.5 👍🏼

[@vw4x4]

This car was definitely was living in a rust belt state. Here in PA we deal with seized and broken bolts all the time. The next time, you install any hardware that may have problems like a lot of these bolts did, cover the threads with anti-seize, before replacement.. The next removal will not be a problem.

[@caysonellsworth5366]

I'd be in on a sunroof DIY. I've done some work on a few Mk4 roofs, but nothing super in depth.

[@300DBenz]

When doing a brake fluid flush, I start at the left front, it clears the old fluid out of the reservoir fastest.

[@jameshaulenbeek5931]

Awesome stuff! I really need to hit up the dealer to get some stuff taken care of on my Mk 7... Analog speedo is "notchy" and sometimes low by 5mph, all the sunroof seals leak - sunroof to roof glass, roof glass to roof... Also, after my oil pan got chewed on by a tire and replaced under insurance, I've got a rattle on start which I'm guessing is the chain tensioner? Good times.

[@christheturdherder9096]

Great video as always! Even though im not mechanically inclined, your videos are very entertaining and informative. Thanks Charles. Really loving the engine swap on Paul's channel too!

[@Thatpropertylife]

Amazing content Charles. Really love these rehab videos.

[@Thatpropertylife]

Now to the watch the MK3 Jetta engine transplant vid.

[@CHINGLAW21]

My 2.8 24v was notorious for eating coils for some reason. Always had a couple in the glove box and got to be a master of pulling those coils in a parking lot 😂

[@remifasolla2863]

You're an unsung hero! 👏👏👏

[@andyr5937]

These are great cars. So glad I’ve kept my mk4 R32 DSG. Regards

[@smulderphotography2145]

Huge fan of your videos!! Not too much not too little 🙌🏻

[@promisedprince6201]

I dream about that event! Wookies forever!

[@ItsZohn]

Always forget about the control arm bolt juice, gets me everytime 😂. Cheers from Lindsay vw 🤙🏽

[@HumbleMechanic]

Hey!!!!

[@MrJanneVille]

Hey Charles. Where can I find that cool funnel for oil?

[@stuartowens816]

Did you flush the engine oil through after running a thread tap into the sump plug? Just thinking of any aluminium metal filings in the sump.

[@parowozy]

I love videos like this. Grettings from Poland.

[@shemmo]

30:40 if you want to save money, buy 10.8 hardware in the hardware store, they sell same exact screw for 1/5 of the VW price. The number 10.8 is important, rest is just length, thread pitch, width

[@motivatedregardless4816]

Thanks for the advice. Much appreciated!

[@djamel_bijoux]

Men i love this kind of video's so relaxing 😌

[@user-bj2nm5gu8l]

I have a 1999 golf mk4 1.8 petrol naturally aspired 4motion. Black... maybe with time, I will get her to a mechanic. She needs it!

[@jsrhyphen]

good lord watching this makes me so happy to live somewhere without snow

[@HumbleMechanic]

Right!

[@NoHandleAT]

The fact that this frog-looking Golf became iconic, is crazy to me. Good work Charles.

[@laalaa99stl]

32:32 You'll never let Paul live down the thread locker incident, will you? 😆

[@HumbleMechanic]

Never!!!

[@6pistons]

Hey Charles, have you ever thought of using brass bushings instead of the factory rubber ones

[@nvdb-77]

I have a mk4, 1.6 16v Golf, are there any sensible upgrades to be made on this car? Or should I leave it as is. I thpught maybe an airfilter upgrade. (stock unit is a plastic unit mounted on top of the engine which can’t be good for performance) If youvknow of any upgrade sets, let me know! And thanks for all your informative and detailed videos, going to follow your channel!

[@timhahn7358]

I am trying to convince my friend to go with me this upcoming year to Wookies. I got my mk7.5 last december and unfortunately couldnt get off of work to go for 2023. this year, however, will be different

[@mikewatson2951]

Great content. Noticed that the brake booster valve has a crack in it. Brittle plastic tubes. I found that after many mechanics missed mine and was causing a vac leak throwing a p0171 code.

[@liambroyles3186]

Definitely interested in the sunroof seal DIY

[@oransands]

Charles, impressed with your close-up and medium shots of the work. The focus tracks really well. What camera/lens are you using? Definitely better than other channels.

[@Naeromusic]

You know Charles, you make me want to pursue a mechanic career lol

[@thatm4t3s]

Just in the process of replacing the lower control arms on my 06 car, so I'm glad that its pretty normal to struggle with seized bolts xd

[@HumbleMechanic]

Yeah it happens some times. Even with precautions. Nothing wrong with getting some new ball joints on the refresh anyway

[@Kyletfleming]

Yes finally some news on the black R32. I was starting to worry!

[@crispyone2564]

We forgive you for forgetting to link the videos. The only problem is when I go to look for it I hit a rabbit hole and watch your other vids. 200 iq move Charles. Touchay

[@patkelly7999]

Great work Charles, fair play💯👌👍🙂

[@CheezyDee]

I've had that same radio sitting in my attic for over 10 years. Monsoon, CD, cassette, and some minor dings at the edges of the bezel, and of course sticky knobs.

[@jaapfeitsma559]

I like the sway bar upgrade. What are the benefits of a thicker/stronger swaybar at the back? And do you also have to upgrade the front bar when you do the rear?

[@HumbleMechanic]

I like just the rear bar. IT helps the car rotate a little better, making the back a little more playful and reduce understeer

[@mndlessdrwer]

I still think the Mk. 4 and Mk. 5 Golf R32 are some of my favorite cars, because you get AWD and a really cool VR6 engine. Unfortunately, that engine does take up a bit more space, so you'd struggle to find room for any aftermarket power adders like a turbo. It can be done, but then the engine bay ends up practically water-tight due to everything being so close together. But even in the NA stock configuration it's a fun car. And the blue is a great color. Just be prepared to need to use an adhesive remover to strip all of the soft-touch plastic off of the interior panels so you can re-spray them with ceracoat for a durable satin finish. I had a bog standard Mk. 4 Golf and I so wish that I'd been in a position to just gut the interior, remove the soft-touch plastic coating from every surface and respray them, and reupholster the columns, door cards, and headliner with alcantara or some other durable foam-backed upholstery fabric. The problem with the Mk. 4 Golf (and a lot of other VW group cars from that time) is that the foam backing for the fabrics was kind of garbage, so the foam weakens, the adhesive loosens, and you end up with saggy fabric coverings that make the car feel particularly old and gross. Unfortunately, I learned the hard way that FWD is an inadequate drive type for a shoebox on wheels and my Golf ended up spinning several times on the highway before ending up resting against a tree at the bottom of an embankment. I wonder if there's any way for forcibly lock the central diff into an active state so you have full-time AWD?

[@K03sport]

I hated pulling the center console in my mk4 GTI...literally broke every stinking hidden tab (why do there have to be hidden tabs 😡)..... it's good right after fixing it Charles....it's a month or 2 after fixing it when you need to start worrying about it (the fix) again. car is now more unicorn 🦄 status than ever..... 🏁