Episode 199 - How to replace a bottom control arm on a Ford Fiesta Mk7

[@tonymccarthy9273]

hi Jimmy sorry to see the problems you have encountered in this video, I have a mark six fiesta, and I had the same problem with the pinch bolt , I was trying to change my clutch, I spent about 5 hours on mine, but gave up and put it back together, I ended up having to pay a local garage to do my fiesta clutch , well done for being perseverant , all the best and success to you , from Tony from Bedfordshire

[@jimmykneesall]

Thanks very much Tony. Sounds like your case was quite a frustrating one. I appreciate your comments on my encounter. Fortunately, there will be better news to come with this car in a future video. I wasn't going to be put off that easily! 🤣 Watch this space! 👍

[@eamo106]

Jimmy, most of us have been there ! We think we can do a job better and cheaper than a mechanic or garage, we buy the kit and tools, then progressively buy more parts and more tools , we fail. The job ends up more expensive than just taking it to a garage. I am guessing the total cost would be cheaper with a real mechanic ? They know how to do things.. I used to do this amateur mechanic with my Ford Capri MkII and my next door neighbour in the early 1980s. I was skint as a miner and tried to do all myself. We managed most jobs and scrap yard replacements, a clutch/gearbox/differential/rear bearings.. eventually. You could do this on a Capri as the parts were made from real steel and solid, not pressed steel cheapo rusty a la Fiestas ? The corrosion is amazing in a bad way. I would get rid of it > 10/10 for effort, 0/10 for mates helping you. Sell it and buy something Japanese.

[@jimmykneesall]

I totally understand your point of view Eamo. As is probably the case with many things in life, allowing people with experience in a-particular field can be the best option. Cheaper in the long run perhaps. The thing is, it's not always about the cost. Sometimes it's about gaining the experience. I will certainly not class myself as a trained mechanic by any means, but I work off a principle that I won't learn by letting someone else do it. Yes, this Fiesta is a bag of poo, but I'm persevering. There will be another episode (possibly more 😁) as I keep going with it. Thanks for your comments all the same pal. 👊

[@eamo106]

@@jimmykneesall I get your POV pal. Nothing better than doing a job yourself ! Gat a mate round ! You have many on this page. I always had my pal next door ! A job halved and two brains. I had a Capri Mk II in the strike and he had a Pontiac Firebird ! wtf !! Good luck and God bless !

[@jimmykneesall]

@@eamo106 Thank you mate. All the best to yourself as well.

[@eamo106]

@@jimmykneesall My favourite channel ! You and your son and cars ! I have me and my son and cars later in life ! One of 4 sons is a grease monkey like me !

[@TheClassicMiniHub]

Great video, very entertaining as always :)

[@jimmykneesall]

Cheers Will. Much appreciated pal. 😁

[@timjohnson9813]

Did you reuse all the bolts or buy new ones ?

[@jimmykneesall]

Hi Tim. For the bottom arm itself, yes. I reused the 2 large bolts that held it to the underside of the car. In the end, I did the same with the other arm too. Now, the pinch bolts and stud bolts are a different story. They were so badly damaged, I did replace these. If you check out episode 202, you'll see that I purchased an induction heater to get them off, and see the new bolts that I fitted. Hope that makes sense. 👍

[@kdl1066]

The art of youtube is to fake it and do the job twice, only film the second attempt, having freed up all the problems. Job sorted, no swearing😮

[@jimmykneesall]

I guess I don't like to follow the art! 🤣 Besides, the entertainment is the reality of doing driveway repairs. It's full of rusty bolts, swearing, injuring yourself and generally taking a day to do a 2-minute job! 🤣