Random tips: tow hook straightening and ramp driving monitoring

[Bmachine]

A couple of little tricks in case it could be useful to someone:

The tow hook on the passenger side had been bent up at some point in my car's life. This made it very difficult to tighten the nut to the trailing arm. I tried to hammer it down but there's not enough running space to get a good whack at it. I also tried a crowbar but you can't insert the crowbar and reach the subframe because the big washer is in the way. Since brute human force didn't seem to work I thought of using mechanical help. I went into the trunk of my E46 and picked up the spare tire jack. There is just enough room to slide it in there upside down and gently bend that bad boy back into the proper shape



Before and after:

 

[Bmachine]

When you have to lift the car up but don't need or want to go through the whole floor jack plus jack stands routine, ramps can be quick and easy. Modern plastic ones can be both light and sturdy. But if you don't have someone to help by telling you when to stop, it can be a little nerve racking.

I happen to have one of those little wifi security cameras that I use to monitor my 3D printer while it is working in the garage. So I still simply moved it next to the ramp, and put my phone on the dashboard so I can see exactly where I am in real time



View from the iPhone:

 

[Drew Gregg]

Bo--Two points--1-very cool Fjord wheels. 2-You now can join the yellow washer club.---Drew

 

[Stevehose]

You now can join the yellow washer club

Enjoy it while it lasts - mine are losing their yellow just by existing.