Hey Greg,
No offense intended - i don't know specifically what procedures were
originally recommended ( which is why I used the phrase 'apparently given'
) and you are correct in that there is usually more than one approach to
solving a problem. However, using tools designed for the job (assuming they
are designed right!) will result in a safer and more satisfactory result.
Still the point of my posting was that we shouldn't discourage anyone from
doing their own work but should, rather, assist them with sound advice. I
maintain this view because I believe that nearly everybody possessed of
enough acumen to participate in a list-server discussion is probably capable
of learning elementary automotive mechanics such as ball joint replacement.
BTW a complete tutorial with photos would be great! Now if we could only
convince Chiltons! :)
Andrew
----------
From: Greg Monfort
To: Bricklin
Subject: Fw: Ball Joint Replacement
Date: Wednesday, September 23, 1998 12:42PM
>
>What specifically did you disagree with? I think you have simply
restated
>what I said. Learn how to do it right. There is no question that
the
>advice apparently given was dangerously ignorant
=========
How so? I've used each variation enough times that I don't consider
my continued safety a flute. The only time I ever had a problem was
when an "el cheapo" compressor failed. Fortunately, I'm paranoid
enough to always assume the worst. If you recall, I gave the correct
advice with the other as "not first choice" supplements.
=========
- but I don't think that
>this a priori means that recipients of bad advice are incapable of
learning
>the correct procedure and must resign themselves to forever hiring
>"professional" mechanics. He obviously had enough "common sense"
to seek
>further advice. I think this speaks well of his potential. As a
>mechanical engineer
=========
Now I see why it was "dangerously ignorant". I didn't write a
complete tutorial with photos.
=========
with a lifetime of automotive experience perhaps I
>overestimate the average persons capability to perform mechanical
>maintenance
=========
It's been my experience that's a bad assumption, but, like you I
firmly believe everyone has the right to learn it himself.
=========
but, although it is potentially hazardous, replacing a ball
>joint isn't technically demanding. My experience with the so
called
>"professional" mechanics is that they perform work incorrectly with
an
>unacceptable frequency
=========
Real professionals routinely take shortcuts or actually have a
better and / or faster way than what's in the repair manuals. They
don't have any choice. Theyre paid by the piece with a small base
salary.
=========
- which is the reason I still do my own work even
>though the day when money was an issue are long past. Again, as I
stated
>in my posting, one must learn the correct procedures and have the
correct
>tools before embarking on any maintenance activity
=========
Having the 'correct tools' is nice, but is only necessary when an
alternative is nonexistant. As always, paying lip service to safety
is always a given.
=========
- but lets avoid the
>elitist attitude that assumes others can not do what we easily can.
=========
You bet.
GM
>
>Andrew
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