So far my RTVd steering column bushing is holding up fine. I logged about 80 miles today and I must say it was exciting driving around without that stupid rattle. The car handled very nicely and it only cost me about 15 cents in RTV to fix.
So far my RTVd steering column bushing is holding up fine. I logged about 80 miles today and I must say it was exciting driving around without that stupid rattle. The car handled very nicely and it only cost me about 15 cents in RTV to fix.
I'm off to a good start for the month of February. So far it is the 4th and I haven't spent a penny on 16510 for the month. Hopefully I can keep this up for at least a couple of weeks.
Total expenses to date: $180.46
Expense #1 (Radiator Leak) - January 7, 2012 - 44,079 Miles - Total Cost: $117.83 (including tax)
Expense #2 (Radiator Leak) - January 15, 2012 - 44,386 Miles - Total Cost: $7.40 (including tax)
Expense #3 (Replaced windshield wipers) - January 15, 2012 - 44,386 Miles - Total Cost: $17.54 (including tax)
Expense #4 (Oil Change) - January 21, 2012 - 44,643 Miles - Total Cost: $24.4616 (including tax)
Expense #4 (Reinstalled steering column bushing) - January 22, 2012 - 44,693 - Total Cost: $1.35 (including tax)
Expense #5 (bought coolant and water) - February 20, 2012 - 45,000 - Total Cost: $11.88
I got home from my trip, did a little driving and noticed I still have a coolant leak at the radiator hose coming from the top of the radiator. I went to walmart the other day and bough some more coolant/water to keep in the car so I can keep the thing topped off. In the next week or so I will remove the hose, inspect the radiator and replace the hose.
Will you stay in budget if you have a $40 alternator tensioner? ;)
Maybe it would be $10 if you got the parts in zinc-plated steel instead of stainless... I will check the prices.
Edit: you can save some money on the ball joint rod ends (a.k.a. Heim joints) at $3.37 each, but the threaded connector is $15.37 (McMaster only offers one in that size).