Snow and Sky

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January 15, 2005

Alternator story, continued

So today was going to be the big day...

Did I mention I went to the hardware store the other day and bought a set of hex keys? I figured that I might be able to do it with the keys, as long as the bolt turned reasonably well. Well, anyway, this morning I woke up bright and early and headed out to do the job. Before I left I checked on a few things - including finding the location of a Home Depot in Waltham which might have the hex bits I was looking for. My plan was to go out to my car and test the hex keys I got to see if I could get it to turn. If I could turn it, I would tighten it back up, drive to Brandeis and do the work. If I couldn't, then I would see if I could buy that set of hex bits at Home Depot.

Surprise surprise, the hex key didn't work. I even tried grabbing it with pliers, but it was too tough. So it was off to Home Depot for me... driving through traffic with treacherous brakes. After a somewhat harrowing drive that included the have-to-stop-at-every-light phenomenon in Waltham, I made it to Home Depot. And they did have the hex bits! For cheaper than I would have gotten them at Sears. Now it was back to Brandeis to see if I could get it done.

You're waiting in suspense, right? Well.... it didn't work. I ended up stripping the inside part of the bolt. Those hex socket bolts are the easiest things to strip, and this bolt would much rather have its whole inside chewed up than turn. I tried everything I could, but since I don't have the right resources at my disposal, it was pretty clear that this was a job for a professional.

So now I've got to take it to the garage. I have to do so anyway, to get this brake thing fixed (by the way, it's awfully tough to parallel park on a busy street with the handbrake...) But one thing's for sure - the next trip this car makes is to the garage.

By the way, I'm going to try taking it to Boston Automotive - they specialize in VW and Audi and seem to be a nice shop.

Posted by kgutwin at January 15, 2005 12:01 PM

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