Hello Everyone! My name is Mike and I'm new to this forum (obviously). I have a 2004 Honda Civic 1.7L LX with 194xxx miles on it. I'm slowly learning how to troubleshoot and fix problems as well as do routine maintenance on my baby. The paint is ugly, she has dents and scratches but I've had her for almost 7 years now. About a year ago I went in and got some front end work done because my wheels were wobbling at high speeds and after a long trip to visit my friend (200 miles each direction) my tires were almost completely bald and it was pretty scary.

They did most of the work right but it was expensive at just under 3k and they didn't fix my front brake shimmy when I pushed the brakes. They said they turned both rotors but there was still a shimmy when I hit the brakes, it was better than before but still there. I brought it back and they said that it was fine and said they would charge me again to re-surface the rotors again and put new pads on. I told them that was ridiculous and never went back.

After driving around for a couple of months with the shimmy it slowly got worse so I ordered a rotor/brake pad set online and replaced them myself and what do you know, the shimmy went away! It gave me confidence that I could repair things on my own so I went and replaced the spark plugs, drained the tranny fluid with Honda fluid, replaced the PCV valve, changed the oil and both the engine and cabin air filters.

My next project is going to be adjusting my valves and replacing the gasket because I have never done it and even though the clicking isn't bad compared to other Honda 1.7L motors I've heard I know it needs to be done. I bought a feeler gauge and the little tool that is the combo 10mm wrench and flathead screw driver. I'm going to order a new gasket from rock auto and get some Hondabond or similar sealant(suggestions?). I also plan on replacing the CV axels and eventually the timing belt/water pump as I know it should be done around every 100,000 miles and it was done at 110,000 before I bought the car.

I also bought a Bluedriver OBD2 scanner because it appears to be the best in the price range without spending between $500-$4000 for a scanner and has a lot of the functions that I was looking for including live data and I like that if you do get a code it tells you what the most common fixes are and what part to get.

In the next couple years I will probably buy a newer Civic or Accord, I'm thinking between 2010-2012 but who knows what I will find when that time comes.

I'll be on here asking questions and chipping in with info that I have learned as much as I can.

Take care everyone!

 

Welcome to the forum, Mike! Glad to have you here. There are lots of great choices for parts, service and many owners willing to help you. Safe driving and happy modding!