Thanks. I suspected that was the case. Mine seem to have broken off at the threaded end on towards the engine. There is nothing to grab onto.

 

Before

After





1.5" spacer added

I dipped a set of 18" turbo wheels with Brass Monkey, added 1.5" adapters, and put on 265/65/18 Nitto Ridge Grapplers.

 

^ Really quite nice looking. Glad you didn’t go black.

Saw a Prius last week with black wheels and instantly knew the trend had run its course.

 

MOT. New front brake hoses. Swapped the previous owner's 22"s with budget tyres for stock Sport Techno 20"s and decent rubber. 4 wheel alignment.

 

I changed the wiper blades with some factory ones off Amazon ($55 for the pair, not bad given how expensive even aftermarket ones are). I was honestly shocked how easy it is to change blades on these cars. I mean, I know this sounds stupid because changing wiper blades on any car is fairly trivial but it's like inventing a simpler mouse trap, really, shocking how they designed the mounting mechanism here.

 

If they only applied that engineering to the rest of it. Guess they slipped up.

 

Ha exactly as I pull off my door cover because what seems like a blown speaker appears to be a loose HVAC pipe in the door cover

 

Today I finally fixed my "Four Wheel Drive System Faulty/PSM Off - Workshop" error. I replaced the stepper motor with the "C" unit and the transfer case ECU with the latest "BT" version. I was putting it off due to the cost of parts and the fact that I hardly drive it anymore. On a whim I checked eBay and found a clean motor for $93 and the correct revision of the ECU for $97. Installed both today and problem solved! Not bad for $200 and about an hour of time. It drives so much smoother with the new motor and updated ECU, particularly at low speeds. I also replaced the hood strut, the parking brake strut and the air filters. Tomorrow I will replace the cabin filter, relocate the mObridge unit to the correct spot in the MOST ring, replace the burned out parking lamp, fit some Philips Silver Vision bulbs in place of the amber turn signal bulbs and replace the headlight gaskets.

A couple of weeks ago I swapped out my 18" wheels for 19" ones which really updated the look. It's been a productive stateside trip for the car.

This weekend it's getting a wash and paint sealant and then it's heading back to storage as I'm due to return to Ireland in the next couple of weeks.

 

Last week new spark plugs NGK RUTHENIUM HX and new wiper blades. This week fixed the struts in the back door that kept hitting my wife in the head. Next up is a passenger side valve cover gasket replacement, and inspect the plastic pipes and motor mounts. It's a daily driver 2005 TT with 90K miles.

 

Dropped my 08 GTS off at an indy for a trans fluid change. after 11 years, it was getting to the point where the fluid was not expanding like it should. had some hesitation when cold when shifting from R to D. I didnt have them change the filter since it only has 39k miles. They were able to put in 6 quarts of new fluid. Shifts like butter now. I can hardly feel the shifts.

I figured I could have bought the fluid filler and made a mess in my garage, but for 125 bucks, I’m happy.

 

Washed the aging German fleet.



Sauerkraut

 

I go to a drive-thru wash that leaves water residue here and there, so it was the perfect reason to try a quick spray-on wax. I saw this Mothers Speed Waterless Wash & Wax at Walmart and I'm sold. I even like the smell, sort of a bubblegum.
Didn't plan it but the timing was perfect with the lighting and the dead end I pulled off to was a bit picturesque. Anyway, I'm happy with the results.

 

It looks like I went a bit too far when I adjusted my door to fix my wind noise. Hmmm.

 

Had some random stuttering and extended cranking before the engine started. Then it got worse.

Rolling along taking the kids to a cross country meet then all of sudden fuel cuts, engine stalls, car lurches, PSM workshop, check engine idiots light up and car seems to be in limp mode. Won’t rev past 3K. Made it home so fortunately no need for a tow.

Code was P0335, crankshaft sensor was bad.

Today, my son and I wrestled the old one out and new one in. The PIG is happy yet again.

 

Am trying out a quick and dirty facelift which will make the purists shudder. Really prefer the GTS TT front valence, but when stuck with the goofy smile, make lemonade.

Before:

As purchased

after a little rhinoplasty