Readers Respond: What Have You Repaired Recently?

Responses: 50

By Erin Huffstetler, About.com Guide

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Something repaired is something that doesn't have to be replaced. What have you repaired recently to save money? Share Your Successes

I fixed my washing machine. Yahoo! I just used the Internet to diagnose the problem, and it was the lid button that had fallen apart because the metal snap had rusted away. I duck taped it back up, and it works fine still.....I would have been washing by hand if not...
—Guest madmicjama

I just replaced the PS pump and serpentine belt on my van. The rebuilt pump didn't come with a pulley & the plastic one on the old pump didn't cooperate - so I had to put a new one of those on as well...
—TheKludge

1. Fixed zipper on DD's insulated lunch bag instead of replacing the bag 2. Repaired shoes by re-attaching the soles with contact cement 3. "Fixed" the scuff marks on my favorite black shoes with a permanent marker 4. I repurposed the split ring from an unused key fob, to replace a broken ring from the strap of DD's water bottle.
—timzagain

I saved a few hundred dollars by replacing rotors and brake pads myself, and bought better-quality parts with the savings. The 2004 Maxx has disk brakes all the way around. The front ones are different from the rear ones. Each caliper consists of two parts, each attached by two bolts (4 total). To replace pads, it's only necessary to remove the upper caliper part, but to get the rotor off, both must come off. No need to disconnect any hydraulic lines. Caution: (1) pistons on the front calipers just push in but NOT the rear ones - those must be ROTATED back in. Advance Auto (and I'm sure others) has loaner brake kits. (2) Bring parts to store to match them up [the 2004 has two different brake systems up front]. (3) When pushing in caliper pistons, fluid level in the brake reservoir will rise. Drain excess as brake fluid is corrosive and will damage paint. (4) Do not let loose caliper hang by the hydraulic hose - bad for the hose! (5) Most important, DO BOTH SIDES at the same time.
—mahout34

My remote control was not working. The current was not flowing properly. I redirected the current of some option, which is often not used, so the the current can flow properly, and the remaining functions are carried out.
—Guest tariqsultan47@hotmail.com

I renovated my kitchen from floor to ceiling. Lifted the old floor tiles "What a job" replaced floor and wall tiles; did the bench tops; and painted throughout. Made myself sick. By the way I am a 79 year old male.
—Guest John

After my original list was posted I realized I left out a few items, including replacing the cord & brush/roller on a Kirby Vacuum, installing deadbolts & new doorknobs for abused women, repairing soles of boots, holes in drywall, burst/frozen copper water pipe, dents & scratches in car paint, restitching seams on leather car seats, removing & replacing mildewed grout in shower, replacing faucets in bathroom & kitchen sinks, mounting dog-door into insert for patio door, replacing 5-way cable splitter in attic, removing & replacing sparkplugs in my 1st car ('77 Toyota Carolla), removing & replacing desktop computer power source, replacing & upgrading hard drives & memory in desktop computer & laptop, replacing laptop computer screen, removing & reinstalling toilet, replaced float & all parts in toilet tank (twice), climbed on 2nd story roof to winterize & reattach swamp cooler water supply, installed new underground drainage tile, regraded & resodded back yard. Now, I think that's all.
—Guest ginnsell

Fixed washing machine, replaced roller bar on vacuum, tuned up sewing machine, and today removed and exchanged alternator on my car. And I'm a girl, yay, yah, yeah!
—Guest Ms Tex Hunter

Rather than purchase a coffee table I found an old one in a second hand shop, bought it for $10 and am busy sanding, staining, and polishing. What a wonderful feeling of achievement.
—Guest judith

Saved a cool thousand dollars by replacing a leaky heater core on my truck. It involves tearing out the entire dashboard and disconnecting half a thousand wires, cables and vacuum lines. When torn apart, the truck cab looked like a bomb had gone off inside. The secret is in scotch tape and little paper labels, and lots of digital pics. Any time I disconnected anything, I securely taped a label on both ends. Anything I pulled out I labeled, taped all fasteners to it, and noted what it was and where it went. When in doubt, I wielded my camera. The parts were about a hundred dollars (replaced the air conditioner heat exchanger while I was at it) and the labor, of course, was free. The only other cost was having the a/c system drained of refrigerant and then refilled - about a hundred fifty dollars.
—mahout34

I have replaced my dishwasher and disposal. I have disassembled and reaired my clothes dryer. I have removed a heavy 8 ft sliding door and replaced the rollers. I have installed a garage door opener and a screen door. I have replaced 2 exterior lights with motion-sensor lights and 2 interior wall fixtures. I have removed and replaced the floor tile in my entry way (100 sq.ft.).Oh, almost forgot, I have removed, repaired and reinstalled both of my electric ovens. I think that's all. I am known for giving my single, women friends, hammers and lighted screwdrivers with changable straight and phillips tips.
—Guest ginnsell

During a recent snow storm, my daughter slid into a curb in her 1988 Toyota causing damage to the rack & pinion. I went to a junk yard, pulled off a good rack & pinion and replaced my daughter's damaged one. I have fixed vehicles ranging from 3/4 ton jeeps to 56 ton tanks. But this was my first Japanese made car. It saved her about $800. Isn't that what Mom's do? LOL
—iluna0430

I am a Realtor sometimes I have to pitch in and fix something that is too much trouble and not enough money involved to bother about--like fixing a hole in the garage wall! I stuff the hole--not too big--with newspaper and tape and apply joint compound, smooth out and Voila! Ready to paint!
—Guest Frances

After my computer restarted unusually at startup, my anti-virus became corrupt. Thanks to Advanced System Optimizer, I restored my system's files to a previous date and after few updates my anti-virus was working fine. It worked like a charm and I was satisfied with the repair.
—Guest Waqas Asim

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Erin Huffstetler
Frugal Living Guide