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Possibly very stupid question


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Hi all,

 

My name is Rachel and I am very new to car maintenance. After a scary moment on the highway on my previous car due in great part to me not knowing what I was doing I decided to become a little more self reliant. So I've decided to do a better job of maintaining my car. Now I wont be rebuilding no engines :) but I would like to be able to change my oil and replace my own brakes and that kind of stuff. After I changed my oil (for the first time) I was looking around under my car and I found this very rusty spring. I can't order it online because I have no clue what it is and my Chilton and Haynes manuals didn't have this information. I've attached an image.

 

Another question, where could I find a service/workshop manual? I was told they are better than the Chilton or Haynes manuals but I can't find them any where.

 

I realize this question probably doesn't belong on this forum but I didn't know where else to post it... sorry in advance and I hope I don't get made fun of too badly :)

 

I have a 2008 ford edge limited btw

 

At any rate, thanks guys so much!

post-47023-0-24749300-1499193772_thumb.jpg

Edited by Methos
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Looks like your parking brake assembly. That main line coming into it should go all the way up front to a lever. The other ends so go to manual levers on each rear brake caliper. Usually isn't an issue & shouldn't need replaced. Most people never use them & if they do, they're a 1 use item, especially with your vehicle age & looks like you're in an area that gets snow.

 

If you wanted to change it out, might be a huge under-taking for someone who's just starting out. Might be better to take it a mechanic or if you have mechanical friends to give you a hand. I believe that piece w/ the spring is sold as 1 piece from your parking brake lever to that junction point in that picture, not 100% certain.

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The official publisher of Ford factory service manuals is Helm, Inc. but it appears they don't have anything for Edge prior to 2009. Even then, you wouldn't want the 2009-2015 manual because it's $2600 (because it's one DVD with all those years on it). There is a website (factory-manuals.com) that will produce a factory manual specific to your vehicle in PDF format for $60. I've bought a couple of them and they are useful but they have no index so it can take a while to find the information you want.

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Another question, where could I find a service/workshop manual? I was told they are better than the Chilton or Haynes manuals but I can't find them any where.

 

I have a 2008 ford edge limited btw.

Hi Rachel, and welcome.

Ebay is the best place to find service manuals, here's one on DVD for $10 http://www.ebay.com/itm/162547729860

 

and here's a used set of hard copy OEM manuals for $75 + $10 shipping. http://www.ebay.com/itm/232324492429

Edited by enigma-2
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Oil change and transmission fluid drain/fill, along with spark plug and PCV valve change are a great way to get started on your DIY Edge. Brakes I am leery of doing solo the first couple of times. Better to have an experienced supervisor to make sure you are doing things right. Maybe you can find a DIY Auto Service center near you? Not a lot of them yet, but worth exploring as an option.

 

macbwt has a YT channel devoted to the Ford Edge. He previously had a 2008, so the earlier videos will show you exactly what's what. Now he works on his 2011 Edges (yes, 2 of them), but a lot of the information will transfer.

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJb7karK2nhyA7G1BW6xESg/videos

 

And when in doubt, ask! We are here to help :)

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Hi all,

 

My name is Rachel and I am very new to car maintenance. After a scary moment on the highway on my previous car due in great part to me not knowing what I was doing I decided to become a little more self reliant. So I've decided to do a better job of maintaining my car. Now I wont be rebuilding no engines :) but I would like to be able to change my oil and replace my own brakes and that kind of stuff. After I changed my oil (for the first time) I was looking around under my car and I found this very rusty spring. I can't order it online because I have no clue what it is and my Chilton and Haynes manuals didn't have this information. I've attached an image.

 

Another question, where could I find a service/workshop manual? I was told they are better than the Chilton or Haynes manuals but I can't find them any where.

 

I realize this question probably doesn't belong on this forum but I didn't know where else to post it... sorry in advance and I hope I don't get made fun of too badly :)

 

I have a 2008 ford edge limited btw

 

At any rate, thanks guys so much!

With over 250 video's on the MACTFORDEDGE youtube channel you should be able to help yourself.

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJb7karK2nhyA7G1BW6xESg

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When I first started out I had to figure out which way to turn the crank to get the engine to turn over, it was that long ago.. (jes' kiddin') But MacT's videos are a great help and I suggest you subscribe to his channel. Also, just do a utoob search on something like 'changing brake pads on a ford edge limited' and all kinds of helpful videos will pop up. If you have a laptop, set the laptop next to the wheel and watch and do. You might want to invest in a few tools, a jack, and some jack stands. Safety First! Once you get proficient, a compressor and some air tools can really make jobs go quicker. But take your time, proceed at your own pace, and get to wrenchin!! And Welcome from Plano, TX!

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