Hearted Youtube comments on Lets Drift Media (@LetsDriftMedia) channel.

  1. I am not sure if it is normal in this industry. I just started as a lube tech with no background education and experience at all. I was lucky enough that i got hired into a dealership. However, i got bullied, laughing and making fun of my language. When I talked about language, since english is my second language and my english is limited, so they always made fun of when i speak, i write something. Every-time i asked for help, they making fun of me first instead. I am now afraid to ask question even though i wanna learn more since I am afraid of them making fun. One person when he saw me did something wrong and funny, he did not correct me but instead he calling others people to look and they all can laugh together. I am not sure if it is the culture of this industry or it is just these people that i work with? I really want to talk to the manager but at the same time, i am new and i dont feel like nothing will change. Any advise?
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  2. I was a custodian at a high school started community college completed 3 auto tech classes applied at Hyundai as a lubetech and now a year and half later I'm a apprentice
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  3. I started in dealerships at 18 in 1973. Watching your video, it appears that nothing has changed since! I was good at diagnostic and was the lowest paid tech. In retirement my nightmares are about being back in a dealership. I ran my own shop for 25 years and running an independent isn't easy but still much more preferable.
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  4. Definitely gotta be free multi point inspections on every car and 99% of work gets declined
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  5. Being a mechanic as a hobby is way better than doing it for a living
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  6. The six dislikes probably never change their oil
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  7. When I do headgaskets I clean the top of the pistons probably doesnt do much but it makes me feel better lol
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  8. "...2020... sounds like sh!t's about to go down." You predicted correctly.
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  9. If dealerships let these videos be made then I would trust them more. I really hope my Honda dealership has techs that work like you do
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  10. Started at ford at 24 years old at $12hr, ended at 31 years at $47 as a senior master technician.Made around 100k putting in 400 into my 401k every week(before taxes). Did that to lower my tax bracket and I would only lose like 200 from take home pay. I worked in sf Bay Area, left the dealership and joined the union as heavy duty mechanic because I had a kid and the benefits were terrible. Something also for you young guys to think about because things change when you have to take care of your family
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  11. Most people think ASE’s are useless, but usually people who do well on ASE’s test are the ones that very good at diagnosing
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  12. Been working @ Nissan for 5 years now am only 23. Went flat rate at the end of 2021 after training with a master tech for 2 years. Flat rate has treated me well. A lot stress but love what I do. When I see my paycheck at the end of 2 weeks I know it was worth it.
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  13. Washing cars, selling dope and now I just got out of prison
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  14. My biggest advise to technicians coming in or starting is to make sure that you are at a place where they know what your goals and aspirations are and help you work towards them. At the same time you get yourself through those modules at the dealership along with ASEs and they’ll want to invest in you. Once you start getting certified, make sure you are getting compensated for it. Toolboxes have wheels for a reason. Unfortunately it’s the nature of the business to get the tech and pay them less to make more profit, your knowledge and experience comes with an ever increasing price tag. With that being said I’ve always had to leave a place or threaten to leave to get an increase in pay. Play the game for you and your family and always keep chasing that growth and better opportunity! Thanks for reading
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  15. Anything that requires working with the hands Is a humble career choice
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  16. I love being a mechanic. I was in law enforcement and left that career, bouncing job to job till I sort of got in this field by accident. I’ve stayed in it because its the only job I found over all that time besides law enforcement that let me use my brain and didn’t require a degree
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  17. You forgot a couple of things -the older you are the slower you become -the older you become the more injuries you get -the older you become the more your health degenerate from breathing brake clean all day -all it take is one injury, ive seen guys that snap there back then quit being a mechanic the next month. not to be a downer but just being honest.
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  18. When I was getting started, I would only work on vehicles of people I knew. Of course, I grew up in the area I was working and had lots of friends and acquaintances, so I had no shortage of work. Many times I would pass on jobs if I thought the person was going to be too picky or if the liability was too high.
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  19. 0:00 YO 0:50 Disconnect auxillary battery and hybrid battery safety plug ("service plug grip" in repair manual) 1:13 Remove plastic engine cover 1:19 Remove wiper blades (3x 14mm nuts) and upper cowl panel 1:46 Remove wiper motor assembly (4x 10mm bolts, 1 wire connector) and lower cowl panel (10x 10mm bolts) 2:30 Unplug MAF sensor (1 wire connector); remove intake air cleaner assembly, air cleaner hose assembly, air cleaner cap sub-assembly, air cleaner hose assembly, air cleaner case (3x 10mm bolts) 3:29 Unplug ignition coils (4 wire connectors), variable valve timing solenoid (1 wire connector) 4:08 Remove ground wires (3x 10mm bolts) 4:46 Be mindful of damaging A/C compressor connector 5:07 Unplug A/C compressor, knock sensor, water pump, throttle body; Remove coolant lines and vacuum lines from throttle body; Remove intake manifold (2x 10mm bolts on EGR valve; 3x 12mm bolts, 2x 12mm nuts on cylinder head sub-assembly) 5:29 Double sneeze 5:36 Excuses 6:34 Remove intake manifold and throttle body as one unit 6:52 Remove cylinder head cover (12x 10mm bolts, 1x long 10mm bolt w/ non-replaceable seal washer) 7:30 Raise car; Remove splash shield 8:00 Drain engine oil and engine coolant 8:15 Unplug oxygen sensor, oil pressure sensor, crank position sensor 8:25 Excuses 8:30 Remove timing cover bolts (9x 14mm), crank pulley AFTER setting cylinder 1 to Top-Dead-Center/Compression (1x 19mm bolt), water pump (3x short 12mm bolts, 2x long 12mm bolts, non-reusable gasket) 9:13 Remove exhaust manifold (2x 14mm bolts, 1 bracket) 10:23 Remove EGR coolant hoses 10:41 Excuses 10:47 Remove radiator pipe from transmission (2x 12mm bolts); Remove radiator hose from engine block 11:15 Remove coolant reservoir (2x 10mm bolts); Remove A/C coolant line bracket (2x 10mm) 11:27 Remove motor mount (4x 17mm bolt, 1x 17mm nut, 1x 14mm nut) 12:36 How to set cylinder no. 1 to Top-Dead-Center/Compression 13:49 Remove timing chain tensioner (2x 10mm bolts, 1x non-reusable gasket); Remove water pump 14:55 Remove timing cover 15:28 Remove chain tensioner slipper and chain vibration damper; Remove timing chain 16:37 Remove EGR (4x 12mm bolts, 4x Torx E8 studs); Remove camshaft housing (15x 12mm bolts) 17:36 Remove radiator hose, remove fuel line 18:10 Remove valve rocker arms; Be mindful of losing valve stem covers 18:32 Remove head bolts (10x non-reusable 10mm bi-hexagon bolts); Be mindful of breaking bolts loose over multiple passes and from outside inwards to avoid warping, stripping, or other damage; Do not reuse head bolts as they are torqued upon installation and stretched 19:41 Remove cylinder head 20:35 Inspect pistons, engine block, and cylinder head for warpage; Resurface engine block and cylinder head; Clean camshaft housing and timing cover; Consider bringing engine head to an auto machine shop to resurface and inspect valve seals since you're already saving so much money replacing the head gasket yourself 22:10 Timing sprocket details 22:58 Apply replacement head gasket; Replace cylinder head 24:36 Add new head bolts (10x 10mm bi-hexagon bolts torqued 49Nm/36ftlb torque on first pass, 90 degree turn on second pass, 45 degree turn on third and final pass; Torque bolts from inside outwards on each pass for even torque) 25:41 Replace valve rocker arms; Add silicone sealant on clean edge surface to seal against camshaft housing; Replace camshaft housing 26:03 Replace timing chain with timing marks lined up on camshaft timing gear, camshaft timing sprocket, and crankshaft position sensor plate 26:51 Turn crank multiple revolutions to ensure timing marks are still lined up; Add silicone sealant to clean edge surface of timing cover; Replace timing chain tensioner and all other components in reverse order 27:20 Start car; There may be a rattle from timing chain tensioner that will disappear quickly Specialty tools: Torx E8 socket (don't get a cheap one), 10mm bi-hexagon head bolt male wrench (don't use triple-square) Standard tools: Penetrating oil e.g. PB Blaster to prevent breaking bolts or studs; Vice grips if you break a bolt or stud; 3/8" drive ratchet; 1/2" drive ratchet; 10mm, 12mm, 14mm standard sockets; 10mm, 12mm, 14mm, 17mm , 19mm, 21mm deep sockets Big thanks to Lets Drift Media for this helpful video. I also found this video from Gasket Masters to be helpful; it includes tips to remove the crank bolt if you don't have an impact tool (0:40), and how to prevent the camshafts from rotating when you remove the timing chain (12:18): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jxjIzhpwW78 I also recommend paying $20 for a 2-day or $90 for a monthly standard subscription to Toyota's Technical Information System (TIS) via Snap-on (https://techinfo.snapon.com/TIS/register.aspx) and also writing/calling your local congressional representatives in support of a national Right To Repair bill to reduce artificial friction to fixing what you own so we don't have to pay for a subscription for the repair manual to our own cars.
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  20. I like your honesty man. One thing I can’t stand is working with people who don’t admit to their mistakes. Plus lying to the customer never ends well.
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  21. I became a tech because I liked the performance side of the industry . I work at a Volvo dealership and it’s completely different then the performance side of the industry which requires a lot of experience. One thing I dislike about the industry is waiters and having an adviser breathe down your neck but you get used to it. One thing I like is I’m learning skills that no one can ever take away from me. Doing this as a profession is completely different than working on your own car for fun or with friends.
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  22. “2020 is going to be an epic year” 😂😂😂
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  23. All you need is a 10mm for the air filter and a 14mm for the drain plug... that’s it 😎😁 good info homie 🤙🏼
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  24. 17 yrs Diesel Mechanic and on going. I never liked working for a company that deals with sales/economy/customers so I went for a government job and boy it was night and days working for public transportation(bus/train) under Union. Become an apprentice, great benefits, great pay with longevity, no labor charge (Unfinished work just passes on to the next shift), no warranty work, awesome vacation(5 weeks for me), the shop provides tools too, lots of open opportunities to move up but all these examples can vary per states. Bottom line is this is a public transit and not a dealership.
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  25. Worked at a dealership on the lube rack for about a year and a half moved up to be a line tech about a year ago. Made more money on the lube rack and had double the head aches. Did lots of repairs for free because the advisors “forgot” to flag me on but always told me they’d “take care of me in the next ticket”…. Never happened started to call them out on their bs and let the service manager know about what they have been doing and nothing ever changed. Got asked if I enjoyed working for the company Monday morning told em “you’re not gonna like what I have too say” and they let me go on the spot. Then called me back about 2 hours later offered me my job back apologizing about letting me go the way they did. Told them I’d think about it. Currently applying to performance shops to actually pursue the career I want.
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  26. I started watching you when I was applying to be a lube tech at Toyota, and now here I am training in a lot of the new guys and helping out people with a lot of the more specific things
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  27. I started off at a dealership as a lube tech. My starting tools consisted of a US General roll cart, 200 piece Husky mechanics tool box, and hand me down wrenches. Got me pretty far for about 5 months until I got moved to a helper doing front end work.. then I got more tools. Started buying off the tool truck (Snap On) to help build credit, traded in my harbor freight box for a real nice Snap On Power Drawer and the best thing. I still buy some tools from HF and off the truck only if I need it. Been at the dealership for almost a year now and I still use my husky tool set more than my snap on. Goes to show even cheap tools can take you pretty far
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  28. You covered all the main reasons why I left the automotive industries. I was auto tech for 7+ years and was a master Honda tech. One thing that always ticked me off was one, they didn’t want to pay us what we’re worth and two, service advisors made more money sitting at the desk than techs busting our ass fixing in the back.
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  29. I left dealership life recently after 12+ years for almost all of the reasons in the video but especially flat rate pay. I’m now an hourly tech at a small performance shop. Different frustrations (like getting parts for some of these cars) but most of the cars are the owners “toys” and not daily drivers. So far, this is way better than flat rate dealership life!
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  30. My tip, if you study you will think the test was easy. If you don't study, you'll think it was very hard! Be prepared. I used MotorAge Study guides and ASETestPrep app. Went from 0 to Auto Master Tech in 4 months. Also certified in T-3 & T-4. Haven't failed any tests yet. I will get Master Heavy Med Truck no doubt, because I want it and I'm willing to put in the time it takes. I am 53 yrs old & got my first Certification June 2018. Nice video, congratulations on your Master Tech. Good luck and God Bless you 🙏
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  31. How to fix fiber glass bumper? Just freaking buy another one. Wtf is this video
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  32. As a lube tech you need to prove you don't want to be a lube tech. Find issues, feed the the technician's, learn, ask questions. Work your but off.
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  33. As a recently retired tech of 40yrs it sounded like i was hearing a echo of myself.I have talked with and told many younger techs to get out while they can,the crooks in the shop get rewarded because their numbers are good,it goes on and on.To many people getting a cut of a repair in a dealership,writers,porters,parts,managers,the guy doing the repair is the least in the chain with his own tools of which he doent get compensated for.YOU made the right move.
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  34. I’m 20 years old and I’m going through the process to join the USAF, in the meantime I decided to work at a dealership. I’ve only been there for a month and you have literally described how a dealership works word for word 😮
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  35. Yo yo yoooo nick I just passed my first ase yesterday your videos helped a lot never stop doing what you’re doing 👍🏾
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  36. In terms of ASE, I have a family member that's been a mechanic for decades. Few years ago, they asked him if he'd be willing to take the tests and become certified. He said sure and asked about a pay raise when he gets it. They said there wasnt one!!! He laughed in their face and told them he wasn't interested. The shop just wanted to brag about how their techs were ASE certified to the customer.
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  37. Been working at a dealership for 10 months. Went to Community College and got a Automotive Certificate. Was in the Lube rack for 2 1/2 months. It's not hard to get promoted you just have to show you wanna be there, wanna learn, have a good attitude and produce the most hours.
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  38. My grandpa is a mechanic he's been wrenching for 35 years he always told me as long as the tools get the job done thats all that matters
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  39. I'll add my perspective here, mostly because it's unique. I spent 30 years as a tech, from 1972 to 2002, when I hung up the wrenches and took a job teaching for UTI. I taught with them for 8 1/2 years, although my position was unusual in that I taught in a manufacurer-supported "graduate" program (Volkswagen) for 7 1/2 of those years. In 2010, Volkswagen withdrew their support and the program was closed, at which time I was transferred to the main part of the campus where I taught basic electricity. So, that's my background. I'll begin by saying that I agree with your observations regarding the school. It is definitely "for profit", and it is definitely expensive. As such, the company has, as you mentioned, a very slick and enticing marketing program geared to attract the 16 to 25 year old demographic. I mention 16 to 18, because when I was teaching, it was common for them to have high school field trips visit the school to "plant the seeds of interest." When I left in 2011, tuition was 35K per year, and it was a 2 year program. No doubt, that number is significantly higher today. In order to fill seats, one of their tools was to get prospective students to sign up for a government backed loan. Most, if not all, of that money the student never saw, as it went directly to UTI. If the student failed or left the program, he or she was still on the hook for paying back the loan. The larger problem with this method was that recruiters were encouraged to push these loans to everyone, and to sign anyone, no matter their education, desire, or aptitude. It also meant that initial class sizes were chronically overfilled, often with people who discovered with in the first few weeks that they did not really want to be there. Those people quickly lost interest, and some became a disruptive influence in the classroom, to the detriment of those who were there to learn. At the same time, pressure was always on the instructors, (nearly all of us at that time were former or retired techs) to do everything possible to ensure they would pass the classes. It was this combination of situations that led to my quitting the company. All of this, of course, is in the distant past. Whether any of the conditions I mentioned have been addressed and/or rectified I cannot say. What I would encourage anyone considering enrolling to do, is talk to as many current and former students as possible about their experiences before deciding. As Nick said, courses like the hot rod program are definitely attractive, but jobs in that area of the field are scarce compared to dealership and independent tech jobs, which is where you will likely start upon graduating. Keep in mind, it is a physically demanding job, and often dirty and occasionally dangerous. Make sure, as sure as possible, that it's what you really want to do. You will be signing up for a lot of debt, not only for the school, but for the tool outlay when you go to work in a shop. On balance, the curriculum, at least while I was there, was first rate. For those who were enthusiastic, driven and dedicated to the becoming techs, it was a great program. The best of them worked part time in shops nearby while attending classes. The most successful that I encountered went through one of the manufacturer supported graduate programs and went on to work in their dealership. I hope this helps in making your decision.
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  40. Customer: Pays the Dealership/Technician to remove & perform repairs on the entire engine, trusting that they will not break or destroy anything Also the Customer: ya the mechanic could steal my shift knob so I'm gonna take that with me LOL
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  41. I stared with toyota as a lube tech and went to the t-ten. It took me almost 3 years to get off the lube line to do minor repairs. Then another two years before going to the line. I put in the work and put my head down and did everything that came my way. Did ok flat rate lots of ups downs. Then quit and did the indy shop thing for a few years to gain more experience. Back to Toyota for a few more years and absolutely hated it drama favorites in the shop ect. Jumped to fleet for the usps for almost 10 years self taught myself heavy trucks. Now I work for one of the biggest power and gas utilities as a feild mechanic In a service truck. I make six figures union backed by the ibew 1245 and all the perks that come with it. My advice to all of the younger techs getting into this take your time keep a positive attitude and stay clear of all the drama and politics at the dealer and do everything that comes your way. Nothing to do go ask one of the line techs if you can help. All the small things get seen trust me.the dealer and all the other places I have spent time at lead to me getting this job. Just remember the heavy equipment world need hard working new tech along with most utilities.
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  42. I started when I was 30 and it didn’t work out for me. I was really impatient with how long it took to get out of being a lubie and the politics of the whole shop just got to me. On top of that working as a Lube tech knowing my service advisors took MORE than any of us was frustrating. I’m in the aviation field now and I would highly recommend going to school to get your A&P license and working on planes. It’s a 2 year program similar to an auto program and you start off making double min wage. I love working on cars just not other peoples cars haha. Humbled by my experience I gave it 2 years and worked at 3 different Honda dealerships. Solely work on my own car and family’s.
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  43. Started out as a Toyota lube tech in 2017, left in 2018. Went to Nissan in 2019-2022 and now currently at Audi. My personal opinion on this trade and industry is that there are ups and downs, good and bad days, and frustrating moments especially with labor times, engineers brilliant ideas on part placement, etc. Overall, I still believe it’s like anything, you get out what you put in. You may have to float around to different shops or manufacturers before finding the place that fits you and that is ok. Overall I’ve learned a lot over the years and I’m still and forever going to be learning. My advice is, try it and see and don’t quit the entire industry after one place cuz there are many different places and you may have to experiment to find one that fits you. Is it a perfect trade? Absolutely not but there is no perfect job or career. Give it a shot if you wanna see how it is cuz you may love it and if you don’t over sometime for any reason, at least you experienced and learned something. Another thing is that the car industry is like having multiple trades skills in one because you need to know how to do many things. Hope this helps anyone.
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  44. I have a similar experience, Mostly Dealers, Mercedes, Chrysler, Nissan and back to Mercedes, Bought my first house at 28 as well. Im 49 and now have 27 years as a dealer tech. Still love it still pushing good hours and enjoying the equity of my career.
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  45. To me it’s about the warranty, 5 years compared to the 1/2 years Snap-on offers? Hell nah. Milwaukee all day long
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  46. Yo! Hope the new place lets you record content, pays better and makes you happy. Auto industry is definitely hurting with these crazy warranty times and lack of appreciation for techs. Nonetheless, tool boxes got wheels for a reason! Good luck brotha! Side note: that vacuum hose didn’t set a lean code because the leak was before the MAF sensor, so that air is actually being metered by the MAF. It would set the code if it was after the MAF though. 👍
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  47. when an advisor sells 4 wheel brakes, alignment and fluid services and tells the customer it will be done in an hour 🤣
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  48. I’m 19 I work as a diesel maintenance tech, making 26$ hourly I’m switching to 2nd shift soon which is 27$ an hour. Didn’t go to any schooling or college. Been loving cars since a kid, been working on cars for years. Love it but it has its ups and downs.
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  49. $1000? So basically you bought the whole store
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  50. After the pandemic I left the automotive repair industry. I was thinking what else could I do with the certifications and skills acquired for the past 10yrs. I applied for an industrial mechanic job where we build turbines and generators. I am very happy with my new career. Thank you Nikko for your videos!
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