Diesel Engine Specialist

If your Diesel needs an urgent repair, a new timing belt , brake pads or just a general service and oil change and you're looking for a garage or mobile mechanic in the Southampton area then use our simple form to arrange a quote; Perhaps you need a specialist mechanic or a garage in the Southampton area experienced with diagnosing common Diesel problems or with the OBD equipment to identify & reset factory service faults and take care of those service warning lights
You can complete our simple enquiry form in less than 30 seconds

If your Diesel has broken down or you need an important Diesel milestone service or general maintenance in the Southampton area it can be quite stressful choosing a mechanic familiar with your Diesel model or type of Engine Specialist repair if you haven't had time to build up a relationship with a local garage
Use the form to find a local garage to repair and maintain your Diesel

Diesel Repairs Southampton

Diesel Parts: Supply & Fit

Diesel Oil Change & Filters Replaced
Diesel Air filters, pollen filters; oil filter & fuel filter replaced, engine oil changed - Multigrade or Synthetic oils

Diesel Fuel Pumps
Often replaced at a milestone service if the fuel pump is operated by the Timing belt

Diesel Electrical Components
Diesel electrical faults repaired using Diesel OEM components - Diesel sensors checked e.g. Lambda sensors, air flow meters etc

Diesel Gearboxes
Diesel Manual & Automatic gearbox servicing & repair - Fitting a new or reconditioned Diesel gearbox

Diesel Body Panels
Replacement Diesel panels fitted & sprayed to match - Light Diesel Panel damage repairs

Diesel Performance Spares
OEM Diesel parts fitted or replaced with alternative performance parts

Diesel Alternators
Replacement Diesel alternators fitted

Diesel Exhausts
Diesel Engine manifolds, Front box, Back box, catalytic converter and exhaust pipes for Diesel Exhausts fitted & welded

Diesel Paint Resprays
Paint resprays for minor scratch damage to the Diesel paint surface or coating; Custom paintwork to make your Diesel different using metallic paints, pearlescent pigments or company colours.

Diesel Engines
Diesel Engine repairs, cylinder head skimming, valves & pistons

Diesel Starter Motors
Replacement Diesel Starter motors installed

Diesel EGR Valves
Replacement Diesel EGR valves - ensure the exhaust gas recirculation system is functioning correctly on your Diesel - The EGR valve helps your Diesel burn fuel more efficiently by recirculating a portion the exhaust gas through combustion chamber and helps reduce Diesel engine emissions; a broke or sticking EGR valve can be the cause of an MOT failure due to excessive emissions

Diesel Cooling System
Replacement Diesel radiators fitted, cooling system pipework inspected for leaks and cooling fluid replaced to keep your Diesel engine at its optimal operating temperature

Diesel Timing Belt - Diesel Cambelt
Diesel Timing Belts replaced as part of a planned Diesel service or if the Timing Belt on your Diesel has snapped then a full engine inspection for valve & piston damage

Diesel Autoelectrics
Diesel electrical faults diagnosed - OBD fault finding - Diesel engine fault codes checked & service lights reset - ECU problems, key coding and CANBUS systems checked

Diesel Clutches
Diesel clutch repairs Southampton - Checking for leaks and repairing-replacing the clutch master-slave cylinder and fitting a new Diesel Clutch kit

Diesel Brakes
Routine Diesel servicing, replacement Diesel brake pads & discs fitted, Diesel hydraulic pipework and joints inspected, repaired or replaced for a complete braking system overhaul

Diesel Suspension System
Diesel replacement shock absorbers & springs fitted for front or rear suspension problems, broken springs. Custom suspension systems installed, lowering springs fitted

Diesel Tyres
Steel wheels, alloy wheels and tyres repaired and replaced with cheap tyres, run-flat tyres or low profile & performance tyres depending upon your budget and driving requirements. Part-Worn tyres may be available for your Diesel model

Southampton Brake Servicing - New Disc Brakes & Pads

Braking increases hydraulic brake fluid pressure

The brake pedal controls the Master Cylinder (a fluid filled hydraulic piston) that transfers stopping power to the brakes

The enforced contact between the brake pads and brake drum or brake disc increases friction to slow down or stop the vehicle

The hydraulic brake fluid is a non-compressible liquid so braking pressure is transferred via the brake pipes to the wheels and operates a slave cylinder piston that forces the brake pads against a brake drum or brake disc

Modern Diesel braking systems use hydraulic links to transfer stopping power

Diesel brakes can last for thousand of miles depending on use and regular service

Diesel Hydraulic Disc Brake and Drum Brake Systems

Hydraulic braking pressure forces a brake calliper to press the brake pads against the disc to apply the necessary stopping force

In hydraulic braking systems, braking pressure operates a slave cylinder

Drum Brakes, if fitted, are usually found on Diesel rear wheels

Drum Brakes are an older system than Diesel disc brakes and use two half moon shaped brake shoes that move outwards during use to apply a frictional stopping force against the inside of a brake drum

Diesel disc brakes have a pair of high friction brake pads mounted either side of a brake disc

Diesel Brake Servicing - Diesel Brake Discs and Pads

if the Diesel brakes overheat and are allowed to cool with pressure still applied for m the brake pads/shoes then it is possible for the disc to warp.

The brake pads on your Diesel should wear first

If the Diesel brake discs warp then they should be replaced immediately

Diesel Brakes will safely function correctly without the need for replacement for many thousands of miles

Diesel brake discs will wear and need replacing eventually and should be inspected for pitting

Diesel Brake Servicing & Inspection Southampton

Hand brake linkage condition

ABS warning light operation

Clean and remove brake dust and loose corrosion and dirt from drums

And carry out the following maintenance of your Diesel braking system:-

Brake calliper operation

Replace Brake Fluid if necessary

General brake disc condition

Brake drum condition

Brake pipe Condition

Correct brake pad movement and level of wear

Hydraulic brake pipe fittings and joints for corrosion and leaking

Lubricate Hand Brake Linkages

Handbrake function and travel

Auxiliary handbrake shoes where appropriate

Top Up Brake and Clutch Fluid Levels or

Wheel cylinder condition

Adjust handbrake

Diesel Steering - Steering System Inspection

The tyre tread is rapidly removed from the inner or outer tyre edge of your front tyres

One of the first signs of a potential problem with your Diesel steering system is uneven tyre wear

The tyres will need to be replaced much sooner than necessary until the steering rack is adjusted to bring your wheels into correct alignment

Common symptoms of Diesel steering alignment problems include:-
Vehicle Drift - Your Diesel tends to pull left or right when travelling in a straight line
Modern Power steering and Drive by Wire Systems do not have the same mechanical linkages between the steering column and drive wheels making it difficult to 'feel' how the steering is performing.

Diesel steering inspections:-

Correct Tyre Pressure - inc Spare

Steering Linkages for wear and corrosion

Diesel Tyre wear and wheel alignment

Tyre Condition - inc Spare

Power Steering Reservoir Levels and Top Up

Wheel Bearings for wear - play or noise

Correct wheel nut torque to manufacturer's recommendations

Correct wheel balance, including spare

Steering Condition

Steering Rack Gaiter condition

Diesel Services Braking System Servicing and Repair

The enforced contact between the brake pads and brake drum or brake disc increases friction to slow down or stop the vehicle.

The hydraulic brake fluid is a non-compressible liquid so braking pressure is transferred via the brake pipes to the wheels and operates a slave cylinder piston that forces the brake pads against a brake drum or brake disc.

Braking increases hydraulic brake fluid pressure.

Brakes can last for thousand of miles depending on use and regular service.

The brake pedal is attached the Master Cylinder; a fluid filled hydraulic piston.

Modern braking systems use hydraulic links to transfer stopping power.

Diesel Replacement Timing Belt or Cambelt Southampton

Timing belts must be replaced at a specified manufacturer's interval. The timing belt should also be inspected regularly and replaced immediately if there is any evidence of cracking or fraying cuts or excessive wear

The toothed belt connecting the engine crankshaft to the camshaft is known as the Cambelt or Timing belt

High compression diesel engines are normally interference engines

The Timing Belt synchronizes the camshaft to the crankshaft position ensuring the valves open and close at the correct time in relation to the piston. Some vehicles use a cam chain in place of the belt or a timing gear system instead

Generally Diesel belts should be replaced every 60,000 miles or less. So, if you have just bought a secondhand Diesel that has 40,000 to 80,000 miles then it is important to know if the timing belt has been replaced or needs replacing. Check the Diesel Owner's manual for your model for the recommended changing frequency

If the timing belt snaps it will most probably cause serious engine damage. The camshaft stops turning with some of the valves left in the open position. In a Free Running Engine there is enough clearance between a fully open valve and the piston head to avoid serious damage. In an Interference Engine there is no clearance and the engine relies upon accurate timing to keep the valves and piston head separated. With a broken timing belt; the inertia helps the crankshaft to rotate freely forcing the pistons to strike the open valves resulting in damaged valves, pistons, and possibly even damage to the cylinder head

Since Diesel Timing Belts are hidden inside the engine they tend to be forgotten when purchasing a used Diesel

Often it is prudent to replace a combination of items associated with the timing system. Most of the needed Diesel parts can be obtained as timing kits containing the appropriate timing components; such as: Diesel timing belt
timing belt tensioners
timing belt tensioner idler roller
front lower crank shaft seal
water pump gasket

Southampton Replacement Diesel Clutch

Engaging the clutch forces the clutch against the flywheel transmitting power from the crankshaft to the transmission shaft

The pressure plate comprises heavy-duty release springs, a metal pressure ring acting as a high friction surface to interact with the clutch disc, a thrust ring (or thrust fingers) for the release bearing, and release levers

The centre of the clutch disc has a spline pattern that matches splines on the power input shaft of the transmission system

Diesel Clutch failure often occurs when one or more of the high friction surface materials wears out on the disc. Even when the pressure plate is engaged and a clamping force is applied, there is no longer sufficient friction to transmit power without the clutch slipping. Normally the Diesel clutch disc and pressure plate are replaced. Replacing the Diesel Clutch is a major operation and it is sometimes advisable to replace a number of items, often supplied as a Diesel Clutch kit:-
Diesel clutch disc
pressure plate
release bearing
pilot bearing - bushing (when required)
internal Diesel clutch slave cylinder

The Diesel clutch disc is, not surprisingly, a disc with each side covered in a high friction material. It is designed to engage with the high-friction surfaces of the pressure plate and flywheel. It is also designed to transmit power to theDiesel transmission system

Disengaging the clutch acts on heavy-duty release springs to isolate the pressure plate so that the disc is no longer pressed against the flywheel

When the clutch is dis-engaged the clamping force is removed so the clutch disc spins with the flywheel and no power is transmitted

Diesel Engine Efficiency - Fuel Injection

Diesel Re-Mapping Southampton
The Diesel ECU can be replaced with a programmable ECU or re-mapped to electronically alter the engine performance characteristics

EFI - Electronic Fuel Injection
The Diesel fuel injection system is controlled by a mini-computer or Electronic Control Unit (ECU) that assimilates data from a series of temperature sensors and oxygen or lambda sensors providing feedback to help optimise fuel efficiency and power under a variety of conditions

LPG Petrol or Diesel Metering
Fuel Injection systems have replaced carburetors for the accurate mixing and delivering of petrol, lpg or diesel fuel in modern Diesel vehicles

Diesel Engine Mapping
The Diesel ECU controlling engine performance is pre-programmed with software containing embedded data on engine performance for different combinations of engine speed and acceleration

Diesel Fuel Injection
Fuel injection systems mix fuel with just the right amount of air for optimal combustion & energy release in an internal combustion engine

Diesel Engine Oil Change

Oil & Filter Change
A new Diesel oil filter and oil change shouldn't need a specialist Diesel engineer and is minimal compared to the cost of an Engine Rebuild; with regular maintenance and routine servicing working out cheaper than disaster recover when your Diesel engine fails

Oil Change Masterclass
Keep a small amount of the engine oil used in your next oil change in a sealed container; then when you check your oil level with the dipstick you can compare the lubricity or lubricating properties of the oil against your fresh oil:- If the oil on the dipstick seems thin compared to your reference oil sample; it may be time to get an oil change to keep your Diesel running smoothly

Anti Oxidants
Preventing internal engine oxidation in your Diesel motor is the job of sacrificial anti-oxidants present in the lubricating oil; Anti oxidants are sacrificed to protect your engine and will eventually be depleted making it necessary to change your oil regularly

Oil Composition
Engine Lubricating Oil is composed of hundreds of chemicals; some can interact chemically, polymerise, oxidise and break down with the extreme conditions of temperature & shear forces pulling the oil molecules apart in your Diesel engine thus, changing the lubrication properties.

Oil Change Frequency
The mechanics rule of thumb with traditional multigrade engine oils used to be "change the oil every 3000 miles" but many vehicle manufacturers indicate 5000 to 7000 miles. Initially, follow the Diesel recommended oil change guidelines to ensure you validate your warranty.

Moisture Scavengers - Detergents - Acidity Regulators
Moisture scavengers, detergents and acidity regulators prevent all kinds of contaminants degrading and abrading the internal moving surfaces of your Diesel engine minimising the effects that water, particles, and fuel combustion residus can have on Diesel performance
Once they have absorbed the maximum amount of water and other contaminants; the risk of corrosion and failure in your in your Diesel engine increases

Synthetic Oil Change - Southampton
Modern synthetic oils can last longer than old petroleum based multigrades because they are more inert with a laboratory designed molecular structure and fewer natural catalytic impurities that increase oil breakdown compared to the cheaper engine oils

Diesel Replacement Exhausts Southampton

The exhaust pipework helps muffle and deaden the noise from the fuel combustion process

The Diesel exhaust system allows poisonous gases from the fuel combustionto vent into the atmoshpere away from the driver and cabin

Explosions from the instantaneous ignition of the compressed fuel and air igniting in the combustion chamber creat a lot of noise that needs to be silenced in the urban environment

Corroded exhaust pipes allow fumes and noise to escape; increasing the risk of poisonous carbon monoxide entering the cabin and significantly increasing noise making detection an easy task