Update on Saturn, 626, Subaru

Saturn:

My dad removed the broken shifter bushing. He used a screwdriver to pry it off the ball joint at the bottom of the shift lever. My dad installed the bushing onto the cable but couldn't get it on to the ball joint. I loaned him some small C-clamps to finish the job.

Mazda:

Parts that should be fixed or replaced soon:

1. Leaking driver side inner CV boot. Perhaps a new clamp would fix it.
2. Alternator isn't really up to spec. Redo VAT-40 test
3. Add more windshield wiper fluid. Done 11/18
4. Radiator cap 16 psi

Wish list items:

1. Front struts R/R
2. Top engine mount R/R
3. Rear and Left engine mount remove and inspect.
4. Clean up grounds/ground wires
5. Test O2 sensors
6. Clean MAF, IAC, throttle body

I've very reluctant to disconnect the battery again because I'm not confident that the ECU will consistently overcome the rough idling/stall problem. Also since this is my wife's car, I don't want to deal with the flak "you messed up the car again!". But I need to disconnect it to replace the alternator.

Subaru:

Tonight, I'll rotate the tires and figure out a way to remove the spark plugs. The trick is to find the right set of extensions to access the spark plugs. I wonder if the Gear Wrench racheting wrenchs would be useful here.

If there's time, I'll do a battery and alternator test.