Top 10 car breakdowns in Top Gear history
Content
- Mistake #1: Throttle body wiggle test
- Mistake #2: Faulty Spark Plug
- Failure #3: Power Steering Failure
- Mistake #4: Wiring Harness Quick Fix
- Failure #5: James' Volvo vs. Potholes
- Failure #6: "Easy" brake light replacement
- Mistake #7: Broken Suspension Arm
- Failure #8: Amphibious Van
- Mistake #9: Rusty Steering Arm
- Mistake #10: Homemade skid plate
Season 23 of Top Gear premieres Monday, May 30 at 6:00 AM PT / 9:00 AM ET on BBC America. As we enter this new season, there are a few things to celebrate. We're entering a slightly controversial new era with a brand new cast with new host buddies Matt LeBlanc and Chris Evans, and only time will tell how things go.
However, it's also a time to revisit past years with the former Top Gear line-up and all the memories they've instilled.
Top Gear has a special place in my heart as I grew up watching the early seasons and it helped shape who I am today. The show has the best of the world: talk show segments, car reviews, high-end cars, and what has always been most interesting to me, budget car challenges.
Over the years, Top Gear has experienced quite a few car breakdowns and breakdowns. Not surprisingly, many are related to the previously mentioned “budget cars”. Here is my list of what I consider to be the 10 most common car breakdowns in Top Gear history, with my recommendations for approaches that would result in higher quality repairs.
Mistake #1: Throttle body wiggle test
- DriverStory by: Jeremy Clarkson
- car: BMW 528i
- Location: Uganda
- Season 19 Episode 6
One of the show's most iconic repair scenes is when Jeremy Clarkson has a throttle body malfunction, causing the BMW 528i station wagon to have idle spikes. Jeremy's idea was that it must be a mechanical problem, so a mechanical repair is required. He starts pounding with a hammer on all electrical and other things that are not electrical in an attempt to do a wiggle test.
If it were me, I would remove the engine covers and check the wiring, electronic throttle body, and various sensors that can be causing idle bumps. Although it was fun to hit the wires with a hammer, it is no substitute for proper repair of the electrical wiring system. Especially given the scale of their upcoming trip.
Mistake #2: Faulty Spark Plug
- DriverStory by: Jeremy Clarkson
- car: Mazda Miata
- Location: Iraq
- Season 16 Episode 2
Another example of Jeremy's skillful refurbishment is when they have a Mazda Miata in the Middle East. One of the spark plugs is completely out of the engine. It seemed that the spark plug could be torn from the cylinder head or the top contact between the coil and the spark plug had failed. Jeremy decided to plug a wooden board, a glove, and a piece of concrete to secure the plug.
It would be simple to use a coil repair kit or something more permanent to reattach the spark plug or wire.
Failure #3: Power Steering Failure
- Driver: Richard Hammond
- car: Ford Mach 1 Mustang
- Location: Argentina
- Season 22 Episode 1
Our next example is the Ford Mach 1 Mustang. This time, Richard Hammond is quickly falling behind in the race. The power steering constantly malfunctions and all the fluid flows out. Shortly after the car ran out of fluid, he was forced to stop.
I would try everything in my power to diagnose articles on what exactly causes a power steering leak. Using a quick fix usually results in severe system damage over time.
Mistake #4: Wiring Harness Quick Fix
- DriverStory by: Jeremy Clarkson
- car: Porsche 928 GT
- Location: Argentina
- Season 16 Episode 1
Jeremy Clarkson has strange electrical problems in his old Porsche 928 GT. The car stops dead in its tracks but still runs even with the key out. The electrical system fails, the wipers and windshield washers go berserk. After a quick investigation, it was discovered that the strut mount had failed, causing it to get stuck in the wiring harness and damaged it. Jeremy just pulls back on the seat belts and keeps going.
Although it's a race, the wiring harness can be temporarily repaired very quickly by simply separating the damaged wires and wrapping them with duct tape.
Failure #5: James' Volvo vs. Potholes
- DriverStory by: James May
- car: Volvo 850R
- Location: Uganda
- Season 19 Episode 7
A trip to discover the origins of the Nile River in Africa caused a heavy carnage among the guys. The first victim was James, who drove his Volvo 850R at high speed into several potholes. The holes were so large that two of its rims were shattered. This nearly resulted in him being eliminated from the trial.
This could have been avoided if they had used a little less speed and a little more agility.
Failure #6: "Easy" brake light replacement
- DriverStory by: Jeremy Clarkson
- car: Porsche 944
- Location: France
- Season 13 Episode 5
One of the first minor repairs Jeremy made on the show was a brake light failure on his Porsche 944. Not convinced of his technical ability, he doubts he can complete a light bulb change. Much to his surprise, he was able to complete the repairs and, much to his excitement, was able to return to racing.
I would have changed the light bulb myself, but I would have done differently, so it would not have doubted myself. Anyone can replace simple things like a brake light bulb if they have the will to do so.
Mistake #7: Broken Suspension Arm
- DriverStory by: James May
- car: Toyota MP2
- Location: Great Britain
- Season 18 Episode 7
At rallycross, James May had problems after a few laps. He manages to break one of the suspension arms on his Toyota MR2, causing the tire to crash into the fender. They make quick repairs and the rest of the time the car misbehaves.
I would quickly replace the suspension arm and pull the fender back. It wouldn't take long, but it would help a lot on the track.
Failure #8: Amphibious Van
- Driver: Richard Hammond
- car: Volkswagen Camper Van
- Location: Great Britain
- Season 8 Episode 3
A very interesting test at Top Gear was the amphibious vehicle test. Richard had the rough start to a good idea, as he went down the launch ramp he hit his propeller and broke it. This caused his boat to quickly take on water and eventually sank.
Personally, I would use an electric trolling motor or something like that. It would take a lot of guesswork and make him stronger.
Mistake #9: Rusty Steering Arm
- Driver: Richard Hammond
- car: Subaru WRX
- Location: Uganda
- Season 19 Episode 7
The trip along the Nile was not over, which affected the guys' cars. Richard's Subaru WRX station wagon was badly damaged one night during a final run into the command center. The steering arm was rusty and it was a miracle that it had held up to this point. Eventually the arm fell apart and caused the wheel to turn in the wrong direction. He was fixed overnight with galvanized metal so that the arm could be repaired at the moment.
It would be much better to replace the arm than to weld it on.
Mistake #10: Homemade skid plate
- DriverStory by: James May
- car: Volvo 850R
- Location: Uganda
- Season 19 Episode 7
The last failure was on James's Volvo when the skid plate came off. This skid plate was an important safety feature that protected the engine from damage in harsh environments such as Africa. They fixed it by cutting a panel off one of the other cars and attaching it to the car.
This is a great idea, except for the effect of cannibalizing other vehicles. This set off a chain reaction of cutting off parts from other people's cars.
The new season of Top Gear brings us to the end of the motorsports empire. With the replacement of the old crew, the BBC brought in an entirely new staff and the show is also billed as "all new". I can't wait to see what the future has in store for this new phase. There will certainly be no shortage of car puzzles and crashes, and it will be fun to watch them take on every repair.
