Mark Nixon Automotive

16/06/2026

A common yet quirky Brake booster failure seen across this series.
On these models, engine oil can migrate from the engine-driven vacuum pump, travel up the vacuum lines, and pool directly inside the brake booster.

The engine oil destroys the booster's internal rubber diaphragm. This causes a sudden loss of vacuum assist, resulting in an incredibly stiff, "hard" brake pedal that requires immense leg strength to stop the vehicle

The solution? simply press harder on pedal to stop vehicle.... Jokes aside, it's a fairly simple process to change the brake booster, this will require specialist diagnostic tooling to electronically cycle the ABS pump and purge any trapped air.

Before ordering a expensive new booster, we always verify the problem isn't just a cracked plastic vacuum line or a faulty $20 check valve, which will mimic the exact same "hard pedal" symptom.

Mechanic, Townsville Mechanic, Car services Townsville, Logbook servicing Townsville, Townsville roadworthy certificates, car inspections Townsville,

09/06/2026

One of the loudest, most dramatic-sounding modern production cars ever built.

Stunning lines designed by Ian Callum, the man behind the Aston Martin DB7 and Vanquish. Randomly enough, Ian Callum is also the designer behind the iconic 90s HSV, starting with the VP enhancements with TWR right through to the VT series.

Due to the transition to an all-electric luxury brand, the F-Type stands as the absolute final internal combustion engine sports car the company will ever make, cementing its status as an instant future classic.

Mechanic, Townsville Mechanic, Car services Townsville, Logbook servicing Townsville, Townsville roadworthy certificates, car inspections Townsville,

03/06/2026

You know you're getting old when you get excited about a thermostat housing! 😍 Replacing the plastic factory unit that came with the 3L V6 diesel with one of these is just good insurance.

Over thousands of heating and cooling cycles, the plastic becomes incredibly brittle, leading to a likely catastrophic outcome.

Life as an owner is made much easier with this relatively simple upgrade, alongside oil change intervals shorter than the logbook recommendation, and a good highway drive every couple of weeks to navigate DPF build-up.

TRUSTED MECHANICS IN TOWNSVILLE YOUR INDEPENDENT LAND ROVER SPECIALISTS CALL US ON (07) 4775 2155 OUR SERVICES ALL MECHANICAL REPAIRS Here at Mark Nixon Automotive, we provide services to keep your car in top condition so that you can drive it in its best condition. We deliver each of our services i...

28/05/2026

The workshop is closed Friday 29th May for the last Friday of the month.
We will be back open on Monday the 1st June bright and early.
Have a good weekend.

26/05/2026

Replacing a harmonic balancer on a 130 series TD5, whilst this is a relatively straightforward job, some may in fact call it a dull job, Land Rover made sure to make the replacement process as interesting as possible during their initial design process.

Upon initial observation, it will seem like there is heaps of space to work with, until you realise you need to remove a 460Nm bolt. That requires a larger than usual torque wrench or breaker bar, which requires you having to remove a cooling fan to access, taking the job well past smoko.

Once space is made spinning off a right-hand thread nut that everyone assumes is left-hand, you're then working with a crankshaft bolt that also threads right hand.. We can go further into this process, but timing is an issue...

21/05/2026

Drum brake to disc brake conversion
Believe it or not, 4-wheel disc brakes came standard on Defender models from 1994. For reference, this was not a standard feature on the Hilux until 2022...

It's a different story with the Perentie, as these continued to be produced with drums all the way through the 90s. This was because most personnel were trained in how to maintain and repair a drum-based system, compared to the complexities of repairing a dual-piston caliper in the middle of nowhere.

Converting to discs will make performance and feel immediately better, post-water-crossing experiences less terrifying, and ownership far more enjoyable without having to worry about constant adjustments, as the words "snail cam" may trigger older owners.

13/05/2026

Here is a recent bull bar fit-out we carried out on a new Defender.

These not only integrate perfectly with the OEM wiring but can also accommodate a 12,000lb winch and feature a spot for an integrated light bar with additional light mounts. Once fitted, it sits only 110mm from the front grille. Featuring heavy-gauge alloy bash plates, the Offroad Animal Predator bar adds only 46kg to the front of the vehicle.

08/05/2026

We have the privilege of giving this tidy Perentie an upgrade with a KLR powersteering kit.

After this upgrade, this will feel like you're behind the wheel of a Discovery compared to what the owner has become accustomed to.

Perenties were built for rugged simplicity; most models, specifically the 4x4 variants, left the factory with manual "arm-strong" steering. These kits are a high-quality aftermarket solution designed specifically to integrate with the Perentie’s Isuzu 4BD1 engine.

03/05/2026

Our workshop will be closed Monday 4th May for Labour day.
We will be back in full swing on Tuesday at 730am

23/04/2026

The workshop will be closed this Friday the 24th.
We hope everyone has a great Anzac weekend.