Mechanic Etiquette
 

My non indy mechanic is helping me out with replacing the struts and springs on my 996 4S. My indy won't touch since I already had all the parts. No biggie.

Now I am sure my mechanic can figure this out but is it okay to give him instructions on how to do front and back with all the torques (whether he uses or not) or should I just let him go at it. I documented the steps previously but decided not to do since of time, skill and space issues. Figured I already have the instructions.

This guy does masterful work and don't want to offend him. He have a great relationship.

Tell him you have step by step instructions, torques, etc on the front seat if he needs/wants them.

Then walk away.

Tell him that you respect him and don't want to offend him but would he like the torque specs?

Just let him know what you have and that you had put it together for yourself. He may jump at it rather than having to look it up himself.

I suspect he will eyeball the car as is, scan your instructions for something out of the ordinary and get to work using the torque specs at the end.

Yes, just let him know that you would like it all torqued to factory spec, and offer him the specs if he wants them.
I always love to know my customers expectations up front. Even though torquing fasteners to spec is the correct way to do it, not everybody does .
I would never be offended by someone offering up specs, or a printed procedure . Saves me a few minutes. You would not believe the time we have in looking up torque specs, oil grades, tire pressures, maintenance resets . It takes a big bite out of my day

Remember it's what people hear, not what you say.
I like the seat idea.

Okay, thanks guys. I will mention they are on the seat.

Bring your torque wrench tell him you don't trust his and along with it the specs:D That will tell him

He's being paid by the hour, he should do what he's told.

LOL....now that's funny......:p

Baz, I think the hole should be wider. You should be planting that thing a little deeper too. Are you using the right kind of fertilizer? :D

I can tell you this no mechanic I know would use a torque wrench anywhere near the suspension. The specs would show you care but I dont know how effective it would be. Maybe a high end shop that doesnt work on rusted up dailys would be different I dont know.

That should be in green font, Steve! :D

Maybe just be honest and say you "were gonna do it yourself and so looked all this crap up. If it saves some headaches, here's the info I found." Nothing wrong with what you're offering. If it's sincere and he's reasonable, all good and ask him what he wants for lunch on you.

Why would someone not use a torque wrench on suspension? New mounts. New struts, new toe arms, I would think one would but I’m not a mechanic.

I have seen a lot of them work and no torque wrench. I watch a guy put in new upper and lower ball joints on my truck. He used an impact wrench and they've been doing it for a long time. Guy talk of tq specs for oil drain plugs:rolleyes: and lugs nuts. On lugs nuts, I understand and I jsut re-torque them myself on my 911s but all other vehicles? Nope, I leave it.

Tell him it's too much hassle to follow all of the torque specs, so here....you do it.

I wouldn't let any mechanic use my car to learn on anymore. I put new bushings, tie rods and camber plates in the car, brought it to the local shop for an alignment. The shop I used for my other work. One of the new camber plates came back stripped.

I have worked on cars professionally every day of my life since 1990. There are very few days go by , where I don't learn something new, or do a job , that I have never done before .

Why would Indy not let you bring new parts? That seems dumb. My Porsche indy has no problem with me bringing my own parts in, they just have to be new and/or in good condition.