Can a "standard" mechanic install the turbo tie rod kit?

[911sc79]

Could a good mechanic install the turbo tie rod kit on my SC even if he has never worked on a PORSCHE before?

Would he normally have all the tools required to do the job or are some special tools required?

Other than the turbo tie rod kit, are there any other parts required to complete the job?

[jester911]

If I can do it without special tools then I am sure a real mechanic can do it. Its not fun but its not rocket surgery either.

[livi]

If a complete tech ignorant doc like me can do it - anyone can.

[Paul Thomas]

Take it to an alignment shop that is familiar with 911's or even beetles. That way you can get it realigned at the same time.

PT

[Zeke]

If the mechanic will take the time to read how it's done properly, no problem. There are some nuances about this, and a couple of tools that are handy that a specialist would normally have.

the thing is, most mechanics I know simply jump into jobs relying on experience, something a lot of them have plenty. They can be wrong about some things that are unique to a specific job.

[jester911]

If you have anything else in mind that your wanting to change/upgrade in the front end such as a-arm bushings etc get them done at the same time. That way you pay for one alignment.

[livi]

To appreciate what it involves do a search. There have been plenty of threads on the subject and it´s potential pitfalls.

[rusnak]

I'd say you should not take your 911 to any old shop. Avoid places like Sears Automotive Repair, Napa Auto, Pep Boys, Big O Tires, and the like.

If you have to have it worked on by a mechanic, you had better make sure that he has practiced on other people's Porsches, or at least other people's Mercedes Audi or BMW. You are taking a risk by having a garden variety domestic mechanic work on your Porsche. These cars are made to last given proper service, and are very unforgiving of careless work.

[JP911]

I think that a generalist could do the removal and install of the tie rods, but what's scary are the "other" parts of the job that can get screwed up. For example, there are many tales of crushed oil lines when a car was put on a shop lift by a mechanic who was naive to the 911.

Where are you located? You may be able to get some local Pelicans to help you do the job yourself. If you're in the Bay Area I'm willing to lend a hand.

[dshepp806]

.....ditto on the "unforgiving nature" of their responses to careless work.....always better off "safe" than "sorry" (or worse, yet: REALLY REALLY sorry)...

A lot has to do with just what rusnak was pointing out....work habits are EVERYTHING in this world, working too quickly: your worst enemy!

...just do your homework assigned here at the "Pelican University"...........and good garden variety mechanics can be "coached" into specificity,..and hopefully a successful job. Anyone who says "a car is a car is a car",..or "I know everything attitude therefore won't read data provided to them",...well,......just walk the other way.

On the flip side,......there's no better feeling than having completed a job spot-on on a Porsche....one must "try", at some point,...or you'll not ever know this "side" of it.

...Ultimately, I found the most important aspect of this decision process (once committed) is knowing when to stop and seek out the "pros". My car is like my child (well,..almost) and is treated as such....sometimes things are better left to the pros (the Porsche Pros, that is)..

anywaze,...best of luck on your trek. The Pelican family stands ready to support you....either way.

Best,

[911sc79]

The "standard" mechanic I am talking about is my brother-in-law. He is a very meticulous guy and I totally trust him. He asked me to check if there was anything special about the tie rods on a PORSCHE. If it is fairly strightforward, than I am pretty sure he will do a fine job.

I have the 101 projects book and wiil use it to show him what is involved about the job.

[David E. Clark]

You and/or your brother-in-law can do it. Project 59 in 101 Projects for Your Porsche 911 describes the procedure in very simple terms. I like having multiple sources whenever I try a new project so I'm attaching this article in case you're like me:




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