How to learn the basics

[cometb]

I have very limited mechnaical ability but want to learn how to chnage my own brakes pads, etc. What is the best way to learn; are there classes to take or just "go for it"?

[Joe Bob]

Buy the books, Bentley and Wayne's 101 projects......it ain't Rocket Science.....

[Jim Richards]

Find local Pelicans that you can hang around with while they wrench on their cars. Ask questions.

[big911fan]

Your quest is easy. First, you must get a Bentley manual. It's invaluable.

Second, this forum is amazing in its collective experiences and willingness to share.

Third, join a local PCA chapter if available. Find a Porsche buddy to help.

Good luck.

[tcar]

Also, buy a Haynes manual along with the Bentley, read how to do each task in BOTH books before you start. Often, different wording and pictures and diagrams help you to understand.

Wayne's (your host here) "101 Projects" book is also fairly good depending on what you are doing.

Put your location in your signature, there may be others that can help you in your location.

If there's a PCA chapter, look into it (some are just wine/cheese, others are just racers/DE people and both can be somewhat standoffish), there may be others that you can work with to do a task.

And, start with simple things, oil change, etc. first then move up. Brake pads are fairly easy.

Post pics of your car.

[Jim Richards]

I don't think the Bentley manual is available for every model year. What year is your car, cometb?

[RWebb]

howstuffworks.com will be helpful for background

a PCA local club may have some classes, but generally there are none for brake pad changes etc. - Bruce Anderson & Jerry Woods do run classes on engine & trans. rebuilding - or they used to

changing the brake pads is very simple - you could read some info then post your progress & questions as you go

the very best book ever on repair for cars for anyone to follow was John Muir's VW repair guides - don't think it covered disc brakes tho.

[cometb]

Thanks for all the input. I am located in the North Dallas area. If any one out there is in my area and needs some "help" (or at least a second set of hands) while owrkingon their 911, Please PM me!

[Por_sha911]

Nothing beats buddying up with a DIY'er. Start by watching and helping every time he does something on his car and eventually start on yours as well. Also, buy Bentleys and Waynes 101 and read up on a procedure before you begin.
Lastly, plan on building a good quality set of tools. Nothing makes the job easier than having the right tool that works well. Start with sockets, wrenches, and screwdrivers. Also get a decent jack and excellent jack stands. You'll need them all the time.

[arbita1]

I first started DIY-ing with my 944 then got my 911SC a few years later. I got all the manuals I could get my hands on and I used these forums as much as I could. (Do a lot of searching on the forums too.) Read, read, and read some more.

When I first started I barely knew how to change oil or a spark plug. Now 6 years later, I'm indexing torsion bars and rebuilding transmissions.

The truth is, if you can follow a set of instructions and you have the right tools, it's not rocket science (like Joe Bob said). It really only gets hard when you run into things that the instructions don't cover (i.e. stuck bolts, limited access, etc.) And that is the stuff that only experience helps you get through.

Jump in and get your hands dirty. Look at it this way...what's the worst that can happen, you screw it up and have to recruit some help?

[Superman]

Fill your fridge with beer and steaks, make sure your BBQ has fuel, and hold a Pelicanhead party to accomplish those procedures.

[DanielDudley]

Originally Posted by Jim Richards

Find local Pelicans that you can hang around with while they wrench on their cars. Ask questions.

Pelicans, PCA tech sessions, or the buddy system.

[cjmurph]

I am no mechanic and came into this car with the same question. I'm a visual learner. I could read it a thousand times and not get it until it's in my hands. (Explains why my car is falling apart..learning curves.)

Best advice I could give you is to invest in the jack and stands. Get the books mentioned, only work when patience is acceptable and DO NOT be shy about posting the questions you will incur.

I've used this forum for so many answers. Some by the search function, some with a simple post. It is the best tool you will have and it will give you the confidence you will need.

[tcar]

Originally Posted by cometb

Thanks for all the input. I am located in the North Dallas area. If any one out there is in my area and needs some "help" (or at least a second set of hands) while owrkingon their 911, Please PM me!

What year/model is your Porsche?

He's correct, some models do not have a Bentley available.

[sobamaflyer]

Just do eeet, there's not many projects much simpler on the trained monkey scale than changing pads. And the more you get your hands dirty on things like that you will gain confidence to jump right into the bigger stuff.

Break stuff, (you won't most of the time) just gives you an excuse to "upgrade"

[80-911SC]

all of the above and also goto the top of this page and click TECH INFO CENTER, aas the name implies it is the center for tech information, alot of info in a very easy to read format ......................

[Winter]

start reading these:

Pelican Parts - Porsche 911 World

Ask a lot of questions here.

Buy Wayne's books.

Make sure you have a good tool set.

And go to work!

----

Tom '75 targa

[Winter]

Oh, and have plenty of cold beer in the fridge!

---

Tom '75 targa

[twistoffat]

Yellowcapgarage have released a servicing DVD in the past for basic servicing.
I found in great in conjunction with Waynes book and a Bentley. The are currently working on one for 911 Braking systems and it should be ready very soon as far as I know.
They take you through in a step by step approach and tell you the parts and tools you need. Everything you can buy here at Pelican

[WIL84911]

cometb, tell us a little bit about your Porsche.