Boxster noob questions

[sasha055]

It's getting a bit overwhelming...

What are the wheel bearings? What are the symptoms? Can it be done DIY?
By DIY I mean car raised on jacks in my garage and I'm the only guy around

I'm a car noob and boxster will be my training car.
I'm planning on changing engine mount, fuel filter and spark plugs (doesn't look very hard from predro's instructions) as well as brakes and rotors when the time comes.

I also wanted to do clutch DIY.. but there are no guides (and I need my laptop with step by step pictures when doing something) and it seems that it's almost impossible without a lift.

Thanks
Sasha

[Samson]

I've had my '01 for two years/8k miles, and maintenance over that period of time has been around $600 (oil changes, cooling system flush, plugs, belt, fuel filter, brake/clutch flushes). I also purchased new tires and had it aligned for $850. That's it.

My point here is that these aren't guaranteed to be expensive, or that you need to spend a grand or two a year to keep it on the road. Sure, mine has lower mileage than most, but for now, it's a really cheap car to own.

I do agree that putting a few grand or whatever aside for a bad day is a good idea.

A good investment is a Bentley manual.

[rick3000]

The Boxster is an easy car to do most things on, because it is built so well and there are so many guides. However, the reason you can't find a clutch DIY is because it's a big undertaking, and requires a lot. You're best bet is to leave that one to a mechanic.

If you are getting overwhelmed, search for information. Look here, on google, on renntech. You'll most likely find answers. I also agree with putting a few thousand away for repairs and investing in a Bentley Manual.

[Perfectlap]

Clutch DIY? wow that's balls. A guy on another forum just did the LN Engineering IMS upgrade without a lift all by himself. He literraly had a big block of wood under the car with jack stands! Took him about 20 hours of wrench time.
LOL I won't even get under the car to change the oil...

[stephen wilson]

Why does doing a clutch take balls? Though I agree, it's not a good first project for those who don't have much experience working on cars.

[jcb986]

Most of all the maintenance you can do yourself, with patience. The clutch is not that hard...you remove the rear bumper skin, the exhaust, and cables plus the rear motor mount. You, of course need tools and the only one you will need to buy is the engine support and that one you can get for about $50 bucks at National or Harbour Freight. I assume you have a jack, jack stand and metric tools. Plugs are snap, oil very easy, fuel filter no problem, engine & cabin filters no problem, serpentine belt is real easy. Brakes, rotors, wheel bearing easy. The real time consumer is the clutch replacement since you need to remove your axles. Now, with the engine back exposed replace the rear main seal. Some guys are changing out IMS bearing but you really need to know what and how do it plus more tools here. Best of luck on your DIY's.

[suburban99]

Boxsters are really very easy to work on. I have recently removed my engine, replaced my clutch, replaced my IMS bearing and seal, rear main seal, camshaft chains and shoes etc...all without a lift...jackstands and floor jack only. Invest in a Bentley manual (not the best but should be part of your library) and buy or download a set of manuals. Metric wrenches are a must. A floor jack from Harbour Freight will work fine. I am not a auto mechanic but love to work on cars....I would much rather work on my Boxster than my diesel Suburban....it's a biotch...