Best repair/service manual

Scratcher · March 14th, 2011, 11:46

Ive used Haynes for years but apparently they are not the best. I'm considering Bentley. I'm pretty much a DIY mechanically minded individual who will attempt just about anything! Ive included Bentley, Chilton and Haynes as voting options. If there are more id like to hear about them!

manual_tranny · March 14th, 2011, 11:54

I voted Bentley- but to be honest, the best resources are this site and myturbodiesel.com

The DIY instructions include pictures, specific suggestions about sizes and types of tools and parts to use, and hints about tricky spots along the way.

When using any manual (Bentley included), you unfortunately must be careful that the torque specifications are correct. There are several mistakes in the Bentley manuals for the MKIV and MKV vehicles... not to mention several little suggested torque modifications due to factory-torque spec. failures.. that are mentioned here on the site. For instance, it is generally agreed upon that the camshaft sprocket is safter tightened to 42ft/lbs than 33ft/lbs on the ALH engine. There are quite a few examples like that. I also find it easier to search the forums for a torque than it is to find it in the Bentley... the organization in the Bentley is poor at best.

Scratcher · March 14th, 2011, 12:01

Quote:

Originally Posted by manual_tranny

the best resources are this site and myturbodiesel.com

I agree. Manuals aren't always 100% accurate. Actually they often tell you to dismantle components that can be worked around. I do like to have photographs though as I am a "hands on" learner.

JSWTDI09 · March 14th, 2011, 12:18

Manual-tranny hit the nail on the head. Of the choices you named the best is, without a doubt, the Bentley. I prefer the paper version over the CD version (I have both). No manual is perfect and most common procedures are well documented either here or on myturbodiesel (or both). The biggest advantage to the paper manual, is you can carry it to the car and get it greasy as you work on the car. I have always been disappointed by Chilton and Haynes manuals. They are incomplete, even when they are correct.

Have Fun!

Don

MayorDJQ · March 14th, 2011, 14:06

I had both Haynes and Bentley manuals when I owned my old Rabbits. The one advantage of the Haynes was that it had actual photos, not just schematics/drawings like the Bentley does. There are times when a photo makes more sense.

For my TDIs, I've only owned Bentley manuals.

Scratcher · March 14th, 2011, 14:24

Quote:

Originally Posted by MayorDJQ

I had both Haynes and Bentley manuals when I owned my old Rabbits. The one advantage of the Haynes was that it had actual photos, not just schematics/drawings like the Bentley does. There are times when a photo makes more sense.

For my TDIs, I've only owned Bentley manuals.

So Bentley's have no photos either in the printed or the software versions?

MayorDJQ · March 14th, 2011, 14:30

Quote:

Originally Posted by Scratcher

So Bentley's have no photos either in the printed or the software versions?

Very few, mostly in the "maintenance" section pointing out the locations of items under the hood.

The rest are B&W diagrams. But at this point, despite being an amateur mechanic, I have enough skill to understand the drawings fairly well. Plus, the instructions in Bentley are very thorough.

Scratcher · March 14th, 2011, 15:29

I may lean toward a software copy of Bentley for the details and a paper copy of Haynes for the photos(The Haynes will be the cheaper paper option) Plus it will give me some good bedtime reading!

Sevenjays · March 15th, 2011, 05:45

How about the difference or preference between the "service" Bentley and "repair" Bentley manuals. Below is the link to the Bentley description but what are people actually using and liking better? I have a timing belt to change and clutch. I prefer paper, but I only see the repair manual in DVD whereas the service manual come in a paper copy.

https://wiki.bentleypublishers.com/p...?pageId=753692

Scratcher · March 15th, 2011, 06:50

It would make it much easier if they would include both in one package

Ryephile · March 15th, 2011, 06:55

I have the Bentley paper manual [for the MkV JSW CJAA, basically the same as my MkVI Golf TDI]. I mainly use the Bentley as a reference for fluid types, quantities, and bolt torque numbers. The rest is a bonus, IMO. Occasionally there's a tip in there that helps improve repair efficiency.

hevster1 · March 16th, 2011, 12:46

They all are crap compared to a Toyota Manual. However the Bentley is best for VW.

Sevenjays · March 24th, 2011, 14:17

Quote:

Originally Posted by hevster1

They all are crap compared to a Toyota Manual. However the Bentley is best for VW.

Trouble with the Toyota manual is when I tried to overhaul my 6.5 Chevy I kept getting lost on the diagrams. None of the pictures looked like my truck! I then tried to use it on my TDI with similar results. LOL!!!!! Just kidding. Where are the TOs like the AirForce had? If Monkeys could read, they could have easily fixed airplanes those books were so detailed!

frugality · March 24th, 2011, 17:22

There wasn't a button for 'unnecessary poll'

http://forums.tdiclub.com/search.php?searchid=7120217