Changing the oil and filter on a Cayman is actually very easy, but slightly different than other oil changes you may have performed. There are a few specialty tools I would recommend you obtain before tackling this maintenance task. With a couple of tips and traps in mind even the most novice mechanic can handle this job. 1Torque Values Fastener LocationDescriptionTool SizeTorque ValueDrain Plug18mm Aluminum Drain Plug8mm Hex Driver37 ft.lb.Oil FilterPlastic Filter Housing74mm Oil...
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Porsche suggests the spark plugs get replaced at the 60,000 mile service...nuf said, lets get at it. I'll just go into detail for the steps to replace one plug, they are all similar. UPDATE: In 2008 Porsche lowered the recommended interval for replacing the spark plugs to 60,000 km (~37,000 miles) or 4 years, whichever comes first, for cars in the USA. My plugs looked OK at 60,000 miles, use your best judgement. Thanks to pcormier at P-9 for his spark plug article. Thanks to...
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Porsche brake rotors can last for many years of normal street use without wearing out. For other owners 'normal' use also includes track duty which can accelerate wear and/or cause other defects like cracking. When normal wear or defects reach a certain threshold it is time for new discs. I will use the terms "rotor" and "disc" interchangeably, "rotor" because it is the part of the brakes which actually turns, and "disc" because of the part's shape. I feel this is an acceptable practice...
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Removing the Exhaust System (Catback) 1 Torque Values Fastener LocationDescriptionTool SizeTorque ValueExhaust Flange NutsM8 Nut (x6) (Replace with Stainless Steel)13mm Socket17 ft.lb.Rear Exhaust to Hanger8mm Bolts and M8 Lock Nuts (x4)13mm Socket17 ft.lb.Exhaust Hanger Clamps8mm Bolts and M8 Lock Nuts (x8)13mm Socket17 ft.lb. 1 1). Place wheel chocks in front of and behind each front wheel. 2). Jack up both the right and left rear wheels of the car. Use jack stands to ensure...
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Replacing the Cayman air cleaner is pretty straightforward, and would be extremely easy except for the fact that the clearances are very tight. Some people refer to the air cleaner as an air filter, the engine air filter, etc., I would consider all to be correct. Why? The air cleaner is a scheduled maintenance item. Some owners in dusty or dirty environments will decide to replace this item on an accelerated schedule. Prerequisite- Remove Upper Engine Cover (link) Tools-
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Car batteries have a limited life span and will someday need to be replaced in every Cayman. There are many points to consider when choosing a replacement battery and when considering whether or not you'd like to change it yourself. You may want to search our forums for discussions about batteries before you decide on a battery and/or start your replacement. The battery replacement procedure for a Cayman is not much different than that used in other cars, but different enough that I think...
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The Good News: There's only one belt, and it is easy to change. The Bad News: The belt isn't that easy to get to. Why? The belt is a scheduled maintenance item. Temporary removal for maintenance or underdrive pulley installation Roadside Repair :(
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Removal of the rear interior trim pieces is an unfortunate necessity with a number of modifications, including changing the rear struts, changing stereo speakers, painting the trim pieces, or as in my case, installing a rollbar. This article should help to guide those who are unfamiliar with this process. Step 1 - Remove engine cover carpet. This is fairly easily accomplished by using a trim removal tool to pry up a front corner of the carpet first. Pull back on the front edge to release...
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A clutch is a wear item so it's only a matter of time before we each need to replace one. I replaced mine at 80,000 miles because I was in there to replace a leaking IMS cover seal. As it turned out, my original clutch was still in excellent condition. But there's nothing like the bite of a new clutch, and my leak repair required removal of the clutch, so replacement required nothing more than ordering parts. Because there is so much labor involved, it would have been senseless for me not to...
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Changing the transmission oil in a Cayman will keep its transmission shifting nicely and will prolong its life. Porsche recommends replacing the transmission oil at 108,000 miles or at 12 years of age, and I think it goes without saying that tracked cars should see a fluid replacement sooner than recommended. The transmission doesn't have a filtration system, so this is an area where clean oil can go a long way. Check out this discussion to learn why regular gear oil changes are a good idea,...
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