Service Manuals - Haynes/Helms/Chilton?

[RPD]

I own a 2007 Avalanche and I'm interested in doing service/maintenance work if I can. I've heard of these types of manuals before and have heard good things about the Haynes but I am unfamiliar with the other two brands. It seems the Haynes might not be a good choice for this vehicle because most of the book shows photos of the Silverado and the Avalanche/Tahoe are different, just not by much. If I get a book I'd rather have it be dead on specific to the truck I own to eliminate any guess work.

The Haynes is far cheaper at $20 (http://www.haynes.com/products/productID/559) but might not have specific and possible critical details the Helms (http://www.helminc.com/helm/product...om=result&Style=helm&Sku=GMT07CKUV&itemtype=N) would... it just costs 10x more D:

Knowing this, what are others experiences with any of these manuals?

 

[exdeath]

I prefer the OEM service manuals. They can't be beat IMO. If you ever used a Toyota service manual, you'd know what I mean. They didn't leave ANYTHING out.

 

[Vetterin]

Helms, Chilton and Haynes in that order. You can also check ebay as they sell manuals on dvd for around $15.

 

[NutBucket]

For basic work just get a Haynes/Chilton. For anything more involved get the OEM manuals. Obviously the $15 DVDs on ebay are bootleg.

 

[natto fire]

I get by with a Chilton on my Jeep. I used to tinker a lot with Integras, and would have been screwed without a Helm manual in many cases (OBD conversions particularly) .

The main problem I have with Haynes/Chilton is the huge year range they try to cover, sometimes 6 or more powertrain combos in the same book. If you are not planning on doing anything major like rebuilding major components or extensive electrical work, then they are probably fine.

It should probably be noted that sometimes Helm's is the OEM manual. There is always getting friendly with someone who has access to Mitchell or Alldata as well.

 

[amdhunter]

I wish I could find anything for my RX-8. I have a web based breakdown manual, but it is dated from 2003, and mine is an 09.

 

[Sunny129]

I prefer the OEM service manuals. They can't be beat IMO. If you ever used a Toyota service manual, you'd know what I mean. They didn't leave ANYTHING out.

QFT :thumbsup:

the OEM 1994 Toyota Supra service manuals are my Bible...

 

[amdhunter]

Where are you guys finding OEM manuals?

 

[Sunny129]

well i'm sure the stearlership can source them for you...of course it probably won't be cheap. i got mine used on Supraforums.com. i see you own an RX-8...find an RX-8 or general Mazda enthusiast board and see if you can't find any floating around in the FS/FT sub-forum.

 

[Vic Vega]

...

 

[Vetterin]

Where are you guys finding OEM manuals?

ebay: http://www.ebay.com/itm/2007-Suburb...anuals_Literature&hash=item27c5811fff&vxp=mtr

 

[IHAVEAQUESTION]

I prefer the OEM service manuals. They can't be beat IMO. If you ever used a Toyota service manual, you'd know what I mean. They didn't leave ANYTHING out.

This.

 

[JCH13]

I prefer the OEM service manuals. They can't be beat IMO. If you ever used a Toyota service manual, you'd know what I mean. They didn't leave ANYTHING out.

+1

For my Miata the Haynes manual is around 150-200 pages. The FSM is 1660. Haynes glossed over a few details...

 

[Jeff7]

I prefer the OEM service manuals. They can't be beat IMO. If you ever used a Toyota service manual, you'd know what I mean. They didn't leave ANYTHING out.

That's my (possibly inexperienced) vote as well.
I was looking around for a service manual for my Elantra. The 3rd-party service manual was <300, and covered various vehicles made from 1996-2006. The reviews didn't sound promising, so I stayed away.
I did get an original Hyundai service manual, which is well over 1000 pages, and it's for that specific type of vehicle. Very detailed.

I also downloaded the service manual for my Impreza. That's also a hell of a lot of pages, and it addresses just the 2012 Impreza, not a decade of cars.

 

[Imported]

+1

For my Miata the Haynes manual is around 150-200 pages. The FSM is 1660. Haynes glossed over a few details...

I tried finding the OEM manual for my Miata a while ago and couldn't find one. I should do another check..

 

[exdeath]

An aftermarket manual might tell you where something is and show an arrow pointing to the tire and say "remove 2 bolts to change brake pads" and that's it.

The OEM manual will have 25 pages devoted to the step by step molecule by molecule guide to removing, disassembling, cleaning, testing, refinishing, rebuilding and re-installing a brake caliper and how to properly index the rotor and wheel when you reassemble it, and will have torque specs, tool sizes, exploded diagrams, replacement part numbers, acceptable machining tolerances and part dimensions, detailed procedures to measure run out, a list of special service tools, etc for every screw and every insignificant part.